Biodiversity in all its forms cannot be fully appreciated unless it is experienced firsthand at its extremes. The purpose of this program is to give the student firsthand experience of the biodiversity Peruvian habitats. The course will also focus on the evolutionary mechanisms that lead to this biodiversity. Special emphasis will be placed on the human impact on the diversity of these environments. As an indirect benefit the student will also experience the biogeography, culture, and history (especially the pre-Columbian era) of this region.

In their quest to explore and educate others about the biodiversity, biocomplexity, and need for preservation of our world biomes, Dr. Jacqueline McLaughlin, Assistant Professor of Biology at Penn State University and Dr. Stam Zervanos, Professor of Biology at Penn State University, will lead this field course expedition in which participants can earn undergraduate credits, graduate credits, or simply for personal or professional enrichment.