Semester at the Biosphere

In 1997, Notre Dame entered into a preliminary agreement with the Columbia University Biosphere-2 Program that allows us to send a limited number of students each semester to study environmental science at the Biosphere in Arizona. In the spring of 1998 the first Notre Dame students (4) were selected for this program from the Science and Arts and Letters Colleges. Additional students will be selected for both semesters next year. This program is a logical coupling with the Arts and letters Science, Technology and Values Concentration. It can also be pursued by Arts and Letters students pursuing a second major or minor in the Environmental Science program.

Arts and Letters students interested in participating in the B-2 program should be certain that they can combine this with their existing A&L majors before application. Uncertainties or issues concerning transfer credit should be discussed with the Arts and Letters Dean's Office.

Ideally, the best year for A&L students to participate in the B-2 program is in the junior year, although consideration will be made for students in other classes. For students in the STV Program, it is recommended that you have taken the core STV 256 course (Science, Technology and Society) before going to B-2.

Those applying for Fall 2000 must have applications completed by December 1, 1999, and for Spring 2001 by February 15, 2000. An informational meeting on the Biosphere Program will be held at 4:45 on Tuesday, October 12 in DeBartolo Hall. All interested should attend this meeting.

Application information can be found at http://www.bio2.edu.