Summer Field Courses in Biology 2012
Class Schedule
Please see below for details about the field classes that the Biology Department offered during summer 2012. Check back for the 2013 schedule. For more information, contact Dr. Daniel Clemans at dclemans@emich.edu or Ben Czinski at bczinski@emich.edu. For registration assistance or questions about taking courses for State of Michigan SB-CEUs, contact Sarah Painter at spainter@emich.edu.
Class Sites
Please see below for details about the Kresge Environmental Education Center at Fish Lake, the Parsons Center and the study abroad experience in Ecuador and the Galápagos.
Scholarships
Please see below for details about the scholarship funds available for these courses. We will accept applications for field studies on a rolling basis until the start of each class.
Biology of Arachnids @ Fish Lake
- Lecture, lab and field course addressing principles of arachnid biology. Course covers morphology, physiology, behavior, natural history and ecology. Identification and classification of major arachnid families supported by collections and observations of organisms from southern Michigan.
- Three credit hours
- Meets: 8am-5:30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday June 28, 29, and 30; July 5, 6, and 7; and July 12, 13, and 14 at Fish Lake
- Instructor: Dr. Cara Shillington
- BIO488
- CRN: 55233
- Prerequisites:BIO 120 Introductory Biology II, or BIO 140 Biology of Animals, or equivalent
- BIO588
- CRN: 55234
- Prerequisites: Admission to a Master's Degree in Biology Program
- Requires additional coursework and completion of additional assignments for graduate credit.
- Program Fee: $127.50 plus tuition and fees. The program fee includes lodging at Fish Lake on Thursday and Friday nights and lunch each class day.
Ecuador and the Galápagos @ The Galápagos
- On this 18-day intensive field course we will study the ecology, evolution of diverse tropical forest sites and the Galápagos Islands. The Galápagos are famous for the amazingly tame creatures in an unusual volcanic setting right on the equator. Learn principles of ecology and evolution with special emphasis on the tropics. Observe first-hand the economic realities of a developing country and the conflicts that arise between economic development and preservation of nature.
- Three credit hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Travel to Ecuador and the Galápagos June 14 - July 1
- Instructor: Dr. Ulrich Reinhardt
- Download the flyer
- May be taken as BIO 379 or BIO 592 or as an Earth Science class
- The 500-level version of the course requires additional coursework and completion of additional assignments for graduate credit.
- Registration through Study Abroad only (http://ep.emich.edu/abroad/galapagos.aspx)
Herpetology @ Fish Lake/Stone Lab
- Taxonomy, distribution, life histories, behavior and ecology of amphibians and reptiles with an emphasis on local species.
- Three credit hours
- Meets: 8am-5:30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday May 10, 11, and 12; May 24, 25, and 26; and June 7, 8 and 9.
- The May 10, 11, 12 and June 7, 8 and 9 meetings will be held at Fish Lake.
- The May 24, 25, and 26 meetings will be held at The Ohio State University's Stone Laboratory. Transportation will be provided to Stone Laboratory.
- Instructor: Dr. Katy Greenwald
- BIO484
- CRN: 55231
- Prerequisites:BIO 120 Introductory Biology II, or BIO 140 Biology of Animals, or equivalent
- BIO584
- CRN: 55232
- Prerequisites: Admission to a Master's Degree in Biology Program
- Requires additional coursework and completion of additional assignments for graduate credit.
- Program Fee: $225.00 plus tuition and fees. The program fee includes lodging at Fish Lake on Thursday and Friday nights and lunch each class day plus a lodging and meal fee for Stone Labs.
Laboratory in Ecology @ Fish Lake
- A laboratory and field course with two main objectives: (1) to introduce students to the methods and concepts involved in the study of the distribution and abundance of organisms, and (2) to familiarize students with the structure and function of aquatic and terrestrial communities. This class is part of EMU's General Education Program as a writing intensive class in the major.
- Three credit hours
- Meets: 8am-5:30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday July 19, 20, and 21; August 2, 3, and 4; and August 16, 17, and 18 at Fish Lake.
- Includes an online component that will run the length of the summer semester from July 2, 2012 through August 22, 2012
- Instructor TBD
- Contact Dr. Marianne Laporte at mlaporte@emich.edu for more information, overrides and help with registration.
- BIO 311W
- CRN: 55240
- Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIO310 Ecology or equivalent
- Program Fee: $127.50 plus tuition and fees. The program fee includes lodging at Fish Lake on Thursday and Friday nights and lunch each class day.
Plant Evolution & Classification @ Fish Lake
- Course Description: Classification and identification of plants, including methods of collection and preservation of vascular plants. Lectures will introduce processes of evolution that have influenced the diversity and relationships among plant groups.
- Three credit hours
- Meets: 8am-5:30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday June 28, 29, and 30; July 5, 6, and 7; and July 12, 13, and 14 at Fish Lake.
- Instructor: Dr. Gary Hannan
- BIO 455
- CRN: 55227
- Prerequisites: BIO 120 Introductory Biology II, or BIO 130 Biology of Plants, or equivalent
- BIO 555
- CRN: 55228
- Prerequisites: Admission to a Master's Degree in Biology Program
- Requires additional coursework and completion of additional assignments for graduate credit.
