Ecology of the Galapágos Islands

Ecuador 

This is an example of a past Summer program offered by CSB/SJU. This program is not currently offered.

Photo: arrival at Isla Santa Fe for a day exploring the sea lions, iguanas and mockingbirds. 

Program Highlights

Embark on a biological expedition to Ecuador, follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, and explore the Galapagos Islands- one of the world's most unique and iconic ecosystems.

All students are required to enroll in Biology 373. These credits (4) will be applicable to the CSB/SJU Biology major upper division requirement (five upper division lab classes). This course also has the EL  (experiential learning). This course can also be applied to upper division requirements for the Environmental Studies and Secondary Science Education majors. During the program, there will be some traditional lecturing and testing but most class work will be carried out in the field setting. Students will write a scientific paper based on field research and keep a journal of their experiences throughout the program. Results from your scientific paper will be submitted to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research for presentation during their annual meetings. 

Photo: Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center, Isla Santa Cruz.

Course & Program Information 

Course Name: Ecology and Evolution of the Galapagos Islands

Course Number: Biology 373G

Credit Number: 4 credits

Prerequisite: Biology 101, 201 and 202 or permission from instructor.

Designation: fulfills Experiential Learning (EL) & BIOL Major Elective Credit

Upon our arrival in Quito, we will familiarize ourselves with the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) campus. An orientation and welcome lunch will welcome us to the country of Ecuador. The Galapagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS), a department of USFQ, develops our trip specifically for this biology course. During our stay near Quito, our accommodations are at Casa del Quinde, a welcoming and homey hostel in between Quito and the suburb of Cumbaya (location of USFQ).

Photo: Milton Hernandez, Panzon and Champi welcome students back to the hostel.

Galapagos Islands

After flying the 600 miles from Quito to the islands, we will spend our time visiting 3-5 islands. Our studies/projects will focus on sea lion behavior, blue-footed booby ecology, intertidal ecosystems, geology and island hot spots, tortoise ecology and conservation, sea turtle ecology and conservation, among others. Opportunities abound and will include snorkeling with sea lions, sea turtles, hiking with land tortoises, and climbing a dormant volcano. This is a very physically active course, and you must be able to hike 1o miles in a day and swim for up to three hours while snorkeling. Ability to work as a group and independently is a must. Class work will include traditional lectures, tests, ecological activities, an independent, multi-day research study completed by each student, and field exploration related to topics introduced in the classroom. Writing assignments will include maintaining a daily field journal and producing at least one scientifically-structured paper based on your independent research.

Photo: Mockingbirds engaging in social hierarchy development, Isla Espanola.

Photo: Students assisting on a bird-netting project, Isla San Cristóbal.

Program Cost & Financial Considerations

The estimated program fee was $7,700 in 2020. Additionally, students will pay the cost of the required 4 CSB/SJU credits at the reduced summer tuition rate.

The program fee includes:

  • Housing while the program is in session.
  • Internal Flights & Local Transportation for program activities
  • Breakfasts while on the islands and in Quito
  • Some lunches and dinners
  • Program-related excursions & entrance fees to museums & cultural attractions
  • CISI Medical & Evacuation Insurance

The program fee does not include:

  • Passport application fee ($145)
  • Roundtrip international airfare
  • Most Dinner meal expenses 
  • Personal expenses 
  • Non-program travel or housing

The Short-Term Abroad Financing Brochure includes estimates for the items not included in the program fee, along with information regarding scholarships for study abroad.  

See which Scholarships you may qualify for with participating on this program. 

Accommodations

All accommodations will be at comfortable and clean hostels and hotels. Typically, the programs stay at Casa del Quinde when in Quito, Casa de Nelly when on the island of San Cristóbal, Hotel Fernandina when on the island of Santa Cruz, and Hotel San Vicente when on the island of Isabela.  

Program Director Information

Dr. Kristina Timmerman of the Biology Department has led this program for ten years, in addition to leading short-term programs to the Caribbean during spring break, and mentoring field biology students during her bear research project in the Andes and the India semester program. 

Photo: One of the many curious creatures of the islands! Come join us for 2020!