Spend 10 days immersed in the biodiversity of Arizona's stunning mountain and desert landscapes.
10 days travel at
$1,700 plus tuition
BISC 380 / ENVS 399
/ BISC 491
3 or 4 Credit Hours
Instructed by
Dr. Jason Hoeksema & Dr. Peter Zee
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
- Understand the major ecological and evolutionary forces that shape local biodiversity.
- Apply this knowledge to understand the significant concentration of biotic diversity in southeastern Arizona.
- Identify key species representative of major life zones in southeastern Arizona, from deserts to high mountains, and understand how these species thrive in their habitats.
What You'll Do
- Bird-Watching: Spend class days observing and identifying various bird species.
- Botany Exploration: Explore the unique plant life of Sky Islands.
- Hiking and Field Trips: Enjoy hiking and other field trips in the mountains & deserts
- Geology and Cave Exploration: Examine unique geological formations and caves.
- Field Research: Use wildlife observations to conduct an individual field research project.
- Visit the Sonora Desert Museum: Explore a site that features a zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, and aquarium.
All activities are tentative and subject to change depending on scheduling, booking availability, and course adjustments.
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.
Dr. Jason Hoeksema
Professor of Biology
hoeksema@olemiss.edu
Dr. Jason Hoeksema is an expert in birds, plants, fungi, and their ecology, especially species interactions and ecosystem dynamics. With 7 years of experience teaching this course, Dr. Hoeksema is passionate about sharing his favorite place in the world with students.
Dr. Peter Zee
Associate Professor
zee@olemiss.edu
Dr. Peter Zee is an expert in ecology and evolution, with a particular focus on microbes. He enjoys hiking, birding, and studying field ecology. With several years of teaching this course under his belt, Dr. Zee brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the natural world.
“Southeastern Arizona is one of the most special places in the world, combining beautiful landscapes with stunning biodiversity. I can't wait to teach this course every year because southeastern Arizona is my favorite place in the world.
There are delights and surprises of natural beauty around every corner. Students learn to see the world around them as naturalists, appreciating biodiversity in a way they never have before. The course is a unique opportunity to be immersed in the ideal outdoor classroom for learning about biodiversity.”
- Dr. Hoeksema