Biology Track

 Biology Component 1

INSECTS CAN BE USED in criminal investigations and are often carefully studied at crime scenes. Many insects and other arthropods are naturally attracted to dead animals in the environment, including humans. We will look at the types of insects used in forensic investigations and collect local species that are of value in these investigations by inducing carrion succession in the field.  The project will be carried out at the Ohio Wesleyan University nature preserves, and we will use microscopy and molecular techniques in the laboratory to compare various scenarios.

Instructor

• Dr. Ramon A. Carreno, Associate Professor, OWU Zoology Department

Biology Component 2

BIRD WATCHING will be taken to another level in this class.  Besides spending time outdoors learning how to catch, sample plumage, band, measure, and release birds back into the wild, students will culture the bacteria, fungi, and yeasts harvested from their feathers.  They will explore the different characteristics of the microorganisms found in the nests by taking samples from active nests of swallows and bluebirds.  Visiting different habitats in central Ohio to learn what species live in those places and how that affects the microorganisms that live on their feathers will also be a part of this class.

Instructor

• Dr. Edward (Jed) Burtt, Professor, OWU Zoology Department