Field-Based Courses

SDEV 3550 Bangladesh: Life on a Tectonically Active Delta

This course explores the interaction of riverine processes, water and hydrology, sedimentary processes, tectonics, land subsidence and sea level rise, environmental issues, cultural setting and sustainable development in the world's largest delta. The course will explore both the hazards and resources for life in this dynamic environment through lectures, a field trip to Bangladesh during spring break, and guest lecturers in earth and social sciences. During our trip to Bangladesh, we will be joined by Dhaka University professors and students, providing experience in cross-cultural collaboration, as well as translators to interviews and discussions with Bangladeshis. By the end of the course, students will develop a quantitative understanding of the multiple earth sciences issues. It will also provide a perspective on the mixture of competing earth science, social, historical and political issues that must be addressed in order to effectively address environmental issues. Students should acquire an ability to assess competing claims and projections for future environmental change. Satisfies Workshop Requirement. Read more about this course on Vergil.

*Priority will go to juniors and seniors in the Sustainable Development program.*

SDEV 4400 Sustainable Development in Rwanda

This travel course will give students the opportunity to explore what sustainable development means in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. The course is organized around two local projects that students will tackle in teams. Ahead of traveling to Rwanda, students will learn about colonial history and current sustainable development efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa. They will be organized into teams to pursue preliminary research on their project and will be paired with an undergraduate student at the University of Rwanda to begin regular correspondence using WhatsApp. The travel week will be held over spring break. We will be based in the capital city Kigali, with some in-country travel to explore beyond the urban core. When we return to the U.S., the final weeks of the class will be devoted to focused teamwork as students complete their projects. Satisfies Workshop Requirement. Read more about this course on Vergil.

*Priority will go to juniors and seniors in the Sustainable Development program.*

For their senior capstone project "Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa" at Columbia University, students travel to Rwanda during spring break. 

In 2023, Ryan Kalugdan and his group went with the mission to help the e-waste recycling company EnviroServe build partnerships and develop a communications program with local universities to grow awareness among faculty, staff, and students. His team also collaborated with a handful of students from the University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology. In this cross-cultural experience, students also went on a safari through Akagera National Park and toured the city of Kigali.