Summer 2014 Study Abroad students on San Cristóbal

Carolina undergrads enrolled in the Summer 2014 Galapagos Study Abroad program are on San Cristobal for their studies.

This year the summer program includes two courses taught by UNC and USFQ faculty, the first on marine ecology and the second on geographic information science.

The students took a course in the geographic information science: GEOG 370 “Introduction to Geographic Information”, taught by CGS director and professor of geography, Steve Walsh (UNC), Phil Page (UNC), and Carlos Mena (USFQ). (Dr. Mena is a fellow tarheel; he completed his Ph.D. at Carolina in 2006).

The GEOG 370 class is an introduction to mapping technologies and effective use of geographic data. Students learned about geographic information systems (GIS), GPS, and satellite imaging.

Study Abroad faculty and students running a transect as part of a class mapping exercise.

The marine ecology course, MASC 490 “Interdisciplinary Marine Ecology and Conservation” was taught by Joel Fodrie (UNC Institute of Marine Sciences) and Luis Vineuza (USFQ). Classwork included time in water examining the near-shore marine habitat The students also had the opportunity to visit Isabela Island for marine ecology fieldwork as well as some recreation time (including a hike on one of Isabela’s volcano).

For more information on applying to future Galapagos Summer Study Abroad programs, please visit the program page at the Study Abroad website.