Summer Program At HBS
Program Description
Field courses:Courses in the summer session are designed to provide in-depth and concentrated study of biological topics. Because we promote close faculty-student interactions, enrollments are often limited, and some courses fill quickly. Therefore, early application is encouraged.
Students may take 2 courses in the regular 5-week session or 1 course in the short 2-week session. Students should indicate the first and second course choices for each session, but all efforts will be made to place students in desired courses. A maximum of 8 semester hours can be earned in the regular summer session. Students planning to take research credits must make arrangements with and have approval of a summer or MSU faculty member prior to enrollment.
Admissions: Graduates, undergraduates, postgraduates, and others interested in field biology are encouraged to apply for admission to the summer program. Courses at the Hancock Biological Station are considered part of the summer session of Murray State University and may be taken for undergraduate or graduate credit. Students must register through the University. Tuition remains among the lowest of any biological station in the country. Credit hour fees are the same as for courses taken on campus. Students from the Tennessee counties of Obion, Weakley, Henry, and Stewart are considered in-state and pay the same tuition as Kentucky residents. Students from universities other than Murray State planning to transfer credits for courses taken at the Station should obtain approval in advance from their home institutions.
Undergraduates should have had at least two previous courses in college level biology. Students wishing to apply credits earned in Station courses toward degrees at Murray State University must be admitted to the University prior to enrollment. Application forms for admission to the graduate program may be obtained here or from the Graduate Coordinator, Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky 42071.
Station Use Fees: Station housing fees are reduced for those students residing through a session. Fee schedules for non-class use of boats, other major equipment items, living space, and laboratory space are available upon request from the station administrator.
Scholarships: Summer fellowships are available through the Ecological Consortium of Mid-America for students from member institutions. The Biological Station awards a limited number of summer fellowships for summer students. All awards are made on a competitive basis. Information on fellowships can be obtained by writing or calling the Station. Students living at the Station and willing to work 5 hours per week will have the lodging fee waived.
Student Cabins: Housing is available in the student cabins on a first come first serve basis at $5.00 per night ($100.00 for 5-week summer session). Lodging for more information about lodging in the cabins.
Meals are not provided, but student residents usually form a cooperative and prepare their own meals in the Station kitchen. Camping sites are available adjacent to the Station for those who wish to bring tents or trailers. Camping and fires are not allowed on the Station property.
Lodging and board are available on the Murray State University campus 15 miles from the Station. Information on campus housing may be obtained by contacting the Housing Office at MSU Campus Housing or by calling (270) 809-2310.
| 2013 Summer Class Schedule |
A PDF version of the summer courses may be downloaded here. |
| SUMMER COURSES are taught in either a short 2-week session beginning on May 13 and ending May 24, or a 5-week session beginning on May 28 and ending on July 1. Short Session Courses meet Monday through Friday. Regular Session Courses meet all day, 2 days per week (see schedule below), and two courses may be taken during the session. Each course carries either 3 or 4 hours credit. 1-4 hours of Independent research credit also is available. |
| SHORT SESSION COURSES |
| MAY 13 to MAY 24 |
| BIO 585/685 - RESTORATION ECOLOGY - Ecological restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. This course focuses on the interaction of ecological theory and conservation practice to promote ecological restoration as a means of sustaining the diversity of life on Earth and reestablishing an ecologically healthy relationship between nature and humans. (4 credit hours) Dr. Howard Whiteman, Murray State University. |
| FULL SESSION COURSES |
| MAY 28 - JULY 1 |
| BIO 330 - PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY - An introduction to the basic principles and concepts pertaining to ecological systems. Emphasis is placed on community ecology. Much of the course is devoted to field observations and experimentation. The course is aimed primarily at undergraduate Biology majors.Monday & Thursday. (4 credit hours). Dr. Todd Levine, Murray State University. |
| BIO 514/614 - SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY - The study of the theory, principles and applications of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After a predetermined number of instructional hours, the student is expected to successfully complete a test that measures competency in SEM operation, specimen preparation, and remote operations. The course includes remote operations where teachers have access to the microscope for use in their own classrooms. Wednesday & Saturday. (4 credit hours) Dr. David White & Ms. Karla Johnston, Murray State University and Hancock Biological Station. |
| BIO 553/663 FIELD BOTANY - A survey of the flora of west Kentucky and surrounding states. Emphasis is placed on field identification of common species, use of keys, collection and preparation of specimens, and general plant ecology of the region. Wednesday & Saturday. (4 credit hours). Dr. Ralph Thompson, Berea College. |
| BIO 506/606 ADVANCED FIELD BIOLOGY - This course is for students who wish to learn the identification principles and actual identification of living organisms. Course work will include a study of the ecological aspects of the various organisms and their distribution. Techniques of teaching about nature will be emphasized. The course emphasizes habitats and species from this area, and prepares students to become good naturalists and teachers. Monday & Thursday. (4 credit hours) Dr. Ed Zimmerer, Murray State University. |
| BIO 586/686 LIMNOLOGY - The study of the inland waters including lakes, streams, wetlands and reservoirs with emphasis on western Kentucky. The course covers the physical, chemical, and biological interrelationships of the regions aquatic environments. Also covered are the effects of pollution, eutrophication, and human alterations on aquatic life. Tuesday & Friday. (4 credit hours). Dr. Michael Flinn, Murray State University. |
| BIO 573/673 ORNITHOLOGY - The study of avian biology with emphasis on anatomy, physiology and classification of birds. Most days will begin at dawn (6 AM) with a walking trip or field trip throughout western Kentucky. Several longer trips will be made to special habitats. Tuesday & Friday. (4 credit hours) Dr. Steve White, Murray State University. |
| SESSIONS ARRANGED |
| 491 - 494 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH TOPICS - Designed for undergraduates who wish to do directed independent research in an area of field biology. A staff member must agree to direct the research. (1 to 4 hours credit may be taken). Time arranged. |
| 691 - 694 GRADUATE TOPICS IN BIOLOGY - Designed for graduate students who wish to do directed independent research in an area of field biology. A staff member must agree to direct the research (1 to 4 hours credit may be taken). Time arranged. |
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION call (270) 809-2272 or email the administrative assistant. |
