About Ecosystems and Biodiversity in the Galapagos Program
Discover the Galápagos Islands, one of the world's most biodiverse and scientifically significant destinations, through this intensive January Term environmental science course. You'll earn 3 semester credits while studying the unique ecosystems that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution and continue to captivate scientists and conservation professionals worldwide.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Galápagos Islands' formation, oceanographic setting, and the distinct biological communities found across each island. You'll explore how the islands' geological history created the conditions for extraordinary biodiversity, learning about endemic species and the intricate relationships between organisms and their environments. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with experiential learning, combining classroom instruction with field excursions, site visits, and lectures delivered in the islands themselves.
Beyond natural history, you'll examine the human dimension of the Galápagos. The course covers the islands' colonization history and the direct and indirect threats that human activity has introduced to this fragile ecosystem. You'll study conservation strategies developed over the past fifty years and engage in discussions about how current decisions will shape the Galápagos' future. This forward-looking approach prepares you to think critically about global conservation challenges and environmental sustainability.
The program, offered through AIFS Abroad in partnership with Universidad San Francisco de Quito, is taught in English and emphasizes active learning. Attendance is mandatory, and you'll receive a letter grade based on exams, papers, projects, and class participation. Your official transcript will be issued by the university, facilitating easy credit transfer to your home institution. This is an ideal program for environmental science majors, biology students, or anyone passionate about conservation and wanting to understand one of Earth's most remarkable natural laboratories firsthand.
