ACADEMIC PROGRAM FOR 2008

The academic program at CMUBS has been designed to meet the needs of both undergraduate and graduate students in biology as well as students in a variety of other disciplines. Credit may be counted as on-campus credit toward baccalaureate or graduate degrees at Central Michigan University or transferred to other institutions.

Because of the brevity of the sessions, courses are full-time endeavors and may be taken sequentially but not concurrently. Courses at CMUBS are offered either as University-registered or Off-Campus-registered courses. The former are registered through the university registrar while the latter are registered through Off-Campus Programs. Although these registration procedures are different, all courses have equal transferability and are recorded on transcripts in the same manner.

ON CAMPUS REGISTRATION FOR ON CAMPUS CMU STUDENTS:

Registration for the courses listed below will begin on Monday February 25th, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. in Brooks Hall 336.  Students must register in person at this location.  Although registration will proceed throughout spring, some courses will fill faster than others and students are encouraged to register promptly.

OFF CAMPUS REGISTRATION FOR ALL STUDENTS:

Students may register for the courses listed below by contacting us at any time by email or surface mail, and simply indicating the course(s) for which they are interested in registering.  Since registration materials will be sent by surface mail, the student should provide a current mailing address.

After February 1, 2008, you may request registration materials for the following courses by clicking here.

COURSE OFFERINGS:

SUMMER SESSION I (May 12-30, 2008)

GENERAL BOTANY. BIO 203 -

3 semester hours. J. Dannenhoffer

An introductory examination of plant structure, function, and ecology. Theoretical concepts will be complemented with microscopic inquiry and numerous field trips serve to explain how, where, and why plants live where they do.     

GENERAL ZOOLOGY. BIO 218

3 semester hours. J. Scheide

A general survey of the animal kingdom with emphasis on phylogeny, taxonomy, structure, physiology, and ecology of the type examples of the major phyla. Lectures and laboratory work are supplemented by numerous field trips to observe animal taxa first-hand.

ECOLOGY. BIO 340

3 semester hours. B. Leuck

The relationships and interactions of living organisms with their environment are examined qualitatively and quantitatively at the individual, community and ecosystem levels of organization. Lectures and laboratories are accentuated by fieldwork throughout Beaver Island.

 NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY . BIO 597AE*

3 semester hours.  J. Vanhouten

“The unknowing eye can not see.”  Mardy Muri, Two in the Far North

This course will convey an introduction and overview of outdoor/nature photography utilizing digital cameras.  Students will learn about pathways to observing and photographing plants and animals in their natural environment.  Students will also have access and use of a professional-grade SLR Digital camera/lens, learn to use digital image manipulation tools (such as Photoshop), and display photographic images via computer (digital presentation).  Beyond traditional nature photography, students will learn to “read the signs”… by observing, tracking and studying behavior.  Learn to “get close” and become more aware of your relationship to the natural world by exploring outdoor photography.  This course is open to students with any level of photography experience or academic standing.  Any type of digital camera (excluding cell phones!) will suffice for this course.”    

Jay VanHouten is an award winning outdoor photographer who is a member of the  Outdoor Writers Association of America and a board member of the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association (MOWA) and the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW).

SUMMER SESSION IIA (June 23-27, 2008)  

HUMAN IMPACT ON THE GREAT LAKES-INVASIVE SPECIES. BIO 620AB

3 semester hours. B. Leuck, E. Leuck, and N. Seefelt

This is a one-week intensive course designed for high school biology teachers that will focus on human impact on a local ecosystem.  Invasive plant and animal species in the Great Lakes damage physical features, compete with and prey upon native species, and alter the equilibrium of native ecosystems.  Teachers will be guided through the use of the scientific method  to design and implement activities suitable for high school biology students.  They will also gain first-hand knowledge of some of the more common invasive species of the Great Lakes.  This course is designed to help teachers meet the MDE High School Science Content Expectations for Biology for Standard B3 (Interdependence of Living Systems and the Environment).

SUMMER SESSION IIA (June 23 - July 11, 2008)  

BIOLOGICAL STATISTICS. BIO 500

3 semester hours. C. Novitski

The basic concepts in statistical analysis of experimental data that is typical in biological research. Statistical computer program use is included. Collection and analysis of data from the Beaver Island ecosystem is expected.

Students in BIOLOGICAL STATISTICS   are required to gather their own data for later analysis....this often takes them to the far reaches of the island.

