This course aims to give students an overview of the Galápagos Islands and their unique role in changing our understanding of the biology of life. Students will learn about the formation of the islands and how this, along with their oceanographic setting, gave rise to the distinct biological communities found on each island. The course will delve into the human history of the islands and discover how colonization has brought direct and indirect threats to the Galápagos. Students will learn about and discuss the different approaches that have been taken to minimize, mitigate and eliminate these threats over the last fifty years. Finally, the course will investigate the future and discuss how the decisions of today will shape the Galápagos of the next fifty years. Due to the nature of the program, part of the course includes are a large amount of boat trips and snorkelling activities. In order to fully participate in course activities students should be comfortable being on the water and confident swimmers.