
Meeting Abstract
International travel courses have enriched research and learning experiences for many undergraduate students as they develop an appreciation for the natural world. As part of the curriculum at a small private liberal arts college, courses involving travel to destinations characterized by a rich and unique biodiversity are regularly offered. These courses are open to the entire student body, so the typical knowledge base varies from students with introductory high school biology to those senior biology and environmental science majors months away from entering graduate or professional programs. The challenge to designing this course is to ensure a balanced and engaging experience for all involved. The curriculum for a recent lecture course and travel experience to Ecuador, including Amazonia, the Andes and the Galapagos Islands, will be described.