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 keep courses small, enrollments are often limited and some courses fill quickly. Therefore, early application is encouraged.
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 2008 and are subject to change.
Tuition fees per credit hour:
| Kentucky Residents | Non-Residents | |
| Undergraduates | $239.50 | $650.50 |
| Graduates | $362.50 | $1019.50 |
You can pre-register at the Station by mail or in person. A $20.00 per course Station registration fee is required. Students not presently registered at Murray State University are required to pay a $25.00 application fee to the University prior to registering. Pre-registration is recommended for both MSU and non-MSU students. Places will be held for all those pre-registered (i.e., who have completed the application form and submitted the $20.00 per course fee) until the end of registration unless the Station is notified. MSU students must register during the Spring enrollment period through Racer-Touch. Application fees will be refunded only if a particular course is cancelled.
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 3-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.
| 2009 Summer Class Schedule |
| MAY 30 to JULY 3 |
| Classes are offered in one 5-week session. |
| Most classes begin at 8:00 AM and last until 5:00 PM or longer depending upon the course. Field lunches may be required for many classes. Undergraduate and graduate research may be taken for 1-4 credit hours. Class meeting days are indicated for each course |
| BIO 330 PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY - An introduction to the basic principles and concepts pertaining to ecological systems. Emphasis is placed on energy relationships in ecosystems and on population and community ecology. Much of the course is devoted to field observations and experimentation. Tuesday-Friday. (4 credit hours). R. Martin |
| BIO 506 ADVANCED FIELD BIOLOGY - This is a course 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 distributions. (4 credit hours). Monday-Thursday. E. Zimmerer (Note: this course is extremely valuable for students in science education or those already teaching in secondary education programs) |
| BIO 548 WETLAND ECOLOGY - An introduction to the hydrology, geomorphology, biogeochemical cycling, and biological processes responsible for wetland structure, function, and productivity will be presented. Wetland identification and delineation techniques will be introduced and issues of management, conservation, and restoration will be discussed. Several wetlands in the Purchase area and Kentucky Lake region will be explored throughout the course. Come prepared to get wet and muddy. Tuesday-Friday. (4 credit hours). S. Hendricks |
| BIO 553 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. (4 credit hours). Saturday-Wednesday. R. Thompson |
| BIO 573 ORNITHOLOGY- Study of avian biology with emphasis on anatomy, physiology, and classification of birds. Most days will begin at dawn (6am) with a walking trip or field trip throughout west Kentucky. Several longer trips will be made to special habitats (4 credit hours). Monday-Thursday S. White |
| BIO 586 LIMNOLOGY - A study of the interrelationships of the physical, chemical, and biological features of a wide variety of lakes and streams. Laboratories include identification of the major groups of aquatic organisms and a range of laboratory and field techniques. (4 credit hours). Monday-Thursday. T. Levine |
| 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. (4 credit hours). Saturday-Wednesday. Kipphut & White |
| SESSION - 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. |
| For more information, contact the Station Coordinator Gerry Harris |
| Fellowships are available through ECOMA, the Institute, and the Station on a competitive basis. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION email the station coordinator or call (270) 474-2272 |
| HBS Summer Housing Registration |
| For more information, contact Station Director David White |
