BIOL 274 - Natural History of the Galapagos Islands

Institution:

Davis & Elkins College

Subject:

Description:

4 semester hours This course will introduce students to the geology, ecology and natural history of the Galapagos Islands, past and present. Topics will be covered from an interdisciplinary perspective and students should have an interest in natural science. During the course we will travel to the Galapagos Islands via mainland Ecuador, embarking on an 8-day boat trip throughout the islands. There will also be opportunities to visit Quito, Ecuador and small towns in the islands. Experiences will likely include swimming with sea lions and penguins, face-to-face encounters with marine iguanas and giant tortoise and if lucky, an erupting volcano. The course as a whole will require the class live onboard a Spartan, through comfortable, tourist class vessel, and regular exposure to the equatorial sun and weather conditions. We will also spend a lot of time in the water, embarking and disembarking from small boats, or pangas, as well as snorkeling on a daily basis. Depending upon enrollment, additional faculty and/or campus community members may accompany us in our travels. The class will meet once per month during the fall 2008 term (Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.) to discuss assigned readings and background information on the Galapagos, including book readings and DVDs. The final fall semester meeting (Dec.) will include trip preparations and specific travel arrangements. The class will again meet formally upon return from the Galapagos, for a minimum of two class periods, to review our experiences and to prepare written and presentation assignments. Presentations and written assignments will include a campus community component, such as a written piece for the student newspaper or a press release, or a public presentation. NOTE: A deposit of $1,300 is required. The total fee for the trip will be around $4,000. Prerequisite: Non-Majors: BIOL 100 or ENVS 100. Majors: BIOL 102 or ENVS 101. Fulfills: Natural Science with a lab or upper level Biology or Environmental Science elective.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.dewv.edu

Phone Number:

(304) 637-1900

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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