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Summer Courses

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Our summer college courses are taught in an immersive format over two weeks, and are highly acclaimed by students. Courses provide hands-on experience and emphasize learning-by-doing in disciplines like ecology, herpetology, conservation, entomology, molecular techniques, and more. Most courses include extensive fieldwork in nearby natural areas and occasional field trips to sites across southern Oklahoma. All courses are 3 credit hours. See our Guide to Living at the Station for a list of what to bring and what to expect.

Students live at the biological station. We provide housing and meals, and amenities that include computer labs, Internet, study areas, laundry facilities, volleyball, basketball, recreation room with Ping-Pong and television, and spectacular lakefront views.

Enrollment Process

Current University of Oklahoma Students
To enroll in a Biological Station course, you must first submit an application (see link below). When we receive and process your application we will issue permission for you to enroll online.  

Students NOT Currently Enrolled at University of Oklahoma
Students attending other colleges and universities may apply for our courses. Visiting students should (1) apply for admission to the University of Oklahoma as an undergraduate or graduate visitor, and (2) submit the course application form. Before applying for admission to the university, which requires a non-refundable fee, we suggest you first inquire about course availability by contacting the Bio Station Directory, Dr. Heather Ketchum (Heather.R.Ketchum-1@ou.edu).

 

APPLY NOW for Courses at the University of Oklahoma Biological Station

 

Forensic Entomology students

Forensic Entomology is the application of entomological principles and collection of entomological data in such a manner that it can be used as evidence in courts of law to help resolve legal issues that are either criminal or civil in their nature. While there are many topics covered in this course, a major focus area is insect colonization and ecological succession of insects and other arthropods to decomposing remains and how various factors (e.g. coverings, chemicals) affect these processes and in return how those affects will alter the minimum postmortem interval (mPMI) determination. mPMI is defined as the time from insect colonization to discovery of a body and is used by forensic entomologist to assist in homicide, suicide, and cases of abuse and neglect.


CLASS IS FULL FOR 2024

Principles of mammalian ecology, conservation, and biodiversity with emphasis on local mammals in their natural environment.


Hands-on ecological field research, with emphasis on student-led research projects in natural habitats.


Field Studies in Biological Conservation introduces students to the complex conservation issues currently facing the citizens of Oklahoma. Student readings on conservation issues will come from a variety of valid sources, representing several different aspects of each issue. Our classroom time will be devoted to a discussion of these issues. Discussions will be supplemented by field trips, with the majority of our time being spent outdoors, seeing first hand Oklahoma’s diverse ecoregions and associated conservation issues. Field trips help students better observe the natural world, create awareness of Oklahoma’s biodiversity, and have a deeper understanding of conservation issues facing Oklahoma and the southern Great Plains. 



Field Herpetology provides an overview of methods, techniques and standards for the collection, management and analysis of herpetological field data for various applications. On local field trips we collect amphibians and reptiles while covering basic diagnostic (morphological, ecological, and behavioral) characteristics of observed species. Students design and complete individual projects that utilize field sampling techniques and address current issues in ecology and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.