Site Description

Nestled in the pastoral countryside of Northumberland, Alnwick is an English market town just south of the Scottish Border and a stone’s throw from the North Sea coast. Sitting on the edge of town is Alnwick Castle, the primary residence of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, and the homebase for students on the program. The region is rich in history, industry, and natural resources, making it an ideal setting for place-based educational experiences.  It has also served as a coveted filming location for numerous movies/TV series including the first two Harry Potter films, Downton Abbey, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Transformers: The Last Knight. 

Biol 242: Herbology: Drinks, Dyes and Deadly Draughts (4 cr)

Housed in a castle in Northern England, students will study the biological characteristics of plants and the science underlying various processes related to their use.  The class will include numerous field trips, including a distillery, tea blending company, fiber artist studio, textile mill, and local poison and botanical/medicinal gardens. Join us as we explore the intersections between the botanical world and human innovation!
(Official course description): This course will survey plants that impacted the course of history, cultures and health, focusing on three applications: beverages, fibers/dyes and medicine/poisons. Students will visit numerous local plant-based industries and have the opportunity to apply the scientific method to textile dyes using a variety of plant pigments, culminating in a final project related to their experience. Fulfills the Critical Bases: B (Evaluating Systems and Environments) and C (Natural Science/Mathematics).

Biol 336: Field Ornithology (4 cr)

Field Ornithology is the scientific study of birds in nature. England has a long and rich history of ornithology that even predates the establishment of the United States.  We’ll explore the English countryside and learn about the birds of a different continent.  We’ll meet with British ornithologists, visit important birding sites, including a permanent bird banding (or “ringing” as the Brits call it) station, and meet a reintroduced population of Red Kites (a beautiful raptor that was extinct in the area until recently). Meets upper level elective requirements for BIOL and ENVS majors.
(Official) Course description: This field-oriented course introduces students to the scientific study of birds, including broad concepts in avian biology, bird identification, and field research techniques.  Through a combination of in-class learning, field work, and student-led research projects, students will gain an understanding of avian ecology, anatomy, physiology, and behavior.  During this course we will spend a significant amount of time in the field.