Practicum in Field Environmental Biology-Galapagos Islands

(2 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

During an ~8-day field trip to the Galápagos archipelago during an intersession period (Fall break or Spring break), this course will introduce and amplify principles of evolutionary biology, ecology, and environmental science that occur in the unique setting of the famed Galápagos Islands. Pre-trip meetings will emphasize background knowledge important to understanding the unique features of the archipelago as they have influenced evolutionary and ecological theory. On-site lectures and activities will cover the historical, geological, and biological features of the archipelago. The trip will include visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station and several scientifically significant sites in the Galápagos archipelago. Post-trip meetings will summarize the major discoveries of the trip as presented by the students. Prerequisites for this practicum include an approved course in evolutionary biology, chosen from among BIOS 30305 or 30310 , which may be taken concurrently with this course. Because space is limited to 14 students, permission of the instructors is also needed to enroll in the course. This course is open to any Notre Dame undergraduate. ​The field trip to the Galápagos is optional, it is not an alternate to class requirements, and it is not a means of earning extra credit in the course.