Hi all, The annual Michigan State University study abroad course Behavioral Ecology of African Mammals (BEAM) runs May 12 – June 1, 2017 in Kenya, East Africa. This course provides students with the opportunity to do hands-on research in the fields of animal behavior, ecology, and evolutionary biology by directly observing and collecting data on species ranging from elephants and grass rats to lions and hyenas. *The course is open to undergraduate students from any university. *
*If you or your students are interested, please email straus46 [at] msu.edu <http://msu.edu> for more information. *Interested students are encouraged to attend one of our upcoming information meetings, which are scheduled for Tuesday November 1 from 6-7pm and Wednesday November 9 from 6:30-7:30pm in Natural Sciences 203C*.* Students from other institutions can attend remotely via Skype or another related platform. The course website can be found at: *http://www.holekamplab.org/study-abroad-beam.html <http://www.holekamplab.org/study-abroad-beam.html>* Course description: This program, offered through the College of Natural Sciences, focuses on the behavior of African mammals and the ecological variables that shape their behavior. Students begin by identifying and becoming familiar with resident mammals during twice-daily game drives, during which safari vehicles are used as mobile classrooms. They then move on to making detailed observations of individual animals and groups and monitoring their interactions. Ultimately, students use a variety of techniques for data collection to test hypotheses suggesting explanations for particular types of observed behaviors. During daily lectures, invited talks, and student-led discussions, students apply the scientific method to the study of behavioral ecology, the effect of human populations on the behavior of wild animals, and conservation of Africa's fauna. The course focuses on the African mammals inhabiting four of Africa's most spectacular game-viewing areas. The curriculum is designed to exploit the extraordinary richness and diversity of each park's mammalian fauna, keeping in mind the ease with which animals can be observed. Students also have the opportunity to experience traditional Maasai culture and learn first-hand about its relationship with the Kenyan landscape. Thanks, Eli
