Course Information
Course Name and CRN: Study Trip to Gal谩pagos: Bring Biology Textbook Back to Life; CRN: BSCI 40195
Number of Credit Hours: 2
KSU Sponsoring College: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences
Course Description:
The Gal谩pagos Islands have played a key role in the study of evolution from the time Charles Darwin witnessed diversity in giant tortoises, finches, and other taxa within and between these islands.
The real-time experience of observing fascinating examples of species adaptations to these unusual, isolated ecosystems makes this more than just a trip to the Gal谩pagos 鈥 it is a pilgrimage to sacred evolutionary ground.
In addition to biology, this course also targets the broader university community across different fields and thus aims to provide students with an opportunity to explore the dynamic interplay of science, tourism, and the local economy within the vibrant Gal谩pagos ecosystem.
This course will:
Introduce you to various concepts of evolution and biodiversity conservation.
Motivate you to find evolution examples outside of textbooks.
Help you learn how evolutionary content is relevant to your own life outside the traditional classroom setup.
While you are studying abroad in Ecuador, you will:
- Learn about island biodiversity, both in general and specifically how it applies to the Gal谩pagos Islands, including comparison of the islands to mainland environments.
- Understand the islands as a living laboratory of ongoing evolutionary, behavioral, and conservation studies.
- Appreciate conservation issues in the islands, including numerous environmental threats and growing ecotourism and how these are being addressed.
This course is mostly an outdoor-based, experiential learning course and you should view all times we are together as a group as official course time.
Types of activities you can expect to participate in on this trip include:
- nature hikes (observing flora and fauna),
- walks across towns,
- visiting science centers and research laboratories,
- collecting field data and learning field-based science,
- swimming and snorkeling, beach walks, etc.
Program Language of Instruction: English.
Faculty Contact Information
Professor's Name: Dr. Sangeet Lamichhaney
Title: Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
Email: slamichh@kent.edu
Phone: 330-672-2764
Eligibility
- Any undergraduate from 两性色午夜 (both biology or non-biology major) can participate.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA