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Training:
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What are TBA courses?
Simply put, TBA courses are a fantastic opportunity to kick-start the development of your scientific career. Offering crucial field training experience in a carefully chosen and stunning location, this is your chance to make the transition from the lecture theatre to the field, from theory to research, from textbook to reality. You will 'learn by doing' and not just be collecting data for another person's project – you will be carrying out 'real' biology in the field for yourself! Here is what some of our alumni and teachers have said: -
“This is probably the finest tropical ecology course of its kind in Africa."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Excellent course, thank you! Now I can make an informed decision
about the kind of research I want to do."
“Greg (from Poland) told me in no uncertain terms that his research project on social spiders was the ‘best thing' he had done so far in his academic career. This echoes my own experiences of teaching in Australia – students REALLY appreciate being given the freedom to explore their own ideas, while being given a guiding hand by we teachers."
This is how we do it………
- The courses are taught at Masters level and highlight up to date concepts and techniques in tropical ecology and conservation.
- The courses include lectures and seminars, but are centred on field work that demonstrates how current concepts are being approached and the kinds of techniques which are used in research.
- Working with a partner(s), you will get the opportunity to design and undertake your own research project during the course. These are written up and presented at the end of the course and an increasing number of participants publish their first scientific paper based on their project work (click here for past publications).
- The TBA selects equal numbers of European and host region participants typically representing at least 15 different countries to ensure a rich cultural experience.
……..and this is what we aim to do…..
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 practical training in project design and implementation.
- Investigating the complex problems of tropical ecology and conservation by highlighting current issues, controversies and techniques.
- The cultural diversity allows the opportunity to share ideas and learn from each others' experiences, and build links useful for future collaboration.
"The course has given me the incentive to engage myself
in scientific research and conservation."
"I would like to thank the TBA for their great role
in developing
a network of biologists both in Africa and Europe."
"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."
……and this is who helps us achieve it…….
TBA is grateful for the contributions of renowned teachers from throught the world. We have brought together an unrivalled depth and breadth of teaching skills to deliver high-quality field training to our participants. Since 1994, 249 teachers from 136 institutions in 25 countries and 5 continents have taught on TBA courses.
Africa |
Europe |
Other |
|---|---|---|
Ethiopia |
Austria |
Australia |
Kenya |
Czech Republic |
Colombia |
Madagascar |
Denmark |
Indonesia |
Namibia |
France |
Malaysia |
Nigeria |
Germany |
New Zealand |
South Africa |
Ireland |
Singapore |
Swaziland |
Netherlands |
USA |
Tanzania |
Poland |
|
Uganda |
Sweden |
|
Zambia |
Switzerland |
|
UK |
For a full list of teachers click here. Their institution/organization at the time of their last TBA course is given and titles have been updated where changes are known to have taken place. Please contact the webmaster if you would like your details amended.
"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."
…….and just in case you want to know more, here are some
frequently asked questions:
How can I find out more about TBA courses?
Read the course guides.
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 and ASEAN 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 the host region, 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.
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?
Scholarships are available to those from ASEAN countries to take part in the Borneo course, and to those from Africa and Madagascar to take part in the African or Madagascar courses.
Scholarships are not available for African/Malagasy students to take part in the Borneo course or for those from ASEAN countries to 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.
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).
If you have any questions regarding the courses, please contact courses@tropical-biology.org or
courses-africa@tropical-biology.org
"I found the course excellent - the content, the teachers and the students,
the supporting staff
and the overall organisation. Great experience."
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, Tropical Biology: An Ecological Approach is aimed at graduate level and is particularly suitable for students enrolled in postgraduate studies at PhD level who are in their first or second year. TBA member students may also be eligible to apply for additional courses run by the OTS (please check with TBA before applying).
Click here for full details.
If you are interested in attending OTS courses you may apply direct but you must contact the TBA at courses@tropical-biology.org to confirm your eligibility.
Comments from previous course teachers:
"I have gained skills in teaching a mixed group (nationalities, academic interests, institutional cultures, life experiences, personalities, cultures etc)....and I've benefitted 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)