2 SUMMER COURSES in Primate Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation: “Primate Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation” (3 credits), June 18-July 1, 2018, held at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia.
“Primate Behavior and Conservation in Peru” (3 credits), July 6-July 24, 2018, held at the Los Amigos Biological Field Station or Centro de Investigación y Capacitación Río Los Amigos (CICRA), located in Madre de Dios, Peru. Courses offered by the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation and overseas coordination by the Global Education Office at George Mason University. Led by Dr. Anneke DeLuycker, http://smconservation.gmu.edu/faculty_staff/anneke-deluycker/ Primates are one of the most charismatic yet highly endangered vertebrate groups on the planet; more than half of all primate species are under threat of extinction in the wild. These courses provide training in field methodology in conducting research on primates. They also address the need to develop research that will help to inform and engage conservation solutions for primates and their habitats. Primate Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation The first course, “Primate Behavior, Ecology and Conservation” (CONS 480/CONS 580), held June 18-July 1, is a 2-week course that gives students theoretical and practical experience in conducting research on primates. The skills learned in this course will help guide students in developing a research project proposal that covers the basics of research design including developing a pertinent research question, hypothesis, and appropriate methodology. This course is held at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation based at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, in Front Royal, Virginia. In this course students will: • Identify the behavioral and ecological strategies that primates employ and their role in the ecological community • Carry out basic field methods relevant to the study of primates • Learn about various conservation challenges that primates face • Design a research study focused on primate biology, behavior, and ecological adaptations Tuition and Fees: This course gives 3 credit hours. Undergraduate: In-State: $1,954, Out- of-State: $5,695; Graduate: In-State: $2,380, Out-of-State: $3,452. Additional fees: $60 (Educational Resource fee), $80 (Lab fee), $48 (Course fee). (Fees based on Spring 2018 rates; subject to change). Room and board provided on-site in residential-style accommodations (all meals and lodging in dorm-style room). Who May Apply: • These courses are open to undergraduate students in good academic standing (minimum GPA of 2.25) as well as graduate students (minimum GPA of 3.0), recent graduates (post-baccalaureates), non-degree seeking students and non-Mason students. • Course is limited to a small number of participants; register early to reserve a spot! How to Apply: Mason Students: Register in Patriot Web (CONS 480 is undergraduate level; CONS 580 is graduate level) Non-Mason Students: Apply as a non-degree-seeking student at www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 10, 2018 Primate Behavior and Conservation in Peru Students have the option to register for an “add-on” field experience course, “Primate Behavior and Conservation in Peru” (CONS 497), held July 6-24, offered through the George Mason Study Abroad Global Education Office (GEO). In this course, students conduct independent research on primate species in the wild, in a tropical rainforest setting. Building off skills and techniques learned in the companion theory and methods course (CONS 480/580), students will carry out their independent research through the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, and will summarize research in a written report and present findings in an oral presentation. Students will also learn first-hand the conservation issues affecting tropical forests in this region and strategies used to mitigate these concerns. The course is held at Los Amigos Biological Station, or Centro de Investigación y Capacitación Río Los Amigos (CICRA), in Madre de Dios, Peru. This field station is managed by the Amazon Conservation Association (ACA) (www.amazonconservation.org). Tuition and Fees: Course fee: $3,625 -Fee includes: Tuition for 3 credits, daily room and board at CICRA field station (all meals and lodging in dorm-style room), round-trip ground transportation to/from field station, hotel accommodations in Puerto Maldonado at the beginning and end of program, guest lectures by researchers conducting long-term research at the field station, international emergency medical insurance. -Fees not included: Airfare, passport fees, required field equipment (binoculars, field notebooks, digital watch, rubber boots, headlamp, etc; full equipment list will be provided.), personal spending, required textbooks and/or course materials. Support: 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. Who May Apply: • These courses are open to undergraduate students in good academic standing (minimum GPA of 2.25) as well as graduate students (minimum GPA of 3.0), recent graduates (post-baccalaureates), non-degree seeking students and non-Mason students. • Students are expected to be in adequate physical condition and able to hike/walk within a tropical rainforest on a daily basis. • As this course is in the Amazon rainforest, there are disease risks. There are no required vaccinations for travel to Peru, but there are some recommendations. • 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. How to Apply: • To register, go to: https://masonabroad.gmu.edu/index.cfm? FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10078 For more information about these courses, contact: Dr. Anneke DeLuycker, Assistant Professor of Conservation Studies Course Instructor, Academic Director Email address: adelu...@gmu.edu Phone number: 540-635-0463 Denise Elles-Mdahuar, Study Abroad Program Manager Email address: delle...@gmu.edu Phone number: 703-993-2155; Toll free: 866-468-1243
