Western Illinois University: Macomb Campus

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 Moline with The John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and the Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, IL. Faculty and students have research opportunities at the aquarium and zoo through this collaboration. Graduate level, WIU courses are taught on site at the aquarium, onsite at the zoo, or via CODCE 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 or a Master's in Liberal Arts Sciences at WIU, which includes thesis research, or the Graduate Certificate in Zoo and Aquarium 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 

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