OTS Specialty Course: Conservation and Biodiversity Genetics taught by Jim Hamrick, Erich Fuchs, and John Wares
This is an intensive, two-week course aimed at providing ecologists, biologists, geneticists, and students from similar disciplines with an overview of conservation genetics and related issues in neotropical biodiversity. The course is supported by a grant from the American Genetics Association. Course topics include: measurement of genetic diversity, phylogeography, application of molecular data to taxonomic questions, gene flow, mating systems and effective population size estimates, habitat fragmentation and restoration. We will also discuss the cost-effectiveness of different approaches, the underlying theory as it applies to conservation questions, and the best ways to integrate experimental and field-based data with these analytical results. Local conservation experts will present invited lectures on conservation issues in Costa Rica. Topics will be covered through lectures, discussions, and readings in the primary literature. We will integrate a workshop component into each topic, where we will discuss and present pertinent computer software and will critique the advantages and disadvantages of the available software packages. Students will be given an opportunity to present and discuss their own conservation research projects. When: 18-31 May 2008 Where: Costa Rica, Palo Verde Biological Station Participants: Graduate students in biology, ecology, genetics and related disciplines Application deadline: February 15, 2008 for priority consideration, followed by rolling admission until fully enrolled (22 students) Tuition: $1500 OTS consortium applicants $2000 non-consortium applicants Partial scholarships of $500 may be requested. Awards will be based on academic merit and proven financial need, with priority given to students from consortium institutions. For further information: for registration information contact Barbara Lewis ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) or the OTS website at www.ots.duke.edu for course content, contact Jim Hamrick ([EMAIL PROTECTED]@uga.edu) or John Wares ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
