Curriculum

Our partner the Polytechnic University of Guayaquil – ESPOL – offers several programs at IOI: semester-long programs in the spring and fall and also short programs for winter intersession and summers.

IOI Summer 2009: May – July 2009

5/18 – 6/5	Marine Ecology of Galapagos (3 cr) Dr. Gabrielle Johnson, UCSB
6/15 - 7/3	Maritime anthropology in coastal cultures (3 cr) Dr. Sarah Meltzoff; University of Miami
713 - 7/31	Ecophysiology of the Galapagos Dr. Luke Remage-Healey; UCLA

5/18 – 6/5
Marine Ecology of Galapagos
Synopsis:
Introduction to the Marine Ecology of the Galápagos, including major fauna groups and habitats found around Isabela Island. Lectures will stress morphological characteristics, basic physiology, adaptations, behavior, taxonomic relationships and natural history. In addition, the influence of natural environmental changes such as El Niño and climate change, as well as, the impact of various human activities will be examined. As part of this understanding, conservation efforts in the islands also are analyzed.

Laboratories will focus on live representative major faunal types and entail making observations and scientific illustrations. Organisms of the Galapagos and their unique characteristics will be the emphasis. This course will provide you with a basic understanding of characteristics of the major marine fauna and the ability to describe morphological characteristics and adaptations.
Furthermore, you will obtain an understanding of basic evolutionary connections between groups and further develop observation, field surveys and scientific illustration skills.

Readings:
Course reader consisting of scientific papers and documents from PNG and CDF

6/15 - 7/3
Maritime anthropology in coastal cultures
Synopsis:
You will experience insights into the local culture by learning about the ecology of the archipelago and understanding the needs of its people. This includes insights into life and work history of the communities as well as learning about Flora and Fauna - from Penguins to Iguanas, from Sharks to Tortoises, from salt marshes and beaches to volcano peeks.

By analyzing the socio-economic challenges of this delicate human-environmental needs balance, you will acquire several skills that help finding new ways towards conservation and sustainable development.

Objectives:
Explore human/environmental interactions
Know basic ethnography fieldwork techniques
Journal writing
Understand Political Ecology Approach as field methodology

Readings:

Plundering Paradise: the Hand of Man in the Galapagos Islands;Michael D’Orso
The Beak of the Finch; Johathan Weiner
The Galapagos Affair; John Treherne

My father’s Island; Johanna Angermeyer

713 - 7/31
Ecophysiology of the Galapagos
Synopsis:
In this course, we will broadly explore the concepts of ecophysiology, with specific emphasis on how physiological mechanisms have been adapted to the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos archipelago. Topics will include: How does variability in beak size of Darwin’s finches influence the songs they produce? How do circulating hormone levels of marine iguanas relate to their aggressive behavior, predation risk, and climate change? What adaptations to the immune system have arisen in island species? How do Giant tortoises move about on land, including lumbering up and down volcanic mountains? How do marine lizards adapt to living and foraging in a salt-water environment? How do albatrosses navigate over featureless ocean, and can they really sense the Earth’s magnetic fields? As we navigate through the diversity of physiological adaptations on display in the Galapagos, you will gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the fundamental role of physiology in animal survival and reproduction. Along with lectures and group discussion, extended field trips will give you a first-hand look at physiological adaptation in its natural setting.

Readings:
TBA

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
The Isabela Oceanographic Institute admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.