Summer Field Classes
Scholarship funds are available for these courses. For more information, please see our scholarship page. The first round of applications are due on January 31 and are accepted on a rolling basis after. It is best to apply early to ensure that funds are available. For questions about summer field classes, scholarships and/or assistance with registration, contact Dr. Natalie Dove, biology department head.
BIO 455/ 555 Plant Evolution & Classification
CRNs: 51296/ 51297 | Four credit hours
Instructor: Dr. Maggie Hanes
Summer 2024: Meets Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday (5/11-5/14) at Parson Center. Then two Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at Fish Lake. May 6, 7,8 and May 20, 21, 21.
This course focuses on the classification and identification of plants, including methods of collecting and preserving vascular plants. Lectures will introduce processes of evolution that have influenced the diversity and relationships among plant groups.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIO 315 Evolution
BIO 484/584 Herpetology
CRNs: 50307/ 50308| Four credit hours
Instructor: Dr. Katherine Greenwald
Summer 2024: Meets three Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Fish Lake or Stone Lab: May 9, 10, 11 at Fish Lake and May 16, 17, 18 at Stone Lab and May 30, 31, June 1 at Fish Lake.
Taxonomy, distribution, life histories, behavior and ecology of amphibians and reptiles with an emphasis on local species.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIO 310 Ecology, or grade of C or better in BIO 140 Biology of Animals, or grade C or better in BIO 315 Evolution
BIO 485/585 Ornithology
CRNs: 50657/ 51298 | Four credit hours
Instructor: Dr. Peter BednekoffSummer 2024 meets as follows:
Mondays, Wednesdays May 6-8, and 15 on EMU main campus, and
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday May 20, 21, 22 at Fish Lake, and
Mondays, Wednesdays May 29- June 10 on EMU main campus,
A course in bird biology for the secondary teacher and students with advanced interest in biology. Field identification and census methods will be used to introduce the study of bird populations, behavior and ecology.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIO 120/121 Introductory Biology II or grade of C or better in BIO 140 Biology of Animals
BIO 486/586 Entomology
CRNs: 50658/ 50659 | Four credit hours
Instructor: Ashley WilsonSummer 2024: Meets three Thursday, Friday, Saturday at Fish Lake as follows: June 27, 28, 29, July 11, 12, 13, and July 25, 26, 27.
A survey of the world of insects, their structure, function, behavior, and ecology. The identification and classification of local insects will be stressed. A student field project will be required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIO 310 Ecology
BIO 488/588 Biology of Arachnids
CRNs: 51385/ 51386 | Four credit hours Instructor: Dr. Cara Shillington
Summer 2022: Meets three Sunday, Monday, and Tuesdays as follows at Fish Lake as follows: July 21, 22, 23 and July 28, 29, 30 and August 4, 5, 6.
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.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIO 120/121 Introductory Biology II or grade of C or better in BIO 140 Biology of Animals