Hope College Biology

Galapagos/Ecuador and Africa May Term: Biology 380

The Biology Department offers exciting, field-based May Terms (listed as Biology 380: Field Studies in Biology) in most years as a way of "learning biology by doing biology" in some of the most spectacular locations for biological diversity on the planet! Among the most popular course offerings are "Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands" and "Africa", both taught by Emeritus Professor Dr. Harvey Blankespoor, the most well-traveled prof in the Bio Department!

On the "Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands" May Term trip, students spend a week exploring mainland Ecuador, including Quito and a remote sanctuary in the Amazonian rainforest. Exotic birds and mammals, brightly colored reptiles and insects, and a lush array of tropical flora are just some of the things students will discover on a daily basis. The "rainforest" week is followed by a 2 week cruise to the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean, sometimes called "Biologist's Mecca", these are the islands that inspired the development of Darwin's theory of evolution, and they have continued to inspire biologists ever since.

The spectacular marine life (dolphins, seabirds, tropical fish, seals, etc.) provide an amazing contrast to unique, endemic island species such as finches, iguanas, tortoises and cacti. Past participants are unanimous in agreeing that this trip is the biological experience of a lifetime.

The "East Africa"May Term focuses on exploration of the wildlife and peoples of Tanzania, where students spend incredible days traveling through the Serengeti, viewing the Ngorongoro Crater and experiencing the beautiful island of Zanzibar. Students will explore and encounter a diverse array of wildlife: lions, giraffes, hippos, flamingoes and much more!

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