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 418/518 Plant Communities of Michigan
CRNs: 50660/50661 | Four credit hours
Instructor: Kelsey Mitchell
Summer 2023: Meets two Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Fish Lake: May 25, 26, 27 and June 29, 30, July 1. And meet one Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Parsons: June 8, 9, 10, 11.
Analysis of the natural plant communities of Michigan, with an emphasis on physical conditions supporting communities, species composition and geographic distribution.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIO 310 Ecology
BIO 484/584 Herpetology
CRNs: 50312/50313 | Four credit hours
Instructor: Dr. Katherine Greenwald
Summer 2023: Meets three Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Fish Lake or Stone Lab: May 11, 12, 13 at Fish Lake and May 18, 19, 20 at Stone Lab and June 1, 2, 3 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 120/121 Introductory Biology II, or grade of C or better in BIO 140 Biology of Animals
BIO 485/585 Ornithology
CRNs: 50662/51011 | Four credit hours
Instructor: Dr. Peter BednekoffSummer 2023 meets as follows:
Mondays, Wednesdays May 8-19 on EMU main campus, and
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday May 222, 23, 24 at Fish Lake, and
Mondays, Wednesdays May 31- June 9 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: 50663/50664 | Four credit hours
Instructor: Ashley WilsonSummer 2023: Meets three Thursday, Friday, Saturday at Fish Lake as follows: June 22, 23, 24 and July 6, 7, 8 and July 20, 21, 22.
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: TBA | Four credit hours Instructor: Dr. Cara Shillington
Summer 2022: Meets three Thursday, Friday, Saturdays as follows at Fish Lake as follows: July 7, 8, 9 and July 21, 22, 23 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