Courses are small, field-intensive experiences led by nationally-recruited instructors. Each course is three weeks long, and fits within one of UVA's summer session terms.
UVA Biology Majors Note: Courses satisfy the Biology laboratory and area 3 requirements.
Fees and Information (e.g. How do I register? What UVA requirements do MLBS courses fulfill?)
Please contact us with any questions about life at the station or course expectations. We look forward to having you as part of the MLBS community!
Session I: May 26 - June 13
FIELD HERPETOLOGY. 3 credits. BIOL 4754 / 7754
Christian Cox, Florida International University
We will focus on the ecology and evolution of reptiles and amphibians, leveraging their diversity in the southeastern United States. In the field and laboratory, we will study 1) evolutionary relationships among reptiles and amphibians, 2) key evolutionary innovations that characterize each major lineage, 3) reptile and amphibian systems in ecological and evolutionary research, and 4) location and identification of reptiles and amphibians.
This course includes handling vertebrate animals (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish). When you complete the Liability Waiver, please make sure you answer "Yes" to the animal handling question.
Session II: June 23 - July 11
FIELD BIOLOGY OF FISHES. 3 credits. BIOL 4755 / 7755
David Neely, Tennessee Aquarium
This class is an immersive introduction to fish biology, with a particular focus on the freshwater fish fauna of eastern North America. Students will develop proficiency in ichthyology through extensive field sampling and in-situ observation. Themes will include fish identification; patterns and drivers of diversity; interactions at individual, population, community, and ecosystem levels; evolution; and influences of human activities.
This course includes handling vertebrate animals (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish). When you complete the Liability Waiver, please make sure you answer "Yes" to the animal handling question
Session III: July 14 - August 1
FIELD BIOLOGY OF INSECTS. 3 credits. BIOL 4758 / 7758
Scott Villa, Davidson College
Insects are perhaps the most important animal group on the planet. Their enormous diversity makes them important models for understanding many concepts in biology. Students will leverage captive and wild populations of insects to understand fundamental questions in ecology, evolution, behavior, and disease dynamics. This course will teach students to design and execute field experiments, assess insect population distribution and health, and identify key ecological factors that determine species interactions. The course will also involve several field trips to varied habitats to allow students to collect insects and learn natural history.