BIOSM 4650

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - January 30, 2026 3:06PM EST

BIOSM 4650
Shark Biology and Conservation

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

The last 30 years have produced an explosion of new information on the biology of the approximately 1,000 living species of sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras, which collectively make up the group Chondrichthyes. This course will cover advanced topics in the evolution, diversity, anatomy, functional morphology, neurobiology, sensory systems, behavior, reproduction, development, and conservation of cartilaginous fishes.


Prerequisites at least one semester of major-level marine biology or vertebrate biology.

Distribution Requirements (OPHLS-AG), (BIO-AS)

Exploratory Studies (CU-SBY)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025SU, 2024SU, 2023SU, 2022SU

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to describe elasmobranch phylogeny and evolution.
  • Students will be able to explain how evolution has resulted in a wide variety of elasmobranch anatomical, physiological and morphological specializations.
  • Students will develop skills and research methods used to advance understanding of shark biology, ecology and conservation.
  • Students will be able to cite current and past shark research, and study elasmobranch species in the Gulf of Maine.

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none

  •   Summer Special Session 2. 

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  1391 BIOSM 4650   FLD 801

    • MTWRFSSu
    • Jul 13 - Jul 27, 2026

    • Staff

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

    This Summer Session class is offered by the School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions. For details visit: https://sce.cornell.edu/.

    Department Consent Required (Add)