Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories

3 credits | May 15 - June 2, 2023 | M, Tu, Th, F | 1 - 4:50 p.m

This class focuses on learning about how to study fungi. Students will gain experience identifying mushrooms and other samples collected during course field trips using macromorphological, microscopic, and molecular techniques. In addition, students will isolate fungi from environmental samples and maintain cultures as well as assess fungal community abundance and composition using both traditional (e.g. root tip colonization) and DNA-based methods (e.g. next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, and ecological statistics). Course lectures highlight different aspects of fungal diversity (taxonomic, physiological, and ecological) and lab exercises provide hands-on practice. Course writing assignments and presentations emphasize the exploring the natural history of fungi as well as critically assessing primary research literature.

Instructors: Professors Jonathan Schilling (schillin@umn.edu) and Peter Kennedy (kennedyp@umn.edu).

For more information (including prerequisites) refer to the course catalog. If you have any questions about the course, email the instructor. Permission is required for undergraduates to enroll in the graduate-level of this course (PMB 5812); inquire with the instructor.

3 credits | May 15 - June 2, 2023 | M, Tu, W, Th, F | 5:30 - 11:30 a.m.

This class focuses on developing basic field ornithology skills, complemented by analyses of collected data. Students will learn field identification skills, focused on the diversity of northern Minnesota. They will learn and practice mist-netting, bird banding, point counts, and territory mapping to quantify community composition, density, behavior, and long term population trends. A diversity of habitats will be explored by day trips to nearby field sites. Collected data will be analyzed using statistical and GIS methods. A field journal, lab reports, and field exams will form the basis of assessment.

Instructors: Fred Beaudry (beaudry@alfred.edu)

For more information (including prerequisites) refer to the course catalog. If you have any questions about the course, email the instructor.

4 credits | May 15 - June 15, 2023 | M, Th; full-day + 2 additional field days TBD

This course introduces the principle concept of animal behavior through hypothesis-driven inquiry of animal systems in the field. Topics covered: proximate and ultimate causation of behavior, optimality, foraging, habitat selection, risk-sensitive behavior, antipredator behavior, courtship and territoriality, parental care and implications of animal behavior for resource management and conservation. Most class days begin with the introduction of a topic followed by a day-long field experiment involving the concept. Thus, students learn concepts in animal behavior and how to be an animal behaviorist. In the process, students acquire skills in data collection and management, and experimental design (controls, replication, conclusions based upon statistical inference, connecting class results to the primary literature).

Instructor: Professor Brian Wisenden (wisenden@mnstate.edu).

For more information (including prerequisites) refer to the course catalog. If you have any questions about the course, email the instructor.

4 credits | May 16 - June 16, 2023 | Tu, F; full-day + 2 additional days TBD

The primary goal of this course is to introduce students to the study of mammals, including aspects of their evolution, natural history, identification, and techniques used for scientific study. This course will enable students to integrate concepts of ecology, morphology, physiology, as well as other aspects of natural history using mammals as model organisms. This course will supplement knowledge of taxonomy, phylogeny, and ecology while providing practical experience with current methodology. Writing assignments will expose students to current literature and aid in the process of critical thinking.

Instructor: Professor Joseph Whittaker (jwhittak@cord.edu)

For more information (including prerequisites) refer to the course catalog. If you have any questions about the course, email the instructor.

1 credit | June 5 - June 16, 2023 | M, Tu, W, Th, F | 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Students will develop oral presentation and communication skills to support both the dissemination of research findings and interaction among the public and other members of the science community. Topics will include audience analysis and engagement, narrative structure, writing for the spoken word, speaking anxiety causes and mitigation, vocal production, physical presence, and the skills and methods of effective practice. The class will be a combination of lecture and practicum, during which students will give presentations.

Instructor: Brian Sostek (soste001@umn.edu)

For more information (including prerequisites) refer to the course catalog. If you have any questions about the course, email the instructor.