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 2008 are to be held in Tanzania, Uganda, and Madagascar. The deadline for applications is the 20th February each year.
TBA Course 08/1 Tropical forest ecosystems in Tanzania
Dates: 23rd June - 22nd July (TBA 08/1)
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. More info about the course site.
TBA Course 08/2 Forest and savannah ecosystems in Uganda
Dates: 26th August - 25th September (TBA 08/2)
This course will be held in Kibale Forest National Park at the Makerere University Biological Field Station, and will also include a short visit to savanna habitat in the nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kibale forest is a mid-altitude tropical moist forest with a spectacular array of species and a long established programme of ecological research.
More information about the course site.
TBA Course 08/3 Tropical forests ecosystems in Madagascar
Dates: 1st - 30th November (TBA 08/3)
This course will be held in Kirindy's dry deciduous forest. This is a great opportunity to visit the unusual dry decidous 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.
More information about the course site.
Course fees
African participants: please note that African participants do not have to pay fees. Scholarships are available which include transport to and from the field site, accommodation, subsistence and course fees. European students: For European/US nationalities, TBA course fees are £600 pounds sterling for students from member institutions*. 
All European participants are eligible for a British Ecological Society Scholarship which will reduce your TBA course fees by approximately £200 pounds sterling. Course fees cover tuition, food, accommodation, and in-country transport. They do not cover air fares or insurance.
*Fees for non-member institutions are £900 Pounds Sterling. Click here for information on how to apply for a place on a TBA course.