what are TBA courses -Tropical Biology Association -

Training:

What are TBA courses?

The one month long TBA courses are taught at masters level and highlight up to date concepts and techniques in tropical ecology and conservation. Courses are taught by an international group of esteemed biologists. The TBA selects equal numbers of European and African participants (approximately 24 participants on each course) representing around 12 or 13 different countries. Due to the high demand for course places, students may only attend one month-long course.
The courses comprise of lectures, seminars, and are enhanced by field work which demonstrate how current concepts are being approached and the kinds of techniques which are used in the field.
The latter half of the course focuses on project research design. Participants get the opportunity to design and undertake their own research project during the course. The projects are written up and presented as a paper at the end of the course.

Aims of the courses

The TBA field courses aim to introduce participants to the excitement, challenges and opportunities of biological research and conservation in tropical habitats through various approaches:

Fostering expertise by providing practical training and experience in the tropics.
An emphasis on building skills and understanding, rather than accumulating factual information.
Essential training in project design and implementation.
Investigate the complex problems of tropical ecology and conservation by highlighting a selection of current issues, controversies and techniques.
The cultural diversity allows the opportunity to share ideas and learn from each others' experiences, to share ideas, make contacts and transfer ecological expertise helping to build links for future collaboration.
The courses cover a range of topics in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, experimental design, and field techniques. Teaching is carried out by leading academics from Europe, Africa and USA. Case studies on topical conservation/research issues are also provided by visiting local biologists. This cross-cultural teaching helps academics develop collaborative links.

The OTS (Organisation for Tropical Studies) exchange

The TBA runs an exchange programme with OTS whereby students from TBA member institutions are eligible for some OTS courses.For example, OTS 1 and OTS 3 Tropical Biology are aimed at graduate level and are particularly suitable for students enrolled in postgraduate studies at PhD level who are in their first or second year.

Click here for full details.

The Tropical Biology and Conservation courses are 7-8 weeks long and are held in Costa Rica and visit a number of biological field stations within the country. TBA member students may also be eligible to apply for additional courses run by the OTS (please check with TBA before applying).

OTS course fees (for students from TBA member institutions):

OTS-3 Tropical Biology: An Ecological Approach (Commencing 9 June -31 July 2006). This course costs $2500.

OTS-9 Tropical Plant Systematics (14 June - 17 July 2006), tuition to be announced.

OTS-1 Tropical Biology: An Ecological Approach (late January to mid March 2007). Tuition $2,500 or to be announced.

If you are interested in either of these courses please contact the TBA at courses@tropical-biology.org. DO NOT SEND YOUR APPLICATIONS TO OTS. The TBA office will process your application on behalf of the OTS in the first instance.

Frequently asked questions:

How much scientific background do I need to go on the course?
Teaching is at masters level. European/US participants must have completed at least 3 years of a biological science degree by the course start date. African students must hold a biological degree by the course start date. Field research methods relevant to the course will be taught in the field. An enthusiasm for tropical biology and/or conservation and a willingness to participate fully on the course is essential.

Is tropical experience necessary for the course?
Previous tropical experience is not essential. The courses are an introduction to tropical biology and we feel that an enthusiasm to learn equals experience.

Who will be the teaching on the course?
The TBA brings together leading biologists from Africa, Europe/US to teach on the courses. Each course is slightly different depending on the expertise/background of the individual teachers, but the course curriculum is standard for every course. Local conservation practitioners are also invited on the courses to provide case studies on topical/local issues.

When do I need to apply by?
The deadline for the course applications is the 20th February of the same year. Late applications will not be considered.

How do I apply?
All applications must be in English and must include a completed application form, a covering letter, a curriculum vitae, and two confidential references. Click here on how to apply for more details.

Can more than one person from the same institution attend the same course?
Each applicant is taken on a case by case basis. We try to ensure that there is a balance of gender and nationalities on the courses. Individuals from the same institution are likely to be offered different courses.

Can I apply for more than one course?
Successful applicants will only be offered for one course place. But they can select more than one course that they would like to go on. Applicants that do not have preference for an exact course may have a higher chance of being accepted.

Chameleon tail

How long are the courses?
The courses are all one-month long. However, they are very intensive as they're packed full with seminars, field based research practicals, lectures and research projects. The courses are hard-work, but the more you put into the course, the more you'll get out of it and benefit from the whole learning experience.

How much do the courses cost?
For African applicants full scholarships are available. This covers course fees, subsistence, travel to/from the course.

For European applicants from TBA member institutions (click here to view our list of members) course fees* are 600 pounds sterling

For European applicants from non TBA member institutions course fees* are 900 pounds sterling.

*Fees do not cover airfares, insurance or visa costs.

Is any funding available to help towards the cost of the course?
All European applicants are eligible for a scholarship from the British Ecology Society for approximately 200 pounds sterling. Details on applying for scholarships will be given to the successful applicants when they are notified.

I'm concerned about security and safety issues in the country that the course is being run in.
The TBA takes security and safety issues very seriously and whilst it is not possible to foresee the unexpected, the TBA would not run a course where there was a risk of insecurity. The TBA receives regular updates about the security situation from its contacts in the course countries, as well as from the UK Government Offices in London. If you are still concerned, we suggest that you contact your country's relevant High Commission or Foreign Office or the UK Foreign Office.

Is there any serious health risks or considerations I should know about?
Tropical Biology Association courses are physically demanding, involving some walking on difficult terrain and working in climatic extremes. You should be in good health and should inform us of any existing health conditions or of any medication being taken.

The TBA will provide all successful applicants with a comprehensive information pack on how to prepare for the courses, what to take, health issues etc. However, we do recommend that all participants consult their own doctor about health advice, vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis before the course.

How should I prepare for the course beforehand?
We do provide all participants with a recommended reading list, and useful field guides etc in the course guides. However, the TBA have a comprehensive book and journals library on each of the courses so you will have plenty of opportunities to investigate the literature during the courses themselves.

What do I have to bring on the courses?
The TBA will provide all necessary field and lab equipment, but we will send you an information pack detailing recommendation for what you should bring (clothes, medical kit, etc).

Comments from past course participants:

"I enjoyed the course so much. I have never had such an experience before and I learnt more than I ever did at the University." African student

"Excellent course, thank you! Now I can make an informed decision about the kind of research I want to do." European student

"Have thoroughly enjoyed the course, and particularly appreciate a chance to meet other students and teachers in this field of study from such a wide range of cultures." European student

"The course has given me the incentive to engage myself in scientific research and conservation." African student
Strelitzia flower

"I would like to thank the TBA for their great role in developing a network of biologists both in Africa and Europe." (African student)

"It is truly astounding how much it is possible to learn in one month. It wasn't just the field exercises and lectures, but it was the opportunity to talk and learn from people that were practically involved in research and management." (European student)

"The different research techniques that I learnt from the course are valuable and the knowledge acquired will be of great use to me as a research tool in my future research work." (African student)

"I would firmly recommend a Tropical Biology Association Field Course to any student wishing to consolidate and expand his or her grounding in tropical biology and aspects of conservation." (European student)

Comments from previous course teachers:

"I've benefited from the general organisation of the TBA courses in terms of the mix and scheduling of lectures, field activities as well as individual projects and have made pool of potential contacts." (Ugandan teacher, 2005)

"I have gained skills in teaching a mixed group (nationalities, academic interests, institutional cultures, life experiences, personalities, cultures etc)....and I've benefited from the general organisation of the TBA courses in terms of the mix and scheduling of lectures, field activities as well as individual projects. I 've used some of the experiences to plan my field exercises for students in my home institution." (Ugandan teacher, 2005)

"I learned from TBA students and other instructors, about them and most importantly about myself through a direct action of teaching and an open comradeship. I am among hundreds of TBA alumni who are involved in strengthening training and research programs in Africa." (Rwandan teacher and TBA alumnus, 2005)

"I found the course excellent - the content, the teachers and the studetns, the supporting staff and the overall organisation. Great experience." (Tanzanian teacher, 2006)

List of Teachers (1994-2007)

Here is the list of teachers that have taught on TBA courses since 1994. If any of the information is now out of date please contact the webmaster so that it can be amended.

AUSTRALIA
Metcalfe, Dr Daniel, Tropical Forest Research Centre, CSIRO

AUSTRIA
Hoedl, Professor Walter, Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna

CZECH REPUBLIC
Novotny, Professor Vojtech, University of South Bohemia

DENMARK
Lovei, Dr Gabor, Department of Crop Protection, Danish Institute of Agriculture
Olesen, Dr Jens, Dept of Ecology and Genetics, University of Aarhus
Poulsen, Dr Axel, Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen

ETHIOPIA
Demissew, Professor Sebsebe, Faculty of Science, National Herbarium

FRANCE
Duncan, Professor Patrick, Centre D'etudes Biologiques de Chize
Fritz, Dr Herve, Centre D'etudes Biologiques de Chize
Halle, Professor Francis, Montpellier University
Harry, Dr Miriam, UFR de Sciences, University of Paris
Lachaise, Dr Daniel, Population Genetics and Evolution, CNRS
McKey, Professor Doyle, Montpellier University
Rasplus, Dr Jean-Yves, Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations, Montpellier University
Said, Dr Sonia, ONCFS-CNERA

GERMANY
Boppre, Professor Michael, Forstzoologisches Institut, University of Freiburg
Jehle, Dr Robert, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Bielefield University
Renner, Professor Susanne, Institute of Systematic Botany, University of Munich
Wagner, Dr Thomas, Institut fur Biologie, University of Koblentse

IRELAND
Taylor, Dr David, Department of Geography, Trinity College Dublin

KENYA
Bagine, Dr Richard, Research and Planning, Kenya Wildlife Service
Dodson, Mr Rob, Taita Discovery Centre
Gatheru, Mr Simon, Education Department, National Museums of Kenya
Georgiadis, Dr Nick, Mpala Research Centre
Githiru, Dr Mwangi, National Museums of Kenya
Gordon, Dr Iain, Environmental Health, ICIPE
Kinyamario, Professor Jenesio, Department of Botany, University of Nairobi
Kuria, Mr Anthony, Tropical Biology Association
Lange, Mr Charles, Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museums of Kenya
Masinde, Dr Siro, East African Herbarium, National Museums of Kenya
Muasya, Dr Abraham Muthama, East African Herbarium, National Museums of Kenya
Muchiri, Dr Mucai, Department of Fisheries, Moi University
Mwasi, Dr Shem, Moi University
Obade, Dr Paul, Naivasha Wildlife & Fisheries Training Institute
Odera, Dr JA, RPSUD, National Museums of Kenya
Ogada, Mr Mordecai, National Museums of Kenya
Ogol, Dr Callistus, Department of Zoology, Kenyatta University
Oguge, Dr Nicholas, Earthwatch Institute
Okeyo, Mr Daniel, Kenyatta University
Otieno, Dr Dennis, Maseno University
Wahungu, Dr Jeff, Moi University
Western, Dr David, African Conservation Centre
Wishitemi, Assistant Professor Bob, Department of Tourism, Moi University

MADAGASCAR
Edmond, Mr Roger, Parcs Nationaux Madagascar
Dammhahn, Melanie, German Primate Centre, Kirindy Forest
Fichtel, Dr Claudia, German Primate Centre, Kirindy Forest
Goodman, Dr Steve, WorldWide Fund for Nature
Jeannoda, Mme, Department de Plant Ecologie, University of Antananarivo
Jones, Dr Julia, Conservation International
Quinash, Dr Nat, Centre de Formation Professionelle Forestiere
Rabakonandrianina, Dr Elizabeth, Dept. de Biologie et Ecologie, University of Antananarivo
Raharimalala, Dr Fidele, University of Antananarivo
Rakotoarisao, Professor Jean Aime, Musee Universite
Rakotondravony, Dr Daniel, Dept. Animal Biology, University of Antananarivo
Ramilijaona, Dr Olga, University of Antananarivo
Rasoloarison, Rodin, Dept. de Paleontologie et d'Anthropologie Biologique, University of Antananarivo
Ratsirarson, Joelisoa, Dept. des Eaux et Forets, University of Antananarivo
Ravoahangimalala, Dr Olga, University of Antananarivo
Razafimanantsoa, Mr Leon, German Primate Centre, Kirindy Forest

MALAYSIA
Adam, Dr Jumat, Danum Valley Field Centre
Ahmad, Mr Hamid, Danum Valley Field Centre
Boonratana, Dr Ramesh, Danum Valley Field Centre
Faizul, Dr Mageed, Danum Valley Field Centre
Howlett, Dr Bruce, Danum Valley Field Centre
Hussin, Dr Zakaria, Danum Valley Field Centre
Mazlan, Dr, Universiti Malaysia Sabah UKMS
Mohamed, Professor Maryati, University of Sabah
Tg Adlin, Mr Dato, Yayassan Sabah
Tilbrook, Ms Katrina, Danum Valley Field Centre

POLAND
Gliwicz, Dr Maciej, Warsaw University

NAMIBIA
Barnard, Dr Phoebe, National Botanical Institute, Global Invasive Species Programme

NETHERLANDS
Brakefield, Professor Paul, Institute of Biology , Leiden University
Galis, Dr Frietson, Institute of Biology , Leiden University
Kuyper, Dr Thomas, Department of Soil Quality, Wageningen University
Lessells, Dr Kate, Netherlands Institute of Ecology
Sevenster, Dr Jan, NATURE Department, Leiden University
Tinbergen, Dr Joost, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen
Van Alphen, Professor Jacques, Institute of Biology , Leiden Unversity

NEW ZEALAND
Emberson, Dr Rowan, Lincoln University
Hulme, Prof Phil, Lincoln University
Syrett, Dr Pauline, Lincoln University

SOUTH AFRICA
Bond, Professor William, Department of Botany, University of Cape Town
Burger, Mr Marius, University of Western Cape
Bytebier, Dr Benny, Biochemistry Department, University of Stellenbosch
Cherry, Dr Mike, Department of Zoology, University of Stellenbosch
Kruger, Dr Laurence, University of Cape Town/Organization of Tropical Studies
Midgley, Prof Jeremy, Botany Department, University of Cape Town
Mills, Mr Michael, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology
Owen-Smith, Professor Norman, Birdlife International
Van Noort, Dr Simon, Unit of Entomology, South African Museum

SWAZILAND
Monadjem, Prof Ara, University of Swaziland

SWEDEN
Carlson, Dr Allan, Department of Conservation, University of Uppsala
Elmqvist, Professor Thomas, Department of Systems Ecology, University of Stockholm
Knudsen, Dr Jette, Lund University

SWITZERLAND
Bruderer, Professor Bruno, Swiss Ornithology Institute
Erhardt, Dr Andreas, Institut fur Natur Landschafts und Umweltschutz, University of Basel
Gigord, Luc, Institute of Ecology , University of Lausanne
Kawecki, Dr Tad, Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne
Newbery, Professor David, Vegetation Ecology Group, University of Bern
Seehausen, Dr Ole, Department of Fish Ecology and Evolution, University of Berne

TANZANIA
Gillah, Dr P, Department of Wood Utilization, Sokoine University of Agriculture
Hella, J, Agri-economics and Agri-Businesses, Sokoine University of Agriculture
Howell, Professor Kim, University of Dar es Salaam
Ismail, Dr Flora, University of Dar es Salaam
Madoffe, Professor Seif, Department of Forest Biology, Sokoine University of Agriculture
Maganga, Professor Samuel, Department of Wildlife Mangement, Sokoine University of Agriculture
Mashauri, Mr Shedrack, Eastern Arc Mountain Conservation Endowment Fund
Mbwambo, Mr Lawrence, Tanzania Forestry Research Institute
Mndolwa, Mr Ahmed, Amani Botanical Garden
Meshack, Mr Charles, Tanzanain Forest Conservation Group
Mremi, Josephine, Roots and Shoots Project
Munishi, Prof Pantaleo, Sokoine University
Mwihomeke, Mr Steven, Silvicultural Research Centre
Ndangalasi, Dr Henry, University of Dar es Salaam
Rajabu, Mr Iddy, Amani Nature Reserve
Reid, Dr Graham, International Development Research Centre
Ruffo, Mr C, National Tree Seed Project
Sawe, Mr Corodius, Amani Nature Reserve
Sesiwa, Mr Hamish, Amani Nature Reserve
Shoo, Professor Abeli, Forest Enginneering, Sokoine University of Agriculture
Wakibaara, Dr James, Tanzania National Parks

UGANDA
Akule, Mr Geofrey, Nature Uganda
Andama, Dr Edward, Gulu University
Badaza, Dr Rose, Herbarium, Makerere University
Baranga, Professor Jonathan, Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Basuta, Dr Gil, Department of Zoology, Makerere University
Byarugaba, Mr Dominic, Faculty of Science, University of Mbarara
Eilu, Dr Gerald, Forestry Department, Makerere University
Kakudidi, Dr Esezah, Makerere University
Kasenene, Dr John, Makerere University Biological Field Station
Kegwin, Michael , Uganda Conservation Foundation
Lwanga, Dr Jerry, Ngogo Field Station
Mafabi, Mr Paul, National Wetlands Programme
Mugisha, Ambrose, Nature Uganda
Mwima, Polycarp, Makerere University
Nantonga, Pauline, Nature Uganda
Ndoleriire, Patrick, CARE International
Nkurunungi, Dr John Bosco, Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation
Okello, Mr Tom, Uganda Wildlife Service
Olupot, Dr William, Wildlfie Conservation Society
Omoding, Mr James, Kanyanchu Eco-Tourism Project
Origa, Dr H Oryem, Faculty of Science, Makerere University
Otali, Emily, Department of Anthropology, Harvard University and MUBFS
Owiunji, Mr Isaiah, Makerere University
Plumptre, Dr Andrew, Albertine Rift Programme, Wildlife Conservation Society
Pomeroy, Professor Derek, Institute of Environment , Makerere University
Ukizintambara, Mr Tharicisse, Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation
Wejuli, Mr Wilbur, Elephant Crops and People Programme

