Instructor: Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
Office: Centreville 1216
Phone: x5-4084
E-mail: tholtz@umd.edu
Office Hours: By appointment

Instructor: Dr. John W. Merck, Jr.
Office: Centreville 1218
Phone: x5-2808
E-mail: jmerck@umd.edu
Office Hours: By appointment

Links:

• Policies
• Schedule
• Logistics
• Promotional web page

Texts

• Larson, Edward J. 2002. Evolution's Workshop. Basic Books. ISBN 0465038115 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0465038115/
  • PLEASE read this prior to the start of class
• Jackson, Michael H. 1994. Galápagos: A Natural History. 2nd Edition. Michigan State University Press. ISBN 1895176409 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1895176409/

Emphasis: Study of the Galápagos Islands allows us to explore the intersection of Geology (especially volcanology and plate tectonics), Physical and Biological Oceanography, Terrestrial Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, the History of Science, and issues in Convservation Biology. Thus, these islands are among the most intellectually stimulating place on Earth. The object of this program is to provide students with a hands-on experience there; having first provided the informational background necessary to optain the maximum benefit from the field experience. Toward that end, GEOL 388 is divided into classroom and field components, as described below.

COURSE ORGANIZATION: There are two basic components:

• Nightly weekday evening meetings (Cambridge Community Center (CCC) 1100, 6:00 - 8:00 PM) 6/9-6/20.
• Galápagos Islands tour: 6/22 - 7/1.

CREDIT: Three credit hours. Counts as a College Park Scholars - Earth, Life & Time List B Course; May fulfill CORE Advanced Study requirement for non-GEOL majors who have already earned 60 credits or more; consult with your advisor for verification.

GRADES:

• Classroom exam (50%)
• Web report (50%)

  Grade scale: >=90, A; 80-89, B; 70-79, C; 60-69, D; <60, F. "+" and "-" grades are given to the top and bottom two-point range, respectively, within each grade.

• Exam: The exams will cover all lecture, readings, and discussion material and will include both objective and written components. Scores will not be curved.

• Web report: Your grade for the excusrion, itself, will be based on the scope, depth, accuracy, and general quality of the web report that you will submit after our return from Ecuador. This document will cover a specific topical area that we encouter during the trip. Topics will be assigned prior to our departure.

• Participation: Although there is no participation score, per se, enthusiastic participation is required. Indeed, failure to participate and "pull one's weight" fully during the tour will adversely effect your colleagues as well as yourself. Additionally, responsible foreign travel requires a substantial level of self-discipline. We therefore reserve the right to impose grade penalties for non-participation or irresponsibility. For example, we will deduct a letter from your final grade for every unexcused failure to participate in daily tour activities, or instance of showing up for one in an impaired state (E.G. drunk or hung-over). For egregiously irresponsible or dangerous behavior, or behavior that reflects badly on the University, we reserve the right to impose grade penalties up to and including simply flunking you. (Mwahaha)

• Responsible travel: Understand that as guests in a foreign country, we will be responsible for obeying their laws and will answer to their authorities. This means that if you get in trouble, you will be dealing directly with the Ecuadorian authorities and we will not be able to help you. Additionally, we will be travelling on a tight, fixed schedule. If you fail to show up in a timely fashion for boats, busses, or international flights (!) you may be left behind and will be responsible for arranging your own travel.