MICROORGANISMS IN THE ENVIRONMENT. BIO 597AG *

3 semester hours.  P. Kourtev

Course description: This course combines lectures, labs and field trips to explore the diversity and importance of microorganisms in the environment.  We will discussand measure the diversity of microorganisms in various types of terrestrial and aquatic environments found on Beaver Island. We will then take an in-depth survey of microbial groups that play important roles in the cycling of elements in Beaver Island's diverse ecosystems.  Prerequisite: BIO 208 (Microbiology) or equivalent.

SUMMER SESSION IIB (July 14 - July 25, 2008)

BEEKEEPING FOR THE CLASSROOM TEACHER. EST 650

This course is offered through Oakland University and is open only to all certified teachers. To register, contact Dr. Dyanne M. Tracy, Professor and Chair,  Department of Teacher Development and Educational Studies, 485A Pawley Hall, Oakland University,  Rochester MI 48309-4401 (phone: 248-370-3064, -2613; FAX:248-370-2639). 

3 semester hours. D. Tracy

The biology and ecology of the honey bee will be studied through extensive field work in the apiary. Development of an aligned, cross-subject, curricular unit integrating K-16 student participation is expected following the conclusion of the course.

Dr. Dyanne Tracy tends to beehives on Beaver Island

SUMMER SESSION IIB (July 14 - August 1, 2008)

INTRODUCTION TO FIELD BIOLOGY. BIO 100*

3 semester hours. D. Benjamin

An introduction to the techniques and methods for field studies in biology. Sampling procedures, interpretation and data analysis will emphasize basic ecological relationships between organisms and their environments. Note: This course is open to high school juniors and seniors for college credit.

Students in Introduction to Field Biology examine Zebra Mussels on the Sand Bay beach in front of the biological station  (left) and capture and measure a Ribbon Snake at Miller's Marsh Natural Area (right) with instructor Dan Benjamin.

SUMMER SESSION IIB (July 21 - August 1, 2008)

CERAMICS.  ART 597AB/697AC*

3 semester  hours. J. White

Instructor: Jane White is currently working as the Director of Adult Education at Pewabic Pottery. She has taught at Center for Creative Studies, CMU, EMU, and Ann Arbor's Guild.

Designed for ambitious beginning and continuing students.  In gathering impressions and translating them into form, this intensive course explores experiences, surroundings, and the ceramic process.  Projects focus on translating texture and image to simple forms, which will be fired in raku and other low-fire techniques. An additional $25 for supplies to be paid prior to beginning of course.

PAPERMAKING/BOOKBINDING   ART 597AA/697AB*

3 semester hours.  S. Rose

Expressive qualities of handmade paper combined with creative bookbinding techniques. Designed for beginning through advanced students, simple to more complex bookbindings will be covered as well as the basics for making handmade paper. Tim Barrett, nationally recognized Paper Specialist and Research Scientist at the University of Iowa Center for the Book, and noted authority on European papers, will guest lecture.  An additional $25 for supplies is to be paid on the island.

WATERCOLOR PAINTING. ART 334/597AC/697AA*

3 semester hours. J. Swanstrom

This class is designed for the beginning, intermediate and advanced watercolorist. Emphasis will be placed on a solid grounding in transparent watercolor painting techniques, color composition and a color interpretation of the Beaver Island environment. The student must have basic drawing skills.

                             A watercolor production by student and teacher,  Cindy Smith. 

I

AVAILABLE DURING ALL SESSIONS

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH. BIO 403

1-4 semester hours Gillingham

Open to college juniors and seniors majoring in biology, who have completed 20 hours with a B average or better. Philosophy, techniques, and methods of research. See instructor by middle of the semester prior to enrollment to design project and sign the contract.

UNDERGRADUATE INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGY. BIO 495

1-4 semester hours. Gillingham

A six- to 24-week in-depth work experience in the student's area of interest, performed under a trained professional in the selected area of biology.

GRADUATE INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGY. BIO 695

1-6 semester hours. Gillingham

An eight- to 24 week in-depth work experience in the student's area of interest performed under a trained professional in the selected area of biology.

SEMINAR. BIO 730

1 semester hour Gillingham

Open only to CMU graduate students reporting research results.

RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY. BIO 790

1-6 semester hours Gillingham

Independent study with a member of the CMU faculty, based on student/faculty interest and availability of facilities. By prior arrangement only.

THESIS. BIO 798

1-6 semester hours Gillingham

Open only to graduate students in the Plan A Master of Science program.

* Course offered through Off-Campus Programs

 

  Request Registration Materials

  Back to home page