[Please post and distribute widely; apologies for cross-posting] 2011 Graduate/Professional Training Courses Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program, Front Royal, VA For more information, visit http://conservationtraining.si.edu or e-mail [email protected]
Spatial Ecology, Geospatial Analysis, & Remote Sensing March 14-25, 2011 **Deadline for registration: January 28** Learn to use GIS tools to address conservation research problems, quantifying effects of human-induced global change on wildlife and biodiversity. Hands-on lab exercises (e.g. land cover mapping; home range analysis; modeling habitat selection; mapping species distributions) use remote sensing data and SCBI field surveys to monitor global changes, assess impacts on wildlife, and develop mitigating strategies. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/SCBI/MAB/GMU/spatial.cfm Species Monitoring & Conservation: Terrestrial Mammals April 18-29, 2011 Explore current techniques in assessment and monitoring of wild mammal populations, including bats. Participants learn principles of study design; current field assessment methods; data analysis techniques including MARK and DISTANCE software; application of monitoring data to decision-making and population management; and collection and preparation of museum voucher specimens. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/SCBI/MAB/GMU/terremammals.cfm Effective Conservation Leadership May 3-13, 2011 What makes for a successful conservation leader? Conservation professionals need to know more than science to lead effectively. Employing real-life environmental and conservation case studies, this course addresses key conservation leadership skills, including cross-cultural learning, team-building and support, project management, applied conservation ethics, effective communication, and conflict resolution. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/SCBI/MAB/GMU/leadership.cfm Non-Invasive Genetic Techniques in Wildlife Conservation May 22-27, 2011 Learn how new developments in non-invasive genetics allow biologists and managers to answer questions in animal behavior, population biology and population management. Course participants will work through directed research projects, from study design through field data collection, sampling protocols, and DNA extraction and amplification, to analysis of microsatellite and sequence data. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/SCBI/MAB/GMU/genetics.cfm Adaptive Management for Conservation Success June 6-17, 2011 Working in teams on a real conservation project, participants practice conceptualizing projects, formulating objectives and providing evidence of conservation results. The course builds skills in designing, planning and implementing effective projects, in providing clear evidence of measurable conservation impact, and in use of Miradi adaptive management software. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/SCBI/MAB/GMU/adaptive.cfm For information on the Applied Conservation Science Graduate Certificate see: mccs.gmu.edu/courses/ For information on the Applied Conservation Science Professional Certificate see: www.ocpe.gmu.edu/programs/green/applied_conservation.html
