Biological Sciences: Western Illinois University

Laboratory of Sensory Biology

The Laboratory of Sensory Biology coordinates teaching and research activities between the Department of Biological Sciences at Western Illinois University in Macomb and Moline with The John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Faculty and students have research opportunities at the aquarium through this collaboration, including access to a state-of-the art bioacoustics laboratory. College level, WIU courses are taught either on site at the aquarium or via new distance learning technology. Courses are fully accredited by WIU and transferrable to other universities or colleges. Credits taken at the aquarium can be applied towards a MS degree in Biology at WIU, which includes thesis research, or a Graduate Certificate in Zoo and Aquaria Studies, which is 18 semester hours of graduate credit. Some courses are available for undergraduate students.

Mayauk And Male Calf

Note: All pictures courtesy of the Shedd Aquarium.

Senior Level and Graduate Courses Accredited by WIU and held at the Shedd Aquarium:

Marine Mammalogy, Zool 416G, 3 sem hr -- during summer and fall Mammals of the World
Zool 412G, 3 sem hr -- during fall Ichthyology
Zool. 414G, 3 sem hr -- periodic

Graduate Courses Accredited by WIU and available at the Shedd Aquarium:

Ecology of Southeast Alaska, Biol. 575, 3 sem hr
Biosystematics & Evolution, Biol. 503, 3 sem hr -- Core Class--during spring
Bioacoustics, Zool. 583, 3 sem. hr -- during spring
Animal Training, Zool. 585, 3 sem hr -- during fall
Marine Policy, Zool 575, 3 sem hr -- during fall
Biological Studies in Zoo and Aquaria, Zool 584, 3 sem. hr -- during spring
Zoo Practicum, Zool. 587, 3 sem. hr -- any semester

Courses Related to Thesis Research:

Survey of Biological Literature, Biol. 576, 1 sem. hr
Special Problems, Biol. 577, 1-3 sem. hr
Thesis Research, Biol. 600, 9 sem. hr
Thesis, Biol. 601, 3 sem.

Courses Taught as Telecourses or as Independent Study:

Biometrics, Biol. 501, 3 sem hr -- Core Class
Biomolecules, Biol. 502, 3 sem hr -- Core Class
Biosystematics & Evolution, Biol. 503, 3 sem hr -- Core Class.
Biology of Aging, Zool. 420G, 3 sem hr

Summer Courses Taught at WIU Kibbe Field Station, near Warsaw, Illinois:

Mississippi River Ecology, Lecture, Biol. 454G, 3 sem hr
Mississippi River Ecology, Laboratory, Biol. 455G, 1 sem. hr
Ornithology, Zool.410
Mammalogy, Zool. 412
Herpetology, Zool. 413
Streams Ecology, Zool. 453G

For Course Schedules and Registration Contact:

Dr. Jeanette Thomas

Laboratory of Sensory Biology

Western Illinois University Quad Cities

3561 60th St.

Moline, IL 61265

309-762-9481 ext 311; 309-762-6989 fax

E-mail: J-Thomas@wiu.edu

Shedd Aquarium Information