Darwin and the Galapagos
Study Away Program
May 2010

I. Overview:

Darwin's evolutionary ideas revolutionized biology and western civilization. In this course, students will study Darwin's contributions, visit the Galapagos Islands that inspired his evolutionary ideas, and examine some of the developments in evolutionary biology that have occurred in the 150 years since the publication of Darwin's The Origin of Species. No other contribution from biology has had as far-reaching an effect on our civilization. Students will read The Origin of Species, excerpts from Voyage of the Beagle, and have lectures on Darwin's contributions and modern evolutionary theory before and during the trip. Students will keep a journal during the trip of their biological observations. They will write a paper on their return, on a topic relevant to the Galapagos or evolution. This paper will be 7-10 pages in length and will include references from primary research conducted on the Galapagos flora and fauna. Students will also create a photojournal, consisting of 20 pictures and biological descriptions. There will also be an exam on the lecture material and observations made in the Galapagos and mainland Ecuador.

II. Pictorial Itinerary

May 9, 2010: Dorms open
May 10: Darwin's contributions (4 hrs of lecture)
May 11: Evolution after Darwin (4 hrs of lecture)
May 12: Depart Greenville, SC - Arrive Quito, Ecuador
May 13: Tour of Colonial Quito
May 14: Tour of the Otavalo Region and visit to the textile markets
May 15: Depart for the Galapagos
May 16: Tour the Galapagos aboard our own chartered vessel
May 17: Tour the Galapagos
May 18: Tour the Galapagos
May 19: Tour the Galapagos
May 20: Tour the Galapagos
May 21: Tour the Galapagos
May 22: Depart the Galapagos , Return to Quito
May 23: Return to U.S.
May 24: Pick topics for papers
May 25: work on papers and photo album
May 26: work on paper and photo album
May 27: work on papers and photo album
May 28: papers due; course concludes

III. Forms

If you are a Furman student and you would like to apply for this program, download these forms, complete the application, and e-mail it as a 'word' attachment to Dr. Worthen at: worthen@furman.edu. Applications are due April 30, 2009!! All majors welcome; the only pre-req is one science course prior to departure. This will be a 2-credit, May Experience program. Costs is $6700, including all airfare, accomodations, tours, fees, and meals.

Program Announcement

Application

Payment Schedule

Indemnity Agreement

Powerpoint Presentation About the Program

And remember, there will be another Biology study away program offered at the same time. "Tropical Ecology" will be a "2+2" course, with a 2-credit course taught on-campus in spring 2010, and a coupled 2-credit, 3-week May Experience taught in Costa Rica in May 2010. Obviously, you cannot participate in both programs. See Dr. Pollard for more details on the Tropical Ecology program.