Bio students to study on the beach and in the mountains

By Adam Reents, News Writing Student

Professor Anthony Stancampiano knows how to plan a vacation — he will be leading two biology classes to the Gulf Coast and Rocky Mountains for a credited getaway during spring break and May intersession, respectively.

The intricate ecosystems of the Gulf Coast seashore will provide biology lab training for 12 students during spring break in March.

The Gulf Coast Ecology class offers students the chance to earn four credits in biological science and spend four days on the beach during spring break. There, they will learn more about the region's ecology.

On March 17, students will leave for Texas. They will return March 23. The Gulf Coast Ecology class will go to Goose Island State Park near Corpus Christi.

The class will meet once a week for eight weeks before leaving for the Gulf Coast.

The cost is the price of tuition and fees, plus an additional $250.

For students who prefer the mountains, another special topics class will be offered.

Students will meet in the classroom for four days prior to their departure to the Rocky Mountains.

From May 29 to June 6, students will camp in the Rockies.

While camping, students will record and submit field notes from each daily excursion. They also will keep a journal. Cost is tuition and fees plus $325.

Following the completion of Yellowstone and Grand Tetons Ecology, students will go on an eight-day excursion in the Rockies.

“The Special Topics in Ecology courses are designed to offer a live-in classroom experience,” Stancampiano said. “We meet in the classroom to discuss ecosystem dynamics, then we go in the field and see these various processes happen.

“Students can learn so much more about the environment when they can hear about it in the classroom, then see it in person,” Stancampiano said.

Students also will participate in a variety of events including biding, collecting organisms, or visiting local state parks and aquariums.

A maximum of 12 students will be allowed to go on each trip.

For more information, contact Stancampiano at 405-682-1611, ext. 7788.