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 $30.00 per night. 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.


 

2-WEEK SESSION COURSE
May 15 – May 26, 2023
Each course carries 4 credit hr

Summer courses are designed for college level students and others who wish to better understand their environment.

BIO 380 Wildlife Techniques     Dr. Andrea Darracq
A survey and application of methods and techniques used in wildlife management and research including research design and analysis, passive sampling techniques, capture techniques, animal handling and marking, population estimation, telemetry, measuring habitat use and selection, and chemical immobilization.  Contact the Instructor for Details

BIO 588/688 Reservoir Ecology      Dr. Michael Flinn
An examination of the variation in chemical and biological phenomena that characterize river impoundments. Literature reading and discussion is followed by 1) learning techniques of observation to identify pattern and process in nature, and 2) designing and conducting field experiments to assess cause and effect relationships.  Contact the Instructor for Details

 

 

5-WEEK REGULAR SESSION COURSES
May 30 – June 30, 2023
Each course carries 4 credit hr

Summer courses are designed for college level students and others who wish to better understand their environment.

BIO 572/672 Herpetology     John Hewlett
A study of the taxonomy, morphology and natural history of reptiles and amphibians. Emphasis is placed on those species occurring in the central United States (May 30 – June 30, 2023). Contact the Instructor for Details.

 

 
 

Last Updated on March 20, 2023
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