Training:
current courses
Each year the Tropical Biology Association runs a series of month-long field courses in tropical ecology and conservation. The courses are intended for students at advanced undergraduate or early postgraduate level who have a keen interest, but little experience, in tropical biology.
Courses in 2013 are being held in Kenya, Madagascar and Tanzania. The deadline for applications is the 20th February each year.
TBA course 13/1 Tropical forest ecosystems in Tanzania
Dates: 24 July - 23 August
The forests of the Usambaras are noted for their extraordinary biological richness and high species endemism. These forests are now severely fragmented and under great human pressure. The course will introduce some of the area's research and conservation programmes.
Scholarships for this course are only available for African and Malagasy participants.
More information about the course site.
TBA course 13/2 Savannah ecosystems in Kenya
Dates: 1 -30 September
This course will be held at Segera Ranch and will also include a short visit to nearby contrasting habitats. Segera is situated in the wooded savannah and grasslands of the Laikipia Plateau, immediately north of the equator, and forms part of a vital migratory corridor as well as providing a permanent home to many endangered species.
Scholarships for this course are only available for African and Malagasy participants.
More information about the course site.
TBA course 13/3 Tropical forest ecosystems in Madagascar
Dates: 14 November - 15 December
This course will be held in Kirindy's dry deciduous forest. This is a great opportunity to visit the unusual dry deciduous forest of the world. The area also provides a good case study of the effect of human impacts on biodiversity which include fragmentation, burning and other forms of degradation. There will also be short trips to a mangrove forest in Morondava and a rainforest in Perinet.
Scholarships for this course are only available for African and Malagasy participants.
More information about the course site.
Course fees
Scholarships are available to those from Africa and Madagascar t
o take part in the African or Madagascar courses.
Scholarships include transport to and from the field site, accommodation, subsistence and course fees.
For applicants from TBA member institutions (click here to view our list of members) course fees* are 600 pounds sterling.
For European/US/other applicants from non TBA member institutions course fees* are 900 pounds sterling.
*Course fees cover tuition, food, accommodation, and in-country transport. They do not cover airfares, insurance or visa costs.
All European participants are eligible for a British Ecological Society Scholarship which will reduce the TBA course fees by approximately £200 pounds sterling.
Click here for information on how to apply for a place on a TBA course.