What academic programs do you offer at Columbia’s Biosphere 2 Center?
There are several academic programs offered at the Biosphere 2 Center, from semester and summer programs for undergraduates to a full-time 12-month master’s degree program. There are also summer programs for advanced high school students.

What do I gain by attending?
Leave the daily white board experience behind and absorb pathbreaking science in the making with Columbia University’s Biosphere 2. Dig even deeper on field trips and prepare to make an impact on environmental science and policy. In addition,Universe Semester students gain practical experience using professional equipment, while Research Semester students, mentored by professional research scientists, get a jump on graduate school.
You earn Columbia University credits that will help toward fulfilling your major or concentration requirements. The credits also help you to fulfill science requirements.

Through the strong community of the campus, you not only forge long-standing relationships with your fellow students, but also develop long-lasting academic relationships with your faculty.
Through Biosphere 2’s programs you experience interdisciplinary learning that enhances your communications skills. You develop practical skills, including how to give presentations, conduct research, and build and manage teams effectively. You will be able to use these skills when you return to your home campus and throughout your professional and academic careers. Your research will also lead you into new fields and help you make new contacts.

How will I be able to afford it?
Graduates report that their experience distinguishes them when they enter their professional careers, so don’t let cost deter you from applying. One of our financial aid representatives can help you sort out the resources you will need to attend. Around 90 percent of our students receive some form of financial aid award. Partner School students can transfer financial aid and are eligible for special tuition pricing. All U.S. applicants for the Earth Semester should apply for the Martin Scholarship; details can be found on page 30.

Do I have to live inside the Biosphere?
No, you will not be living inside the Biosphere 2 Laboratory. Columbia University has built a new student village featuring a resource center, student recreation center, classrooms, seminar rooms, and barbecue pits! The village is Internet ready and fully connected to the Biosphere 2 network.

How do I get the courses to transfer to my home school? Who should I speak with about Earth or Universe Semester courses transferring? Can a Biosphere 2 faculty member talk to my faculty?

We recommend approval be sought prior to matriculating in the program. Depending on the school, the student's advisor, department chair, or registrar may want to examine both the transcripts and a course syllabus before approving credit transfer. Official transcripts must be requested from the Columbia University to be sent either directly to your home school or to the student personally.

Faculty Contacts:

Earth Semester
Dr. Andrew Peterson
(520) 896-5067
[email protected]

Universe Semester and Summer of Stars
Dr. Katy Garmany
(520) 896-6351
[email protected]

If I am majoring in biology, is this program advanced enough for me?

As a biology student, you might find that some of the material in the Conservation Biology course covers concepts previously studied. Sophomores should experience little overlap, juniors and other students in upper division specialized courses in environmental topics, might experience more overlap. The depth of Conservation Biology comes from the areas in which it overlaps in an interdisciplinary way with the Earth Science and Environmental Policy courses. Earth Semester teaches students to look at "biology" with new eyes, integrating biology with geology and policy.

Can I combine my independent research project with work I have already done or plan to do at my home school?

Students can certainly combine their independent research project with work they have already accomplished, or plan to do at their home school, so long as their home school advisor and the appropriate faculty member at the Biosphere 2 campus approves of the plan. Many students have used their Biosphere 2 campus research project to guide or launch their senior thesis research at their home campus.

Do I have to be an environmental science student to participate? Is it better to be?

The Earth Semester is fully interdisciplinary, and it enrolls students in all majors, from Art to English, and from Pre-med to Environmental Biology. The emphasis is on interdisciplinary teaching, so depth is achieved where the fields of earth/life science and the social sciences overlap. About 60% of the students who take Earth Semester are biology or environmental science majors. Many of our students are "undeclared" majors, and Earth Semester provides them with an opportunity to "sample" several fields of study.

How do the Universe and Earth Semester program interact?

Can students take a course in the other program? Students in the Earth Semester and Universe Semester may take one course in the alternative program, although the directors of both programs must give prior approval. This can be done the first week of classes.

Is Earth Semester appropriate for a graduate student?

In general, Earth Semester is targeted at sophomores and juniors. However, in selected cases seniors and certain graduate students in non-science disciplines may benefit greatly from the program. Seniors and graduate students should discuss their background with Earth Semester program director Dr. Andrew Peterson (520-896-5067, [email protected]) before enrolling.

How much time will I spend in the actual Biosphere facility? Can I be "guaranteed" to do my research inside?

All of the students spend a few days working in the Biosphere 2 facility, as part of the Earth Semester curriculum. Those who wish for their semester's research to be "under the glass" have the opportunity to select from a list of projects sponsored by researchers on campus who have on-going projects in the facility. If a student's research interests match an existing research program, there is very strong likelihood that the student can work on that project. In addition, inside "tours" can be easily arranged, or students may opt to work as volunteers in various projects in the facility.

If Earth Semester is open to science and non-science majors alike, as well as sophomore to seniors alike, will I be bored as an upperclassman or as a science major?

Senior science- or policy-majors wishing to experience the Earth Semester Program can do so, but might wish to make special arrangements. For example, students can expand their research project in their core area.