Summer Program At HBS
Program Description
Field courses in the summer session are designed to provide in-depth and concentrated study of biological topics. Because we attempt to promote close faculty-student interactions, enrollments are often limited and some courses fill quickly. Therefore, early application is encouraged.
Students may take 2 courses. Students applying should indicate the first and second choices for each session, but all efforts will be made to place students in desired courses. A maximum of nine semester hours can be earned in the summer session. Students planning to take research credits must have made 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. Undergraduates should have had at least two previous courses in college level biology. Students wishing to apply credits earned in Station courses toward a graduate degree at Murray State University must be admitted to the Graduate School prior to enrollment. Application forms for admission to the graduate program may be obtained from the Graduate Coordinator, Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky 42071.
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.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition and fees remain 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, Montgomery, Henry, and Stewart pay the same fees as Kentucky residents. Station housing fees are reduced for those students residing through each 3-week period. Fee schedules for non-teaching use of boats, other major equipment items, living space, and laboratory space are available upon request from the Biological Station. All fees are due at registration. Fees are as of Spring 2011 and are subject to change. Latest fee schedules can be obtained from the Murray State University website.
Tuition fees per credit hour:
| Kentucky Residents | Non-Residents | |
| Undergraduates | $261.00 | $710.00 |
| Graduates | $396.00 | $1115.00 |
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). Click here 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. Information on campus housing may be obtained by contacting the Housing Office, Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky 42071 or by calling (270) 762-2310.
| 2012 Summer Class Schedule |
| SUMMER COURSES are taught in either a short 2-week session beginning on May 14 and ending May 25, or a 5-week session beginning on May 29 and ending on June 29. 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. A PDF version of the summer courses may be downloaded here. |
| SHORT SESSION COURSES |
| MAY 14 to MAY 25 |
| BIO 507/607 - FIELD BIOLOGY OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES - The course focuses on the field identification of local amphibian and reptile species and the methods and techniques of observing, sampling, and estimating population size and densities. Field trips cover on the full spectrum of habitats available in our area. Students design and carry out a short term research project focusing on the above. (3 credit hours) Dr. Ed Zimmerer, Murray State University. |
| 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 29 - JUNE 29 |
| 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.Tuesday & Friday. (4 credit hours). Dr. Robert Martin, Murray State University. |
| 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 564/664 ENTOMOLOGY- The study of insect ecology and diversity. Students become acquainted with about 200 families of insects living in terrestrial and aquatic habitats along with the biotic and abiotic factors underlying their distribution, abundance, and dynamics. Agricultural systems will be included. Each student will make a collection and conduct a project on some aspect of ecology, behavior, or, natural history. Monday & Thursday. (4 credit hours). Dr. Michael Flinn, Murray State University. |
| BIO 670 LIMNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS - The course provides the conceptual frameworks and techniques for measurement of physical, chemical, and biological phenomena in lakes and reservoirs. Emphasis is placed on experimental approaches to field and laboratory studies. Tuesday & Friday. (4 credit hours) Dr. George Kipphut & Dr. Susan Hendricks, Murray State University and Hancock Biological Station. |
| 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. Monday & Thursday. (4 credit hours) Dr. David White & Ms. Karla Johnston, Murray State University and Hancock Biological Station. |
| 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. |
| Fellowships are available through ECOMA, the Institute, and the Station on a competitive basis. |
| Housing is available at the Station for students and visiting researchers. |
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION call (270) 474-2272 or email the administrative assistant |
