EG 0396 - Marine Ecology

The Galápagos Archipelago is influenced by cold and warm ocean currents providing a variety of marine ecosystems and abundant fauna including endemic species, such as Galápagos sea lions, marine Iguanas and Penguins. By combining field work, where students can observe marine wildlife, students will learn the fundamentals of marine ecology. Throughout the course different aspects of ecosystems will be discussed: the structure of marine communities and the processes that affect the patterns of abundance and distribution of marine biodiversity in intertidal, subtidal and deep oceans. Studies will focus on rocky shores, rocky subtidal communities, coral reefs, mangroves, seamounts and hydrothermal vents. This class will have a strong experimental component in the field where students apply research techniques and learn how to answer their research questions on Galápagos marine life.