Evolution and Biodiversity from Darwin to Modern Day
2008 Exploration Seminar in Ecuador & the Galapagos

Program Director: Lisa Hayward ~ Biology
Dates of Instruction: August 24 - September 15 , 2008

**THIS PROGRAM IS FULL AND NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS**

Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835 when he was twenty-six.  Three years later his experiences there helped him to develop the most important biological theory in history- the theory of evolution.  In 2008 a UW Exploration Seminar group will follow in Darwin’s footsteps on the Galapagos Islands to see first-hand the results of divergent evolution produced by one of the world’s best natural experiments.  From there students will travel to Yanayacu biological field station in the tropical cloud forest where they will meet researchers monitoring bird nests and surveying insect diversity.  Next the group will head to Papallacta, a field site located high in the Andes near natural hot springs, where scientists study patterns of evolution in songbirds.  The biological survey will conclude with a canoe trip along the Amazon in Yasuni Rainforest, an area considered to have the highest biodiversity on earth.  Both the Galapagos Islands and Yasuni rainforest are listed as UNESCO world Heritage sites.  In fact, the Galapagos was the first World Heritage site ever created. 

Throughout the trip of Ecuador readings, lectures and discussions will focus on the theory of evolution in variety of contexts including history of biology, biogeography, modern medicine, psychology, education and policy.  Questions to be addressed through the course are why Ecuador hosts such amazing biodiversity and what can be done protect it.  Each leg of the journey will include natural history tours and interactions with biologists conducting field research in the different sites.  Credits will apply toward the 15 400-level elective credits required for all biology students to complete the major.  The trip will end in Quito where students will visit museums and take an Ecuadorian cooking class to learn more about the history and culture of Ecuador.
See full course website here: http://www.ohvstudy.com/ galapagos/index.html
           
The program will run for three weeks, from August 25th-September 15th.  Program costs are relatively high due to the high cost of boat tours in the Galapagos, however, contacts with biologists have kept costs to a minimum for the rest of the trip.  Program fee will cover five upper level biology credits, room, board, all in-country travel, natural history tours, museum admission, cooking class, taxis, course reading materials, and administrative costs.  Students will be responsible for their own airfare to and from Quito, immunizations and travel insurance.
           
Galapagos Islands: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1
GAIAS tours of the Galapagos: http://www.usfq.edu.ec/gaias/index.html
Yanayacu biological field station: http://www.yanayacu.org/      
Papallacta: http://www.papallacta.com.ec/index_fl.html
Yasuni Rainforest: http://www.unesco.org/mabdb/br/brdir/directory/biores.asp?code=ECU+02&mode=all
Tiputini field station: http://tiputini.usfq.edu.ec/

Participants will earn 5 credits of upper level biology (400 level / NW) that can be applied for 15 elective credits needed for all biology majors, or 5 credits of CHID 472, Latin America Study Abroad (I&S). Participants should check with their advisors to determine how these credits can count towards departmental requirements.

Student costs:
$3,700 Program Fee
$200 IPE Fee
Cost includes all lodging AND meals, several internal flights in Ecuador, tours, transportation and activities. Additional costs include: Round trip airfare, insurance, immunizations and personal spending money.

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