SUMMER FIELD COURSE in Primate Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation
Coordination by the Center for Global Education at George Mason University. Led by Dr. Anneke DeLuycker, http://smconservation.gmu.edu/faculty_staff/anneke-deluycker/ http://studyabroad.gmu.edu/programs/summerstudy/peru-primate.html Program Description: This is a 6-credit, hands-on summer field program, held at the Los Amigos Biological Field Station or Centro de Investigación y Capacitación Río Los Amigos (CICRA), located in the Department of Madre de Dios, Peru. This course will provide students with an exposure to essential techniques in field methodology to conduct research on primates in the wild, in a tropical rainforest setting. It will also give an overview of current conservation issues and strategies for dealing with decreasing primate populations in the wild. The course involves lectures, field- based exercises in primatological methods, and development of an independent research project while at the field site. Students will learn how to: • Interpret the behavior of living primates in relation to proximate or ultimate functions; • Understand how ecology, behavior, and life history influence primate abundance, distribution, and population dynamics; • Recognize the role of primates within the ecosystem and the interconnected roles of primates with other species; • Emphasize the conservation status of primates and their importance as flagship species; and • Explore current conservation strategies and management strategies in protection of primates and their habitats. Entrance Requirements: • This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students with a cumulative GPA of 2.25, including students who do not attend George Mason University. • Non-students are welcome to apply, with space provided in priority to registered students. • Previous coursework in biology, ecology, evolution or related subjects are required, as well as a strong interest to learn more about primate ecology and conservation. • Students are expected to be in adequate physical condition and able to hike and walk within a tropical rainforest on a daily basis. • As this course is held in the Amazon rainforest, there are disease risks. There are no required vaccinations for travel to Peru, but there are some recommendations. • Course is limited to a small number of students; apply early to obtain a spot! Tuition/Fees: $3,850 Fees covered: -Tuition (6 credits) -Pre-departure orientation -Emergency medical insurance, including medical evacuation and repatriation -Round-trip transportation from Puerto Maldonado to the field station, including 2-nights stay in hostel in Puerto Maldonado -Daily room and board at CICRA field station, including lodging in dorm- style room, meals 3x/day and snacks -Instruction and training by an experienced faculty member -Guest lectures by primate researchers conducting long-term research at the field station. -Cultural experience (tour & ruins) and 2-nights lodging in Lima at beginning of course Fees not covered: -Round-trip international airfare (U.S.—Lima, Peru) -Round-trip in-country airfare (Lima—Puerto Maldonado) -Meals, souvenirs and other incidentals in Lima -Required field equipment, including binoculars, field notebooks, digital watch, rubber boots, headlamp, etc. A full equipment list will be provided upon request. Support (scholarships/travel): Scholarships are available to George Mason students. George Mason students may also use financial aid to cover a program's cost. If you are not a George Mason university student check with your study abroad office or office of financial aid to learn more about how to cover the cost of your study abroad. Start/End Dates: June 14 – July 7, 2016 Application Deadline: March 18, 2016 (rolling admission application process) Comments: -This is a remote field station, only accessible by boat. Students must be prepared to adjust to life in the humid, wet tropics with basic accommodations. -For questions concerning course requirements, syllabus, or required field equipment, contact the faculty Academic Director, Dr. Anneke DeLuycker at [email protected] To apply or for more information, visit the websites listed below: http://masonabroad.gmu.edu/index.cfm? FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10078 http://studyabroad.gmu.edu/programs/summerstudy/peru-primate.html Contact info to apply: Email address: [email protected] Contact name: Denise Elles-Mdahuar Phone number: 703-993-2155; Toll free: 866-468-1243
