Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation
Graduate and Professional Training Courses
At the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
Visit our New Website at http://SMconservation.gmu.edu for more
course details and for instructions on how to apply. The courses
below will be held in a brand-new sustainably built Academic Quad,
including new classrooms, dining commons and residential facility.
Estimating Animal Abundance and Occupancy
April 1-May 12, 2013 (must apply now to be considered!)
This course is designed to provide a strong theoretical and
analytical background to both graduate students and professionals in
distance sampling, mark-recapture, and occupancy modeling techniques,
with a strong focus on the practical use of field data in the
programs DISTANCE, MARK and PRESENCE. In the intensive 2-week
program, a detailed treatment of theoretical concepts and case
studies for each type of analysis is followed by computer work with
each respective program. Exercises will include use of real field
data, and focus on identifying problems with one's dataset, selecting
appropriate models, and interpreting analysis results. Case studies
will focus on vertebrate studies, primarily involving birds and
terrestrial mammals. Each course module will be led by a different
team of expert instructors. Mark-recapture analysis in the program
MARK will be taught by Dr. Gary White, and occupancy modeling in the
program PRESENCE will be led by Dr. Jim Hines and Dr. Evan Grant from
the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.
Species Monitoring and Conservation: Terrestrial Mammals
April 29-May 10, 2013 (apply before February 18)
Terrestrial Mammals teaches current techniques in the assessment and
monitoring of wild mammal populations, including bats and terrestrial
species of all sizes. During the 12-day intensive residential
session, participants will learn the principles of study design,
practice the range of field assessment methods currently available,
and use the latest techniques to analyze these data. Participants
will also learn museum voucher collection and preparation, use of
software packages MARK and DISTANCE, and the application of
monitoring data to decision-making and population management. Primary
instruction is provided by scientists and staff of the Smithsonian
Conservation Biology Institute, the National Museum of Natural
History, and other universities and conservation organizations. Key
instructors include Kris Helgen, Roland Kays, Joe Kolowski and
Hillary Young with guest lectures by Don Wilson, DeeAnn Reeder and others.
Participants in SMSC courses can earn Continuing Education Units or
graduate course credits (at extra cost and upon completion of
additional coursework) through George Mason University depending on
qualifications.
Additional Upcoming Courses:
* Species Monitoring and Conservation: Reptiles (May 13-24, 2013) - new course!
* Non-Invasive Genetic Techniques in Wildlife Conservation (June 1-7, 2013)
* Adaptive Management for Conservation Success (June 10-21, 2013)
* Species Monitoring and Conservation: Migratory Birds (Sept. 9-20,
2013) - new course!
* Spatial Ecology, Geospatial Analysis and Remote Sensing for
Conservation (Sept. 30- Oct. 11, 2013
* Conservation Breeding Centers for Wildlife Sustainability (Oct.
7-14, 2013) - new course!
* Applied Climate Change: Gaining practical skills for climate change
adaptation (Oct. 21-Nov. 1, 2013)
