Field Environmental Science in South Africa

Short-Term Study Abroad

This is a three-week intensive science course in South Africa. The course is open to undergraduates and graduate students, and available to any Duquesne University student with adequate math preparation to at least college algebra (see instructor if you are unsure). For more program information:

• See the tentative syllabus below
• View the information sheet
• The Center for Global Engagement oversees the application and enrollment

ENVI 405 Syllabus

4 credits

Instructor

David Kahler
Center for Environmental Research and Education
Office: Fisher 333A
Lab: Fisher 339A

Course Description

The purpose of this academic program is to teach students field methods and data analysis in environmental science, specifically, hydrology and biodiversity. The course will also provide students the historical context of apartheid and give them examples of existing post-apartheid disparities in South Africa. This is hand-in-hand with the environmental science field methods introduced, as it is marginalized populations that do not have equal or equitable access to infrastructure or environmental quality interventions.

This course will be conducted at Kruger National Park.

Course Attributes

This course satisfies:

• Environmental Science field course requirement
• Bridges Social and Historical Reasoning requirement
• Bridges Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning requirement
• Bridges Experiential Learning Opportunity

Required Textbook and Materials

• Born a Crime By Trevor Noah
• Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Hardcover notebook, 4.75”x7.5”, 350F
• Laptop computer with ability to run on 230VAC/50Hz

Objectives

By the end of the program, students will:

• be proficient with field techniques (see below)
  -demonstrate an understanding of mathematical concepts through visual representations, the use of formulas and numerical processes (QSR2)
• think critically about the use of quantitative data, in the connections between hydrology, water quality, and biodiversity (QSR3)
• analyze issues of measurement and modeling for water security and transboundary water management through literature and in-depth investigation to develop informed positions (QSR5)
• apply scientific reasoning to propose and test hypotheses and formulate sound, logical arguments using scientific data taken by the student groups along with data from repositories (QSR4)
• think critically about the development and interaction of individuals, groups, organizations, systems, and communities as it pertains to eco-tourism and environmental conservation (e.g., the southern white rhinoceros horn market) (SHR4)
• develop greater awareness, analytic abilities, and critical capacities concerning contemporary and historical context of apartheid and colonialism as it pertains to environmental health (SHR5)

Field Techniques

• GPS use (satellites, importing data to GIS)
• Record keeping (lab notebooks, chain-of-custody)
• Hydrology measurement (river discharge, land cover, evaporation)
• Meteorological measurement (sensors, data management)
• Water quality measurement (sensors, calibration, operating limitations): pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, anion/cation measurement, bacteria)
• River health (macroinvertebrate surveys, fish)

Evaluation

70% Periodic assignments will cover field/lab activities, new skills, and historical context. This may include quizzes. 30% Group project, which will allow students to design, collect data, and make conclusions based on their results. All policies for the instructor apply to this course: https://hydro-lab.github.io/class.html. This includes academic integrity and student accomodations. Any student that requires accomodations must notify the instructor at registration due to the travel involved.

Tentaitve Schedule

Day	Activity	Lodging	Assignment
Wednesday, 17 July 2024	Depart US	Air
Thursday	Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa	Johannesburgh
Friday	Travel to Kruger, orientation, and lab notebooks and data management	Skukuza	Reflection on Born a Crime
Saturday	GIS and Excel crash course, Ecosystem services	Skukuza
Sunday	Conservation and endangered species	Skukuza	History (in preparation for timeline assignment)
Monday	Wetland delineation	Skukuza
Tuesday	Water policy in South Africa	Skukuza	Summary of South African water resources law
Wednesday, 24 July 2024	Visit supersite	Skukuza
Thursday	Water quality and river flow measurement, Return to Skukuza	Skukuza	Project proposals
Friday	Kruger project work	Skukuza
Saturday	Macroinvertebrate survey, Kruger project work	Skukuza	Wetland delineation lab report
Sunday	Kruger project work	Skukuza
Monday	Kruger project work	Skukuza	South Africa history timeline activity
Tuesday	Kruger project work	Skukuza
Wednesday, 31 July 2024	Kruger project work	Skukuza	Project report
Thursday	Travel to Shingwedzi, traditional leadership with Chief Lucas, Tshandama	Shingwedzi
Friday	Venda region	Shingwedzi
Saturday	Apartheid Museum, Cradle of Humankind UNESCO Site	Pretoria
Sunday	Departure	Air	Course reflection