dates:              To be offered in 2009 or 2010

credit hours:    2 semester credits

total cost:        tbd

Prerequisite: One year of college level introductory biology or equivalent.

 Descriptive comparative embryology has deep 19th century roots that helped biologists understand developmental patterns and body plans in different groups of animals. When fused with molecular and genetic information from modern developmental biology and ecological perspectives from the comparative study of life-history strategies, this material can yield potent explanations for the diversity of animal forms. Students are encouraged to explore animal groups and developmental patterns of special interest to them, using the rich fauna of the Gulf of Maine. Extensive fieldwork and collecting, combined with laboratory techniques in microscopy, photomicrography and culture of invertebrate embryos, enhance lecture material.

Faculty:
Dr. William Bemis
Director, Shoals Marine Laboratory
Faculty, Cornell Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology