The course is divided into three sessions: pre-trip, trip, and post-trip sessions. The pre-trip session will consist of assignments using the course web site. These assignments will focus on background information on Peru, its ecosystems, its history and government, and its human impacts on biodiversity. The trip session will consist of a two week visit to Peru. Several evening programs will be presented while on the trip.

The following topics, or ones related to these, will be discussed:
• Biodiversity and Speciation
• Biogeography of Peru
• Rainforest structure and stability
• Identifying the variety of life (flora and fauna) that exists in the rainforest
• Interspecific interactions
• Disturbance and community structure
• Species richness and abundance: biotic and abiotic factors
• Evolutionary adaptations of desert and rainforest organisms
• Importance of biodiversity and threats (required reading, The Future of Life, E.O. Wilson)
• Peru’s conservation efforts

Submission of reports and assignments will occur during the post trip session (see Outline for more information).