Course Descriptions - Summer 2010:

Fish Ecology (BIOL 4510/7510, Section 1, 4cr) Jamie Roberts III, Virginia Tech.
MLBS sits on the Eastern Continental Divide between two major eastern watersheds, with access to an incredible diversity of freshwater habitats This course will explore the diverse world of fish through a hands-on approach to understanding fish and their freshwater environments.  Major interconnected themes of the course include: (1) techniques for the identification and scientific study of fishes, (2) patterns and drivers of fish diversity in different environments and taxonomic groups, (3) ecological interactions of fishes with their environment, from individuals to populations to communities and ecosystems, (4) the role of evolution in shaping past, present, and future fish diversity, and (5) influences of human activities on fishes and fish habitats.  Course activities will include a mix of field sampling trips, instructor- and student-led seminars, reading and discussion of primary literature, laboratory exercises, and short writing assignments.  In addition, students will design and conduct a field research project, synthesize results, and present their results at a class symposium. This course involves the use and handling of vertebrate animals. Please complete the liability section of the application accordingly.

Biology of Invasive Species (BIOL 4510/7510, Section 2, 4cr) Lorne M. Wolfe, Georgia Southern University and Leslie J. Rissler, The University of Alabama.
Biological invasions can occur when species are transported from within their original geographic range to nonnative regions. The ecological and evolutionary impacts of invasive species can be profound as they are the seconding leading cause of global species extinctions. This course will provide students with an understanding of fundamental processes in ecology, evolution, and biogeography by using invasions as case studies. For example, invasions provide unparalleled opportunities to study contemporary questions on a variety of subjects such as niche evolution, latitudinal gradients in diversity, geographic range limits, and speciation. The class will also provide information on the more applied aspects of invasive species such as current methods of control and management. During the term we will integrate lectures, readings from the rapidly growing literature, field observations and experiments, and field trips to impacted sites. Owing to the highly interdisciplinary nature of the invasion process itself, the two instructors bring complementary areas of research expertise in plants and animals, ecology, genetics and behavior. This course involves the use and handling of vertebrate animals. Please complete the liability section of the application accordingly.

Plant Conservation and Diversity: Bioinformatics, Systematics, and Field Techniques (BIOL 4510/7510 section 3, 4cr) Zack Murrell, Appalachian State University.
The extraordinary diversity of the southern Appalachians will serve as a backdrop to explore the world of plants. We will visit unique regional mountain habitats to develop an appreciation for the different species assemblages in these ecologically wide-ranging sites. Issues at these sites concerning conservation of biodiversity will be explored. The methodology and management activities of state and federal agencies involved in conservation will be examined to evaluate their effectiveness. Based upon our observations and analyses, we will critique contemporary views of the most effective conservation units (individual, population, species, family, habitat, etc.) and the methods used to achieve the goals of the conservation community.

 **** CANCELLED**** Field Biology for Science Educators (BIOL 4510/7510 section 4, 4cr) Bronwyn H. Bleakley, Smith College.
 Today’s world requires citizens with sophisticated understanding of biological concepts in topics spanning the breadth of biology.  Effective science education cannot begin when students enter college and primary and secondary science educators are thus on the front lines for initiating and developing science literacy. The astonishing diversity of the southern Appalachians and MLBS provides an extraordinary setting to integrate research with strategies and tools for effective science education.  This course will provide science educators hands-on, active and problem-based learning in conservation, evolution, ecology, and genetics utilizing studies of animals, plants and their interactions. We will develop survey and identification skills for local wildlife; conduct field and lab experiments that may be used within a classroom; develop a teaching portfolio around a unit of study; and write a short grant to apply for external funding to support wildlife education at an educator’s school. Within each core unit, we will explore how to facilitate field research by students, develop and utilize wildlife habitats, integrate field and lab studies, fulfill state and national teaching standards, and assess student outcomes. This course involves the use and handling of vertebrate animals. Please complete the liability section of the application accordingly.

Field Herpetology (BIOL 4510/7510, Section 5, 3cr) Kristine L. Grayson, University of Virginia and Linda Green, Georgia Institute of Technology.
The Southeast is a global hotspot of amphibian diversity. This course will explore “life in cold blood” as it is exemplified by the species and communities of the Appalachian Mountains and nearby areas.  Activities will focus on the natural history, conservation, behavior, and ecology of local amphibians and reptiles. Students will learn methodology for identifying and monitoring amphibians and reptiles. Class will consist of lectures, field-based laboratories, and collaborative research projects, ranging from studying natural populations to conducting manipulative experiments. This course involves the use and handling of vertebrate animals. Please complete the liability section of the application accordingly.

Field Methods in Wildlife Ecology (BIOL 3510, Section 1, 3cr) Tami S. Ransom and Eric B. Liebgold, University of Virginia.
The course provides an introduction to essential field methods for measuring and monitoring animals and plants with emphasis on testing biological hypotheses. Exercises will be geared towards students interested in careers in field biology or wishing to develop skills necessary for carrying out undergraduate or graduate research projects. Class activities will introduce students to sampling designs, protocols, and types of studies (e.g., mark-recapture and breeding surveys). Field exercises will allow students to experience a variety of methods used for surveying, trapping, marking, and measuring small and large mammals, birds, herpetofauna, fish, invertebrates, and vegetation. This course involves the use and handling of vertebrate animals. Please complete the liability section of the application accordingly.

Biological Research (BIOL [var], 1-6cr), Staff. By special arrangement. Contact the station for registrartion requirements.
Independent Research for graduate students pursuing degrees at the University of Virginia or for undergraduates who have made advance arrangements for study with faculty at the station. May be taken concurrently with regular courses or in conjunction with the REU Program.