Natural Sciences Experience: From critters to the cosmos

About the program

This predominately field-based experience is designed to inspire and challenge you through hands-on natural science activities, including study of geological formations, animal and plant observations, participation in drone navigation, a visit to an observatory, with integrated mathematical and chemistry applications.

This is a 4 night, 5 day camp from  Tuesday, 13 April to Saturday, 17 April 2027, occurring in the first week of the Tasmanian school holidays.

_{Photos from the 2026 Critters to the Cosmos camp}

Get excited about our natural environment…and what you might like to investigate more

• Learn practical techniques normally taught on the job or at university
• Be exposed to a broad range of natural science experiences in the field and laboratory
• Spend your field days across Mt Field, Maydena and our Mount Pleasant Observatory site, with night-time activities included. You will visit a cave and a waterfall, examine the famous ‘Fagus’, see Tarn shelf, participate in drone activities, spot animals and birds, and more….
• Access the UTAS Sandy Bay STEM (Hobart) campus with a personalised full campus tour and time to ‘meet the expert’ of your choice
• Group dinner on the final night
• You will present your refections on the final day of the trip at our Sandy Bay STEM campus (parents /guardians/teachers welcome)
• The experience is a practical introduction to the natural sciences you can study in the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Geospatial Sciences, and Bachelor of  Natural Environments and Conservation.

Student costs are covered by the university for this experience in 2027

• Group style accommodation for 2 nights at Mount Field and 2 nights in Hobart at Jane student accommodation.
• Your transport from Hobart to field sites and return
• All your meals, however, you may wish to bring some extra snacks. We will be asking you to assist with some meal preparation and cleaning up duties.
• For students within Tasmania who live 50km outside the STEM Sandy Bay precinct you will be eligible for reimbursement of  up to $100
• For interstate students  you will be eligible for reimbursement of up to $500 for air travel to get to and from Hobart. Airport transfers will be arranged by the university.

^{Note, Students will require appropriate bushwalking clothing and shoes, including a waterproof raincoat.  However, if you do not already own all the necessary equipment, we can assist and ensure everyone has what they need for a safe and enjoyable experience.}

Who is eligible?

• Year 12 students enrolled in 2027 attending an Australian secondary school, who are residents of Australia.
• Students are welcome from across all government, Catholic and Independent schools.
• If you are under 18 years old, you must have your parent’s or guardian’s consent to apply.

For more information email sns.learningandteaching@utas.edu.au

The University of Tasmania is committed to creating diverse, inclusive, and accessible educational experiences. When registering, please let us know how we can best support your needs.

Expressions of interest