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BFS Educational Opportunities 

Summer 2007 Student Course Offerings

High School Students
 

A three-week intensive course for high school students is offered each summer.  Each provides 3 hours of college credit. Each of the courses listed to the right has been offered at BFS and will most likely be offered again in the future

● BIOLOGY 184 Introduction to Aquatic Biology. Dr. Willard N. Harman*    *  SUNY Chancellor's award for excellence in teaching.

College Students
 

     Career Potential
     Field Practicum
     Facilities
     Student Involvement
     Advanced Research Areas

Career Potential

Career potential in the environmental area is good and continually improving. Graduates in the ecological sciences with hands on experience are at a greater advantage when pursuing careers in a number of settings: state, local and national government agencies, consulting firms, non-profit advocacy organizations, private industry and teaching.  A recent publication, "The 100 Best Jobs for the 1990s and Beyond" states:

Prospects are good for environmental and natural resources careers. Public concern about hazardous wastes, water pollution, recycling, global warming, acid rain, tropical deforestation, and endangered wildlife have spurred 16 federal environmental protection acts and several dozen land protection laws, all increasing ‘green’ job opportunities.

More Information on career opportunities is available from:

• the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography;
• the North American Lake Management Society;
• the New York State Federation of Lakes Association;
• the Environment Career Opportunities site.

Field Practicum

It is a common practice for students majoring in foreign studies, whether language, art, or political and economic systems, to travel because on-site experiences enhance their familiarity with the subject.  Young scientists, however, have been rarely offered similar experiences with living biotic communities.  Experts agree that hands-on field research is the most effective technique for attracting talented students to careers in science. They further state that too few such experiences are available.  SUNY College at Oneonta’s Biological Field Station has been providing on-site study opportunities for over one quarter of a century.

Facilities

The Biological Field Station serves as a focus for research activities in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. It offers the following modern research facilities in addition to traditional classroom resources:

•      A central multipurpose laboratory;
•      Two analytical laboratories;
•      An environmental microbiology laboratory;
•      A large aquarium room;
•      A library and office complex with graphics facility;
•      A constant-temperature equipment room;
•      A SCUBA locker;
•      Collections of flora and fauna;
•      Specimen prep lab;
•      Six power research boats, including a specially fitted 45-foot pontoon barge and numerous row boats.
•      State-of-the-art equipment for limnological research.

We conduct both applied and basic research.  The latter addresses a diversity of ecological topics, both aquatic and terrestrial.  These range from biological diversity and animal behavior to nutrient runoff and bio-control.  Our applied research focuses on limnology as it relates to lake management.  With some study sites in limited access areas, some projects spanning decades can be conducted.  Consequently, scientists can distinguish human disruptions of ecosystems from natural ones.  BFS studies help develop public policy to provide solutions for environmental problems.

Student Involvement

Summer 2007 Student Course Offerings

The relaxed atmosphere at the Biological Field Station and informal interactions between students and scientists enhance the learning process. Students participate in research activities carried on by staff and visiting researchers.  This approach integrates research and instructional roles into a single, coordinated effort addressing regional environmental problems and providing students with:  

● hands-on training in all phases of research;

● valuable problem solving skills;

● a greater understanding for environmental problems.

Currently, there are a few courses available at the Biological Field Station for undergraduate and graduate students.  If you wish to apply, please contact the Biological Field Station using the following link or complete the applications below and submit them to the addresses provided on the applications.

Summer 2007 Student Course Offerings

*Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader 
 

Course Number and Title		Application		Syllabus & Description
BIOLOGY 184 - INTRODUCTION TO AQUATIC BIOLOGY		MS Word Application     PDF Application*		Summer, 2005  course syllabus - MS Word                                                                Summer, 2005 course syllabus - PDF*
BIOLOGY 384 - AQUATIC BIOLOGY		MS Word Application       PDF Application*		Summer, 2005 course syllabus - MS Word     Summer, 2005 course syllabus - PDF*

Advanced Research Areas

Research is conducted at all sites used for Field Trips as well as several sites reserved solely for research:

• Greenwoods Conservancy;
• Maumee Swamp.