Cetacean Research Courses in Catania, Sicily, Italy. Western Ionian sea KETOS scientific association is announcing his summer cetacean research courses in Catania, Sicily, Italy. All the courses will be taking place between June 19th and September 29th. Every course has the duration of one week. The principal aim of the courses is to introduce the participants to marine biology, especially focusing on cetaceans and turtles. The course will be divided in theory and on-field activities. Lessons will be given within the Area Marina Protetta "Isole Ciclopi"and will deal with:   -          Cetacean and turtles’ anatomy and physiology -          Recognizing cetacean in the Mediterranean -          Field research methods (photo-ID, bioacoustics, etograms, GIS) -          Strandings and related studies (stranding causes, genetics, biometry)   All the surveys (at least 4) will be conducted with an inflatable boat in the Gulf of Catania.   This course gives you the opportunity to participate in daily research activities, as well as obtain background knowledge of marine mammal science, marine biology and conservation. It is addressed to students pursuing a career in marine mammal science and for those who are just interested in cetaceans and in marine biology.   By the end of this course, you will: - have a better understanding of current issues in marine mammal and turtle conservation; - obtain an overview of different research methods for studying marine mammals in the wild; - acquire practical experience of pleasures and frustrations of marine mammal field research. The cost is: -          500.00 € in june, july and September -          650.00 € in august   The cost covers: boat surveys, short workshops, accommodation, food (breakfast and dinner or lunch) and instruments (if you have your own binoculars, photocameras, video camera you can bring it with you).   Anyone above the age of 18 can participate.   There will be no selection. Application will be considered on a “first come, first served basis”.   Ask for more specific informations!   Thank you   KETOS scientific association Website: www.ketos.sicily.it email at: info@ketos.sicily.it and obviously on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/KETOS/146036052618