Dear all, Sorry for cross-posting. PRimer in Methods and Ecological Research (PRiMER) is a certificate and credit course starting on 2nd May 2016 and runs until 7th May 2016 at Gubbi Labs, India. Last date for application is *10th April 2016. *Please go through the details below and apply online at http://courses.gubbilabs.in/content/primer.
With best regards, Gururaja -- Gururaja KV, PhD Chief Scientist <http://www.gururajakv.net> Gubbi Labs LLP <http://www.gubbilabs.in> *PRiMER: Primer in Methods and Ecological Research* What is PRiMER? PRimer in Methods and Ecological Research is a certificate course designed and offered by Gubbi Labs to provide experiential learning on how to appreciate and pursue research in ecology. This is first of a kind intensive programme aimed at inspiring participants to be an ecologist, and imparting essential skills. Ecology, a unified field of biology, over the years has transcended boundaries of subjects like physics, chemistry, mathematics and social sciences. From being a mere observational and natural history based domain, ecology has progressed to enable the understanding of complex processes and behaviour seen in the natural world. PRiMER will enable the participants to venture into fields of natural history, environmental biology and theoretical ecology. The course is specifically designed for students and professionals alike. PRiMER is a 2 credit course with over 40 hours of contact teaching. It will be facilitated by faculty members comprising of an expert panel of ecologists and research scientists, with extensive experience in field ecology. Core faculty members include Drs. Gururaja KV and Sudhira HS. We will also draw insights and relevant skills from other subject experts. What to expect in PRiMER? The training will enable participants to carry out objective research across various disciplines. PRiMER exposes participants to the basic skills such as the art of asking research questions, project planning and management, hands-on training in census, sampling and monitoring techniques, ecological statistics, remote sensing, mapping (GIS, spatial analysis and modelling), science communication (presentations, writing scientific papers and popular articles) and writing grant proposals. It will also expose participants to soft skills such as effective leadership, adaptive management and highlight the importance of working in teams. Broad themes dealt in PRiMER 1. Introduction to Ecological Research: Fundamentals of research; planning and management of independent research; literature review; seeing the big picture and framing objective. The course will provide hands-on exposure to a mind-mapping tool (Freemind) and reference manager (Mendeley®). 2. Ecological Statistics: Fundamentals of data collection, database management and exploratory analysis; nature of data and data types (parametric and non-parametric); data visualisation; descriptive statistics; diversity indices; probability distributions; statistical hypothesis testing; choosing and using appropriate statistical tests. Introduction to tools for statistical analysis viz., Biodiversity Pro®, PAST®, R, RStudio™ . 3. Mapping and Modelling: Fundamentals of mapping and remote sensing; use of navigation gadgets (Garmin eTrex 30; Smartphone-based tools); geo-spatial analysis; species distribution modelling; geo-visualization; hands-on training in making maps. Tools exposed: QGIS®, MaxEnt, Google Earth® 4. Ecological Census and Monitoring techniques: Fundamentals of field data collection techniques; hands-on training in sampling techniques such as line and belt transects, point, quadrat, time-constrained, audio-visual encounter surveys; mark–re-capture techniques and camera trapping. Usage of automated data collecting devices (acoustics and weather monitoring). 5. Communicating Research: Fundamentals of science communication; the art of storytelling; the nuances of presentation skills and techniques, writing scientific and popular articles, and research grant proposals. Basics of science journalism; developing a communication message; writing a press release; pitching to reporters and giving effective sound and video bytes. PRiMER provides you with the tools necessary to synthesise field observations, analyse data, interpret, visualize and report findings in a succinct scientific framework. This intense field course will be beneficial to aspiring biologists, researchers, forest managers, teachers, environmental management consultants, nature enthusiasts and photographers. The training and skill sets inculcated in PRiMER are necessary tenets for a career in ecology and helpful in trans-disciplinary research. Certificates will be awarded to all participants upon course completion. Credits are subject to successful completion of the course and evaluation. Venue: Gubbi Labs Eco-Station, Gubbi, Tumakuru District, Karnataka State, India. Course Dates: 2nd May to 7th May 2016. Course Fee: Students (Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Ph.D. students and Postdocs; Independent Researchers): ₹ 10,000/- Professionals: ₹ 20,000/- Foreign nationals: US $ 500 Course fees include vegetarian food and a basic accommodation on sharing basis. Maximum number of participants: 20 Fellowships: Gubbi Labs Fellowship for Research is available for deserving candidates. Five Fellowships will be offered for whom the course fees will be waived off by 50 to 75%. Those aspiring for the fellowship can specifically mention while applying online. Participants have to bring their own laptop. Apply online at http://courses.gubbilabs.in/content/primer Last date for application: 10th April 2016 First list announcement: 15th April 2016 Second list announcement: 20th April 2016 Contact Us: Gubbi Labs LLP #2-182, 2nd Cross Extension, Gubbi—572216, Tumkuru District, Karnataka State, India Email: [email protected] Web: http://courses.gubbilabs.in/content/primer P: +91 94823 73575 | +91 94481 13575 | +91 94801 87502
