The Global Ecology Program is a four-week summer program hosted by School of Ecology and Environmental Science, East China Normal University. Running from June 21 to July 20, 2026, this 3-credit course, titled Biodiversity and Global Change Study, delves into the impact of global change on biodiversity, with a special focus on China's unique ecological context. Through field trip, ecological survey, on-site lectures and seminars, the program aims to equip students with concepts, theories, and tools for understanding and analyzing global biodiversity data, all within the framework of China's conservation practices and environmental policies.
Program Duration: June 21st - July 20th, 2026(June.21 is the arrival date)
Weekly Schedule:
| Week | Activities |
| Week 1 | Shanghai – Preparation & Orientation Arrival and registration. Orientation meeting with faculty and Chinese students from the "Measuring Beautiful China" biodiversity course. Campus tour. Lectures and workshops to prepare for the upcoming field investigations. |
| Week 2 | Western China Field Trip – Sichuan & Chongqing Travel to Western China. Academic exchange with Chongqing University or Southwest University. Field teaching at Jinyun Mountain, Chongqing, including biodiversity surveys in subtropical forests. Excursion to the Three Gorges Dam. |
| Week 3 | Central China Field Trip – Hubei & Jiangxi Visit to the Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan. Field teaching at Lushan National Nature Reserve (subtropical forest ecology) and Poyang Lake (wetland ecology, bird watching). Academic exchange with Nanchang University. Return to Shanghai. |
| Week 4 | Shanghai – Data Analysis & Final Presentations Data analysis and group project work under faculty guidance. Final seminar and project submissions. Group presentations and feedback. Closing ceremony and certificate awarding. Departure. |
*Note:
The itinerary is tentative and will be adjusted according to actual conditions.
There will be no written exam; evaluation is based on attendance, three assignments, and a final group project.
The program is designed for a group of 1-20 students, participants will join the Chinese peer’s biodiversity field course, "Measuring Beautiful China", offered by our school, which includes ca. 2-week of field trips.
Multi-Professor Lecture Series: The course is taught by a team of professors from the School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, offering students diverse expertise and perspectives on global change and biodiversity.
Immersive Field Experience: A 2-week field trip provides hands-on learning, allowing students to observe real-world conservation and restoration projects, apply classroom knowledge, and understand the complexity of ecological challenges.
Focus on China's Ecological Context: The curriculum is uniquely designed to explore global ecological issues through the lens of China's rich biodiversity, environmental policies, and conservation practices, including case studies from Shanghai and national parks.
Project-Based Evaluation: Students are assessed through collaborative group projects, fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and the practical application of analytical tools to real-world biodiversity questions.
The participants enrolled through CLIC enjoy full CSC scholarship. (The application fee, tuition are waived. )
Accommodation: Dormitory accommodation is provided free of charge for the program duration.
Additional Fees: Students are responsible for their own international travel, meals, and personal expenses.
Background: Targeting upper-level undergraduate international students (2nd to 4th year) and graduate students. Open to students with backgrounds in biology, ecology, geography, environmental science, earth science, forestry, agriculture, or related fields.
Age & Health: 18-55 years old, in good physical condition.
Apply online: http://lxsapply.ecnu.edu.cn
The passport photocopy, ID photo, highest education certificate shall be provided when applying. Please pay attention to important notice by e-mail after application.
Program Administrator:
Ms. Ningjin Zhang
School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University
Email: njzhang@des.ecnu.edu.cn
