By Gary Collins/reporter
Palm trees, white sandy beaches and a cool tropical breeze await students who sign up for the summer field studies program: a trip to Hawaii June 4-18.
Students can earn 12 credit hours through the biological and geological field studies program on NE Campus, sponsored by adjunct instructor Mike Huddleston.
Photo courtesy Mike Huddleston
Huddleston graduated from the University of Hawaii’s botany program before going into fieldwork. Impressed by the Hawaiian environment, he developed field studies programs with the University of Hawaii and the Dallas County Community College District.
“It’s [Hawaii] got everything, almost every habitat in the world except tundra, and it’s all right there in the island,” he said. “They’re so unique because of the isolation and the plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.”
The program offers five courses: General Botany (BIOL 1411), Environmental Biology (BIOL 2406) Biology for Science Majors II (BIOL 1402). General Geology (GEOL 1403) and Introduction to Ocean Sciences (GEOL 1445).
Students are required to attend an 11-week pre-trip class March 11-May 27 before they leave June 4 for Hawaii. The weekend class will cover a variety of topics from botany, biology and environmental biology with the remaining classes focused on geology and other trip-related issues. The class information is also offered through video and Internet if a student cannot attend a particular class.
“What they’re doing is classroom work, laboratory work. What it does is get them ready for what they’re doing in the field so when they get there, they understand it,” he said. “The other thing is it gets us together and get a chance to know each other before because when you live with someone in the field for two weeks, it helps to know them.”
The two-week trip will be split between the islands of Hawaii, Oahu and Kauai with a total cost of $3,200-$3,300 plus the cost of food. Student fees are $1,450, airfare and lodging in Honolulu is $1,100 and tuition is $624.
All fees are based on a 22-student enrollment, but final costs may vary. The deadline to register is March 11, but registration will stay open until all seats are filled.
Information about payment options and due dates can be obtained from the science office at 817-515-6547 or by e-mailing Hawaii.trip@tccd.edu.
