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Embark on a biological expedition through Ecuador, follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, explore the Galapagos Islands - one of the world's most unique and historic ecosystems - and earn four credits! Open to all Gonzaga and non-Gonzaga students regardless of major.
The 4 credit course uses an international experience as a backdrop to learn about evolutionary, ecological, and biogeographical processes that determine the ranges and biodiversity of organisms. |
AT-A-GLANCE | QUICK LINKS |
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DOWNLOADS 1. Download application packet and submit to the Study Abroad office.
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Following in Darwin’s Footsteps: Field Studies in Biodiversity-Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands |
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| Last year 14 Gonzaga students visited the Galapagos Islands as part of a summer course offered by the Biology Department. Following in Darwin’s footsteps, our Biology 159/359 students visited eight islands in the Galapagos archipelago, exploring not only the island flora and fauna but also the amazing creatures that live in the waters of the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. Students spent eight days living aboard a 75 foot vessel that traveled between islands providing a tremendous opportunity to see first-hand the diversity of wildlife in the Galapagos. Seemingly tame wildlife, especially the birds (“Darwin’s” finches and the Galapagos mockingbirds!), provided inspiration for not only Charles Darwin but also our Gonzaga students! Several species of the famous finches were seen on the islands along with a myriad of other fascinating birds such as blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies and the waved albatross. Many species are endemic to the islands, providing an opportunity to observe and swim with Galapagos penguins, Galapagos sealions, and of course, the famous marine iguanas, all species found nowhere else on Earth. In July 2009 Gonzaga students will travel again to the Galapagos, this time spending ten days visiting the islands and conducting independent short-term research projects on San Cristobal, at the Galapagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS), part of the University de San Francisco, Quito. As part of the Gonzaga course in Biodiversity students will also travel to the Ecuadorian cloud forest and the Amazon where they will conduct short-term investigations inspired by the biological diversity they experience first hand during their exciting weeks of travel. Interested students should contact Sherry Wood or Dr. Joseph Haydock, Gonzaga Biology Department, 509-313-6626. |
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