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Curriculum

Spring 2008: January 14th to April 25th
(four per semester + one general introductory class in Guayaquil)

1/14-2/1: Introduction to Evolutionary Biology (3 cr)
Dr. Christiane I. Meyer; UCLA; 
Synopsis:
We will understand the basic principle of evolution by natural selection. We will examine other mechanisms of evolution, such as genetic drift, migration, and mutation, and learn much about biodiversity in the process. You will understand how all of life is connected and can be represented by phylogenetic trees, why the demise of the dinosaurs may have helped mammals to become one of the dominant groups on Earth, what major changes Earth itself and life on Earth has undergone since ancient times, what genes can tell us about evolution, and what processes lead to the vast number of species on our planet today.
We will explore the many fascinating aspects of evolutionary biology in lectures, discussion groups, and field trips. Obtain a thorough understanding of basic evolutionary mechanisms, processes, and patterns and an appreciation of the pervasive importance of evolution in modern biology.
Furthermore this course will continue development of critical and constructive thinking skills, improvement of writing skills, including become comfortable with drafting and revising.

2/4–2/22: Coastal Socio-Ecology (3 cr)
Dr. Agnes Gelin; University of Marseille, currently freelance in Galapagos with IADB, PNG, CDF;
Synopsis:
We will study coastal environments and their importance in the Galapagos Islands (Coastal lagoons, Mangrove ecosystems, Sea grass meadows, Coral reef ecosystems) including definition and characteristics of marine biology, chemical composition, notions of eco-physiology, biological consequences, phenotypic plasticity, generalities and adapting processes.
This will be put into relation of management of Marine Protected Areas, the Galapagos Marine Reserve, participative management, the actual state of the aquatic communities and habitats and the recent UNESCO declaration and consequences.
Last but not certainly not least we will relate the above to the traditional Fisheries in the Galapagos Marine Reserve from a socio-economic point of view analyzing work alternatives for and future of the Galapagos fishermen.

2/25–3/14: Diversity of Fishes: Classification, Ecology, and Evolution (3 cr)
Dr. Reinhold Hanel, IFM GEOMAR;
Synopsis:
With almost 30.000 species alive today, the world's fishes comprise by far the largest and most diverse of all vertebrate groups. The course will provide an introduction to fish systematics, morphology and anatomy but also ecology and evolution of fishes.
The goal of this course is to get a general understanding of ecology and systematics of fishes. We will learn fish classification and get an overview of cutting-edge science in fisheries biology and finfish aquaculture. Lab courses will include comparative morphology and anatomy of fishes. Practical courses in fish identification will include lab units demonstrating the use of scientific keys as well as guided snorkelling tours aiming at the identification of fish in the water and the recognition of behavioural and ecological characteristics.
We will be presented with information on the evolutionary history and special adaptations of fish within the context of their ecological roles as individuals or populations in a biological community. This course also will provide insights into the phylogenetic relationships and discuss contemporary conservation issues related to fish.

3/15–3/23 Spring Break!!

3/24-4/4: Marine Invertebrate Biology (3 cr)
Dr. Gabrielle Johnson, UCSB;
Synopsis:
Introduction to the major phyla of marine invertebrates, such as Echinodermata, Mollusca, Arthropoda (including zooplankton), Porifera, Cnidaria, and major groups of marine worms.  Lectures will stress phylum and class characteristics, basic physiology, functional morphology, behavior, taxonomic relationships and natural history.
Laboratories will focus on live representative invertebrate types and entail making observations and scientific illustrations. Organisms of the Galapagos and their unique characteristics will be the emphasis. In addition, human impacts on the various invertebrates groups will be examined.
This course will provide you with a basic understanding of characteristics of the major marine invertebrate fauna and the ability to describe morphological characteristics of the major phyla. Furthermore you will obtain an understanding of basic evolutionary connection between classes with the various phyla and will develop accurate observation and scientific illustration skills.

4/7–4/25: Seabird Ecology and conservation (3 cr)
Dr. Melanie Allen Truan; UC Davis;
Synopsis:
In this course, we will explore biology and ecology of seabirds, focusing on species found in the Galápagos Islands. Seabirds have a prominent place in the fauna of the islands since they are surrounded by thousands of miles of open ocean, and are such a nutrient-rich marine system.  In addition, the islands host five species of seabirds found nowhere else on earth. Lectures, discussions, and readings will cover Galápagos history and setting, evolution and biogeography of seabirds, seabird systematics and taxonomy, physiology, reproduction, behavior, and conservation. Special emphasis will be on seabird conservation, with students encouraged to become involved in local seabird conservation efforts. Field trips will include visits to local bird observation and conservation sites and will include an overnight field trip to observe and collect data on rare species such as the Galápagos penguin and the flightless cormorant. Students will receive instruction in how to keep field journals and collect field data. In addition, students will participate in a final group presentation on the biology and conservation of a species of their choosing,
In this course we will understand the basic biology and ecology of seabirds, appreciate the role of seabirds in the Galapagos ecosystem, understand the role of science in conservation, and further develop field observation and data collection skills.