- Program Fee: $127.50 plus tuition and fees. The program fee includes lodging at Fish Lake on Thursday and Friday nights and lunch each class day.
Natural History of Vertebrates @ Fish Lake
- A survey of vertebrates, emphasizing their adaptations and their natural history. Laboratory work will stress the taxonomic classification, identification and distribution of local and other forms. Fieldwork will emphasize accurate observation and permanent recording of original data on local species.
- Three credit hours
- Meets: 8am-5:30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday May 31, June 1, and 2; June 7, 8, and 9; and June 21, 22, and 23 at Fish Lake.
- Instructor: Ashley Rolfe
- BIO 481
- CRN: 55229
- Prerequisites:BIO 120 Introductory Biology II, or BIO 140 Biology of Animals, or equivalent
- BIO 581
- CRN: 55230
- Prerequisites: Admission to a Master's Degree in Biology Program
- Requires additional coursework and completion of additional assignments for graduate credit.
- Program Fee: $127.50 plus tuition and fees. The program fee includes lodging at Fish Lake on Thursday and Friday nights and lunch each class day.
Unique Michigan @ Parsons
- Experience many beautiful and interesting sites in northwestern Lower Michigan in this course. You will learn about: shoreline geology and ecology by walking the Lake Michigan beach while looking for birds as well as unique Leland Blue stones; Michigan's natural and commercial fisheries through a visit to a commercial fishery; the state's agricultural prospects through a trip to a historic farm and/or winery; and the Great Lakes by spending a half day on a 77-foot schooner on Grand Traverse Bay. These opportunities, and many others, will be part of the Unique Michigan class. Teachers and education students will find many opportunities to inject Michigan examples into their own courses, and help their students understand how unique Michigan really is.
- Prerequisites: None
- Meets Thursday June 14 1pm-9pm; Friday June 15 8am-8pm; and Saturday June 16 8am-4pm at the Parsons Center
- Instructor: Dr. Leslie Mertz
- Photo by Inland Seas
- Contact Sarah Painter at spainter@emich.edu for registration assistance.
- For-credit options
- Two undergraduate credits: BIO 278, CRN 55341
- Two graduate credits: BIOT 591, CRN 55342. Graduate credit requires additional coursework and completion of additional assignments.
- If you have already been admitted, register through my.emich.edu
- If you are not a current EMU student, apply and register using the Extended Programs and Educational Outreach Course Registration Form.
- Regular tuition plus a modest program fee for lodging at Parsons will apply
- Non-credit and SB-CEU options
- Cost is $350.00 including lodging
- Register at https://secure.ce.emich.edu/parsons/
- Indicate your intention to take SB-CEUs by email to Sarah Painter at spainter@emich.edu
Field Sites
Kresge Environmental Education Center at Fish Lake
The KEEC at Fish Lake consists of 240 acres of fields, woodlands, and wetlands adjacent to the Lapeer State Game Area approximately 90 miles northeast of main campus. It provides diverse ecological communities and habitats characteristic of southern and central Michigan. Facilities include classrooms, laboratories, a dining hall and a dormitory. Students are expected to reside at the Center between consecutive class meetings.
Parsons Center
The Jean Noble Parsons Center for the Study of Art and Science is an interdisciplinary educational center 15 miles from Traverse City, MI. The Center, a legacy of the late Jean Parsons, renowned sculptor and potter, sits on 86 acres of natural woodland and marsh, with Parsons Lake in the center of the property. Student facilities include a classroom/studio, a dining hall and a dormitory. Students are expected to reside at the Center between consecutive class meetings.
Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
The Ecuador & Galápagos Islands class starts in Quito, the Ecuadorian capital that blends ancient traditions with modern bustle. An excursion leads us into the Andes mountains and into the rainforest. From there, we fly to the Galápagos to learn about the fragile ecology of the archipelago and witness the beauty of the tame wildlife. Look forward to watching sea turtles and marine iguanas, observing sea birds nesting two steps away from you, snorkeling with playful sea lions. Enjoy a face-to-face encounter with ancient giant tortoises in their natural habitat or a horseback ride up a recently active volcano.
Scholarships for Field Studies
Don Brown Special Study Scholarships
Scholarships of a variable amount ($250 to $1,500). These scholarships are intended to help defray expenses related to travel and costs to take a field biology course away from the EMU Campus, including offerings at Fish Lake or the Parson's Center and the summer study abroad course in Galapagos. Preference will be given to activities offered through EMU. International research activities that are organized in consultation with an EMU biology faculty member are also eligible.
- Eligibility: Biology Major.
- Application Materials: In addition to the completed application form, a proposed budget indicating how the funds will be used is required. For international research experiences, a one-page description of the proposed activity is also required.
- Expectations: All students receiving the award must submit a one-to-two page typewritten report summarizing their accomplishments during the award period. Reports should be turned into the Scholarship Committee within one month of the end of the award.
The Fred C. and Ford R. Bryan Scholarship for Teaching Science
An award of a variable amount (usually $500).
- Eligibility: All students who intend to teach or are teaching physical or natural sciences at the Junior/Senior high school level taking classes at the undergradaute level. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Application Materials: Completed application form.
