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Galapagos Island Ecology, March 8-17, 2013, BOT/ZOOL 379/679 (3 hrs)

Information Sheet

Application (PDF)

Travel grant information

Galapagos Island Ecology Medical Report Form

Acceptance Packet

 

Important Dates:

Applications due: Tuesday, November 1

Travel grants due: Tuesday, November 1

Deposit due ($800) due: Friday, December 7

Balance due (approximately $3,665): Friday, January 25

 

Course Overview:

Biologists dream of going to Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Located at the confluence of three ocean currents, the Galapagos are a 'melting pot' of marine species. Ongoing seismic and volcanic activity reflects the processes that formed the islands.   Along with these processes and the extreme isolation of the islands, unusual animal life has developed, such as the land iguana, the giant tortoise and the many types of finch. This inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection following his visit in 1835.

This Study Abroad Course immerses you in the evolutionary biology of Darwin, giving you an advanced understanding of plant and animal ecology only found in this outdoor classroom. You will examine flora and fauna in one of the most biologically significant areas of the world, recognizing the processes of evolution and ecology through observation, literature review, and experiential learning.

 

Course Information:

Undergraduates—BOT/ZOOL 379        Graduate students—BOT/ZOOL 679

On-campus sessions: Weekly, one-hour sessions. Dates/times TBA. 2-way video conference class; Macomb students will be charged an additional $50 access fee.

You are also required to attend a pre-departure orientation session conducted by the Office of Study Abroad.

Class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course. Questions about the course content should be directed to Drs. Mike and Susan Romano.

Course specific requirements: Junior standing. Completion of BOT 200, ZOOL 200

All majors are welcome! Non-degree students are also welcome to apply for this Study Abroad Course. For additional information, please contact the Study Abroad Office through the contact information below.

Total enrollment for the program is limited to 14 participants.

 

Health precautions:

Walking/hiking—Expect to walk up to 5 miles each day and hike up to 5 miles each day. Tropical environment includes high temperatures. Please be aware of your personal physical condition and notify faculty leaders Drs. Mike and Susan Romano or Study Abroad Adviser Kim McDaniel if you have concerns about walking these distances.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

Undergraduates

1. Completed at least 12 semester hours

2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5

3. Good standing with Student Judicial Programs

 

Graduate students

1. Accepted to a graduate degree program

2. Approval of graduate adviser and department chair/program director

3. Good standing with Student Judicial Programs

 

Contact Information:

Academic Information                                                        Study Abroad

Dr. Mike Romano             Dr. Susan Romano                   Kim McDaniel

240 Waggoner Hall         WIU-QC Riverfront campus       344 Memorial Hall

298-1374                        309-762-9481                             298-2504

M-Romano@wiu.edu      S-Romano2@wiu.edu                KD-McDaniel@wiu.edu