Dr. David Nelson

Biology of Terrestrial Vertebrates BLY 352 (4cr.):
Students will receive an introduction to the evolution, characteristics, classification, life history, ecology, and behavior of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The laboratory and field work will emphasize local species.

Ornithology BLY 455 (4cr.):
The course explores principles of classification, structure, distribution, migration, natural history, and adaptations of birds within an ecological context. Students will participate in field and laboratory identification of birds by habitat, size, form, color, and sound. Some field activates may occur at times other than regularly scheduled laboratory hours, i.e. weekend field trip.

The image on the right illustrates work done to learn a variety of new field techniques.

Herpetology BLY 470/570 (4cr.):
The class will focus on the evolution, classification, life history, distribution, ecology, and behavior of reptiles and amphibians, with special attention to representatives of the southeastern U.S. Students will participate in field and laboratory identification of reptiles and amphibians by habitat, size, form, color, and sound. Generally at least one weekend field trip will occur outside of normally scheduled laboratory hours.

On the left: Dr. Nelson with a Mud Snake.