New Course for January 2009!

The Facts

Minimum enrollment: 18

Instructor: Joel Carlin

Dates: January 5-31, 2009

Fee based on Minimum Enrollment: $4,380

Additional costs not covered by course fee: $465. (books, passport, immunizations, extra meals, etc.)


Course description

Students will learn the processes and observe the effects of organic and cultural evolution. We will explore biodiversity, conservation ecology and island biogeography by learning to observe and evaluate the geography, geology, flora, and fauna of four ecosystems: the Galapagos Islands, the dry coastal scrub, cloud forest and tropical rainforest. We also examine the cultural responses of indigenous peoples in formerly isolated subsistence economies to global influences of ecotourism, urbanization and the petroleum industry. Daily field notes, essays, and a final synthesis paper are due upon return from Ecuador. Some moderate exercise (extensive hiking, snorkeling) in difficult terrain will be encountered.



How is the course set up?

The theme of Bio 146 is that of a transect. A transect is a method used by ecologists and others to rapidly assess the diversity of an area. For instance, one could draw a straight line across a map of a forest. By walking that line you are assured of seeing a good portion of the plants and animals that live there. Students will run their own transects using rope and try to estimate biodiversity at several locations. However, the entire class is a transect. We will visit four spots in an attempt to quickly appreciate the diversity of Ecuador. The four locations differ in rainfall and elevation. But they also differ in the cultural heritage and attitudes of their peoples. Students will conduct a month-long transect experiencing ancient volcanoes, indigenous people with recently acquired wealth, forests flooded by rain and fishing villages dried up by economic and political strife.

Students will be responsible for learning a LOT about evolutionary processes and tropical ecology. We will also discuss the politics of Ecuador's enormous debt, their oil wealth, their exports of roses and sardines. The typical day includes several hours of guided hiking, lectures by local experts, evening readings (20-50 pgs daily) and boisterous discussions. There will be an occasional quiz and two main essays.

We will explore Quito and four areas differing in biodiversity and culture.

How do I sign up?

All potential students must apply to enter this course (see the International Ed office for details and deadlines). I hope to have a class where students can learn from eachother, so I am looking for a mix of Spanish and non-Spanish speakers, those with extensive travel experience and those who have never left the US, biology majors and non-biology majors. So please, be honest and thoughtful in your answers. I apologize in advance to anyone who must be turned away, I wish I could take everyone who is as excited as I am!!



Informative weblinks

More Coming Soon!




The Amazon offers an incredible biodiversity in flora and fauna.

Ecuador has one of the highest number of endemic birds in the world.

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The cloud forests are far cooler than the Amazon, but still incredibly lush.








We will study the many varied cultures of Ecuador.








Religion, politics and culture have an enormous impact on the natural history of Ecuador.