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
Civil and Environmental Engineering and Science
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
Wednesday, 17 June 2026	Depart US	Air
Thursday	Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa	Johannesburg
Friday and Saturday	Apartheid Museum, Cradle of Humankind UNESCO Site	Pretoria
21 June to 02 July	Coursework at Kruger National Park	Skukuza
Sunday 02 July	Travel to University of Venda	Thohoyandou
Sunday	Departure	Air