Course Offerings - Summer 2012
Undergraduate and graduate-level field courses are offered by nationally-recruited faculty. Courses count toward upper level lab credit for biology majors at the University of Virginia. Participation in MLBS courses is not limited to current college or university students.
ANNOUNCING! ArtLab premiers this year with two course in Summer Session III.
Summer Session I: May 14 - June 8 (4 weeks)
Plant Conservation and Diversity: Bioinformatics, Systematics and Field Techniques
BIOL 4510/7510, Sec 1 (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.
Field Biology of Sex
BIOL 3510, Sec 1 (4cr)
Kristal Cain, Indiana University
Why is sexual reproduction so common in animals? What does it mean to be female/male? Why, and how, do sex differences develop? What does science tell us about sex differences in humans? This course will address these questions and many others using ultimate (evolutionary/ecological) and proximate (developmental/physiological) perspectives, integrating many disciplines in the pursuit of answers. The course will place a strong emphasis on methods for collecting data on a wide variety of animal species (insects, birds, reptiles, etc.) while also providing a solid conceptual foundation using group discussions, reading, and lecture. Students will also design and conduct an in-depth independent research project on a topic of their own choosing, and present their findings in a format similar to what would be used at a professional meeting.
This course involves the handling and manipulation of vertebrate animals. Please make sure you answer "Yes" to the question "Do you intend to work with (handle/come into contact with) vertebrate animals while at a UVa Field Station?" in the Liability Waiver.
Summer Session II: June 11 - July 6 (4 weeks)
Biology and Conservation of Fishes
BIOL 4510/7510, Sec 2 (4cr)
Dave Neely & Anna George, Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute
This course will provide an introduction to the diversity and conservation of the southeastern freshwater fish fauna, part of the richest aquatic fauna in North America. Proficiency in field ichthyology will be developed through field trips, lectures and discussion. Particular emphasis will be placed on explaining current distributions of fish species in light of zoogeographic patterns and the geological setting, and how the resulting high levels of fine-scale endemism impact conservation status and protection efforts. We will also explore the challenges and threats specific to freshwater ecosystems that are causing their disproportionate imperilment. Through both field and case studies specific to the southeastern United States, we will apply the principles and methods of conservation biology to the effective preservation of fish diversity, with a special emphasis on ecological and evolutionary considerations.
This course involves the handling and manipulation of vertebrate animals. Please make sure you answer "Yes" to the question "Do you intend to work with (handle/come into contact with) vertebrate animals while at a UVa Field Station?" in the Liability Waiver.
Field Ethnobotany
BIOL 4510/7510, Sec 3 (4cr)
Lytton Musselman, Old Dominion University
What plant resources supported indigenous peoples of the southern Appalachians? What are these plants and how are they identified and utilized? Answers will be sought through a field-based survey of the traditional cultural uses of plants and plant products in the Appalachians including cordage, dyes, fiber, food, medicine, and ritualistic uses. Information from regional Native American groups will be reviewed. Food topics include identifying starch sources and preparing food for eating and storage, sources of oils from plants, sugaring from native trees, and emergency foods. Students will design projects that will be presented at the course native plants banquet.
Summer Session III: July 9 - August 3 (4 weeks)
ArtLab Course - Special Topics in Sculpture: Sculpture and Earth
SHORT COURSE July 9 - July 20
ARTS 2810/2812/3810/3812 (3cr)
William Bennett, University of Virginia
A class of earth, wind, fire, sticks, stones, and the alchemy of making. Sculpture and Earth will be a studio art course in making use of the natural resources and landscape of the Mountain Lake Biological Station. Projects will be made and exhibited on site. Photography and video will be used to record ephemeral works. This class will deal with the mysteries and responsibilities of living on and with the earth and marking our place and time in this relationship. Advanced students wishing to pursue independent studies in sculpture should contact the instructor.
Field Methods in Stream Ecology
SHORT COURSE July 16 - Aug 3
BIOL 4510/7510, Sec 4 (3cr)
Christine May & Scott Eaton, James Madison University
This course will focus on integrating principles of stream and watershed ecology as a means of gaining insight into stream dwelling organisms and their environments. Course goals are to introduce students to: 1) the physical, chemical and biological organization of aquatic ecosystems, 2) current theories in stream and watershed ecology, and 3) lab and field methods for conducting stream research. Students will partake in field and laboratory explorations, and participate in lectures and student-led discussions. The class will meet daily and students should be prepared to hike and wade in rugged terrain and be willing to work in wet conditions. Prerequisite is an introductory course in biology, ecology or environmental science.
This course involves the handling and manipulation of vertebrate animals. Please make sure you answer "Yes" to the question "Do you intend to work with (handle/come into contact with) vertebrate animals while at a UVa Field Station?" in the Liability Waiver.
ArtLab Course - Beginning Drawing I and II : The Landscape, Small and Large
SHORT COURSE July 23 - Aug 3
ARTS 1610, Sec 2/2620,Sec 1, (3cr)
Megan Marlatt, University of Virginia
In this summer drawing course designed specifically for Mountain Lake, we will take advantage of opportunities to explore the landscape in regards to scale - drawing the smallest of nature’s artifacts to the largest of its panoramic vistas. In respect for the scientific community that welcomes us to their nature laboratory, we will pursue that which both the arts and sciences have in common: the gift of observation. It will be through our acute observation of the environment that we will sharpen our drawing skills and expand our understanding of nature as one of the greatest muses of the visual arts.
Research / Independent Studies Credit: Offered all Sessions
Biological Research
BIOL [var], (1-6cr)
By special arrangement. Contact the station.
Independent research credit is available for graduate students pursuing degrees at the University of Virginia and for undergraduates who have made advance arrangements with faculty at the station. May be taken concurrently with regular courses or in conjunction with the REU Program.