May 2026

Conservation and Biodiversity of Appalachia

BISC 380 / ENVS 399

Spend 8 days in the Southern Appalachian Mountains studying locations of biological importance including Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park.

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8 days travel at
$1,350 plus tuition

BISC 380 / ENVS 399
3 or 4 Credit Hours

Instructed by
Ryan Garrick

Priority Deadline
March 6, 2026

Travel Overview

Go beyond textbooks and lecture halls. Study USA’s travel courses combine academic learning with hands-on, real world experiences. Every class maximizes its unique location with immersive activities. 

You’ll earn academic credit, apply what you’re learning directly to your surroundings, and engage in lively class experiences—all guided by Ole Miss faculty.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn principles of conservation biology and natural resource management.
  • Address questions about prioritization and protection of endemic species, sustainable use, and harvesting of native species.
  • Conduct biodiversity surveys and curate collected data.
  • Consider the intersection of traditional ecological knowledge and modern science.

What You'll Do

Visit several locations of biological importance in Southern Appalachia such as:

All activities are tentative and subject to change depending on scheduling, booking availability, and course adjustments.

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Meet Your Instructors

All Study USA courses are designed and led by Ole Miss faculty. Your instructor(s) will be your first point of contact during your travels and lead you through all the class experiences. 

Ryan Garrick

Ryan Garrick

Associate Professor of Biology
rgarrick@olemiss.edu

Dr. Garrick is an expert on conservation and population genetics, and enjoys working in these fields because they are so versatile. Projects can take place in any landscape setting, on any organism -- they're all just bags of DNA! He also loves mountains, forests, and camping.

“I had such an amazing time on this trip!!! I would highly recommend it to others! Dr. Garrick is such an amazing professor and the trip was organized and laid out perfectly! I met so many great people and made great memories!!!”

– Olivia Jones, May 2024

Program Details

This course is open to all majors.

Students seeking Biology credit should have completed BISC 160, 161, 162, and 163 before the course begins and should register for BISC 380 (or BISC 491, which is available for students who have already taken BISC 380, and who wish to conduct a supervised independent research project). Other students should sign up for ENVS 399, for which there are no prerequisites, and which may be counted toward an Environmental Studies minor.

Prior to Departure

In person class meetings: May 11 & 12, 2026

The first two days of the May intersession course are on campus (Shoemaker Hall), with a trip out to UM Field Station. Also safety and logistics will be covered then.

During Travel

Travel: May 13 - May 20, 2026

  • Students will travel by van from Oxford to all study sites. All ground transportation in the course will be provided.
  • Double-occupancy hotel rooms will also be booked and provided by Study USA.
  • Your instructor will share exact meeting times and locations before travel and will be available to you leading up to the course through Blackboard or other communications.

At Program End

To close out the course you will deliver a final scientific report, and a white paper for students in the 4 credit options.

Cost of Program

$1,350
Plus Tuition

What’s Included

  • Shuttle/van transportation to and from destination
  • Lodging/Accommodation during travel
  • Field site admission
  • Entrance fees to parks & attractions

What’s Not Included

  • Tuition
  • Most meals at travel site
  • Personal spending money