Fossil Resources
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Fig.1:Jehol Biota (Locality 1)                                                                                          Fig. 2. Fossil insects (Locality 3)

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In conjunction with Jilin University, one of the China’s leading national universities in northeast China, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Department of Biology and the International Programs Office will offer a study abroad program focusing on the rich fossils from three outstanding world-renowned fossil localities. Sites contain specimens of the earliest flowering plants, insects, fishes, feathered dinosaurs, primitive birds, and mammals, spanning from around 130 million years ago in the early Cretaceous to 15 million years ago in the Miocene.

This trip provides first-hand experience excavating and collecting a wide range of fossils in three world-renowned fossil sites in northern and eastern China, from geologic formations spanning 130 millions years ago onwards to 15 million years ago. Through on-site exploration, hands-on collections, reading, discussion, and guest lectures, students will gain insights into the amazing diverse biological world of the geological past. Using China’s treasures as an example, this trip offers an in-depth look into the evolution of life shaping our world. Students will learn techniques in Paleontology from attaining scientific data in the field to learning how this type of scientific investigation is conducted.

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PROGRAM LEADERS:  Drs. (Christopher) Yusheng Liu, Biology, and Michael Bozek, College of Natural Resources,  will serve as the group leaders.  Dr. Liu, Paleobotanist, is a native of China who has traveled extensively within China and has been working on Chinese fossil plants in the past decade.  Dr. Bozek is an expert on fish and has had extensive experience leading fossil field trips to western North America.

COST:  $4500-4975 (tentative and based on 25 student participants).  This includes airfare (Chicago-Beijing- Chicago), lectures, accommodation in Changchun (capital of Jilin Province), Beipiao (fossil site 1) of Liaoning Province, Fushun (fossil site 2), Shanwang (fossil site 3) and Beijing, most meals, in country air and ground transportation, guides, guest lecturers,  receptions, mandated UW-System health insurance, four Wisconsin resident undergraduate credits.

Your Financial Aid applies and special need-based scholarships are available for continuing UWSP students.

CREDITS:  Participants enroll for three credits of Biology 323 (undergraduate), Biology 523 (graduate) or Water 767 (graduate).  Students who are majoring or minoring in Biology, Environment, Forestry, Wildlife, and/or Natural Resources, as well as other majors and minors with an interest in paleontology are invited to participate in this exciting study abroad opportunity.  Continuing education credit is available for teachers throughout Wisconsin.

APPLICATION:  Request an application form from Drs. Liu or Bozek or from the International Programs Office.  Return the form to International Programs with a $250 (nonrefundable) deposit BEFORE January 30, 2006.  An acceptance letter and a Payment Schedule will be sent to you.  All deposits are returned if the program is full or if an applicant does not meet the program qualifications.  Final payment is due by May 1, 2006.

Enrollment is limited: late applications can be considered only if there is room and time to secure passport, airline ticket and visa, which can take several months.

WITHDRAWAL: Up to eight weeks before the start of the program, all fees except the initial $250 deposit will be refunded.  After that time, tuition, airline, tour costs and housing cancellation charges are assessed.  If the program would be canceled, all fees will be refunded.  Because exchange rates and airline prices fluctuate, International Programs reserves the right to cancel, surcharge, or to alter the program.

FURTHER INFORMATION CALL OR WRITE:  F  

Sponsored by:                                                                  
International Programs, 2100 Main Street, Room 108 CCC        

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point,               

WI  54481  tel# (715) 346-2717    fax# (715) 346-3591                   

Email: intlprog@uwsp.edu                                                                       

www.uwsp.edu/studyabroad                                      

 Faculty Leaders:

Dr. (Christopher) Yuesheng Liu (Biology, 715 346-4245, Email: cliu@uwsp.edu)

Dr. Mike Bozek (College of Natural Resources, 715-346-4023, Email: mbozek@uwsp.edu)