UK
Arak, Dr Anthony, Archway Engineering Ltd
Armbruster, Dr Scott, University of Portsmouth
Balmford, Prof Andrew, Conservation Biology Group, University of Cambridge
Bennun, Dr Leon, Birdlife International
Binggeli, Dr Pierre, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland
Boar, Dr Ros, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia
Bourke, Dr Andrew, Institute of Zoology , Zoological Society of London
Brooke, Dr Mike, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Cant, Dr Mike, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Clutton-Brock, Professor Tim, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Compton, Dr Steve, Biology Department, University of Leeds
Cook, Dr James, Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Imperial College at Silwood Park
Crawley, Professor Mick, Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Imperial College at Silwood Park
Darlington, Dr Johanna, University of Cambridge
Davies, Professor Nick, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
De Mazancourt, Dr Claire, Department of Biological Sciences, Imperial College at Silwood Park
Fisher, Dr Martin, Fauna and Flora International
Franks, Prof Nigel, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol
Garner, Dr Trent, Zoological Society of London
Ghazanfar, Dr Shahina, Herbarium, Royal Botanical Gardens
Gibbons, Dr James, University of Stirling
Godfray, Professor Charles, University of Oxford
Goldsmith, Dr Barrie, University College of London
Grubb, Professor Peter, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
Hall, Dr John, School of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Wales
Hamilton, Professor WD, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford
Hartley, Professor Sue, University of Sussex
Johnston, Dr Mark, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England
Jones, Dr Peter, ICAPB University of Edinburgh
Jordan, Mr Neil, Cambridge University/ Mongoose Research Project
Kapos, Dr Val, World Conservation Monitoring Centre
Knapp, Dr Sandy, Department of Botany, Natural History Museum
MacCallum, Dr Catriona, University of Edinburgh
Magin, Dr Chris, Fauna and Flora International
Majerus, Professor Mike, Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge
Mallet, Dr Jim, Department of Biology, University College of London
Martin-Smith, Dr Keith, University of Aberdeen
Moss, Professor Brian, School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool
Nuttman, Dr Clive, Tropical Biology Association
Pinard, Dr Michelle, Department of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Aberdeen
Proctor, Professor John, Department of Biology and Molecular Sciences, University of Stirling
Quicke, Dr Donald, Department of Biological Sciences, Imperial College at Silwood Park
Racey, Professor Paul, Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen
Rees, Dr Mark, Department of Biological Sciences, Imperial College at Silwood Park
Rose, Dr Karen, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Sendova Franks, Dr Ana, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of West of England
Sheil, Dr Douglas, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford
Stone, Dr Graham, ICAPB, University of Edinburgh
Trevelyan, Dr Rosie, Tropical Biology Association
Vahed, Dr Karim, Division of Biology, University of Derby
Walsh, Dr Rory, Department of Hydrology, University of Wales
Wells, Sue, World Conservation Monitoring Centre
Willmer, Professor Pat, Department of Biological Science, St. Andrews
Willott, Dr John, Department of Biology, University of Leeds
Wilson, Dr Mike, Department of Biology and Molecular Sciences, University of Stirling
Woodroffe, Dr Rosie, Zoological Society of London

USA
Chapman, Dr Colin, Department of Zoology, University of Florida
Chapman, Dr Lauren, Department of Zoology, University of Florida
Coley, Dr Lissy, Department of Biology, University of Utah
Cordeiro, Dr Norbert, University of Chicago
Deutsch, Dr James, Wildlife Conservation Society
DeVries, Dr Phil, Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans
Dingess-Mann, Ms Kim, Bloomington University , Indiana
Fisher, Professor Brian, Department of Entomology, California Academy of Sciences
Herre, Dr Alan, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Kursar, Dr Thomas, Department of Biology, University of Utah
Mann, Dr Nigel, State University of New York
McDonnell, Dr Rory, Department of Entomology, University of California
Monterio, Dr Antonia, Department of Biological Sciences, University of New York at Buffalo
Price, Dr Mary, Department of Biology, University of California
Stearns, Professor Steve, Yale University
Struhsaker, Prof Thomas, Department of Biological Anthropology, Harvard University
Vonesh, Dr James, Virginia Commonwealth University
Waser, Dr Nick, Department of Biology, University of California
Wrangham, Professor Richard, Department of Anthropology in Peabody Museum , Harvard University
Young, Dr Truman, University of California