Change your way of learning!   Are you looking for a field-specific research course? Please see the announcement below. There are still places available.   The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute - BDRI is pleased to offer comprehensive and intensive Bottlenose Dolphin Research Courses during the 2009 Spring & Summer Season for marine science students and biologist, who are seeking thorough training in approaches to the study of free ranging wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).   BDRI's researchers are engaged in the conduction of a long term study about the life of bottlenose dolphins and the potential effects of human activities in their distribution and behaviour since 1999. These intensive educational courses (lasting 6 or 13 days) provide experience in specialized non-invasive dolphin research techniques in Sardinia Island (Italy).   Combined with lectures, you wll be trained during this field and laboratory-intensive course in a wide range of areas including scientific data collection, statistical analysis and presentation; giving public talks and much more. Learning, at its best, should be an active process, one in which the students are challenged on a daily basis with responsibilities that play a large part in the outcome of the research projects.   If the results of our research projects to date (with numerous scientific publications and thesis that substantially increase present understanding of bottlenose dolphins) are any indication, then our field courses should be very productive, both in terms of our own enlightenment about the life of these free-ranging dolphins and in producing information bearing directly on the conservation and management of this dolphin species and others.   Research courses can be used for academic or vocational purposes, but students are solely responsible for making all arrangements for receiving relevant credit(s) as a result of completing the training course.   Course 1. Bottlenose dolphins: Field methods in the wild Dates: June 15, July 20, August 17 or September 14 Topics covered include but are not limited to: - Marine mammals biology - Dolphins ecology: habitat use and bottlenose dolphin presence - Behavioural sampling methods - Interaction between dolphins and human activities - General notions about Photo-identification techniques - General notions about diving behaviour - General notions about bioacoustics - Application of GIS (Geographic Information System) analysis in dolphins distribution studies. - Fisheries & Aquaculture: Socio-economical importance and impact on coastal ecosystems. - Ecological & behavioural transcription - Primary statistical data analyses - Computer orientation.     Course 2. Study of bottlenose dolphin behaviour Dates: May 04, June 29, July 27 or August 24 Topics covered include but are not limited to: - Bottlenose dolphins biology - Behavioural sampling methods - Behavioural patterns & events - Analysis of underwater videos - Focal individual and focal group behaviour - Interaction between dolphins and human activities - Fisheries & Aquaculture: Socio-economical importance and impact on coastal ecosystems. - Bottlenose dolphin feeding behaviour - Primary statistical data analyses - Computer orientation   Course 3. Photo-identification technique & bottlenose dolphins social structure Dates: May 18, July 06, August 03, August 31 Topics covered include but are not limited to: - Bottlenose dolphins biology - Dolphin photo-identification tecniques - Notions about photography with SLR cameras - Application of GIS (Geographic Information System) analysis in dolphins distribution studies. - Use of habitat studies - Software for analysis of digital pictures for photoidentification purposes - Bottlenose dolphin social structure and population estimates - Software for analysis of dolphins social structure (SOCPROG) - Ecological & behavioural transcription of data - Primary statistical data analyses - Computer orientation & databases   Course 4. Bioacoustics of wild bottlenose dolphins Dates: June 01, July 13, August 10, September 04 Topics covered include but are not limited to: - Bottlenose dolphin biology - Bottlenose dolphins sound production and reception - Bottlenose dolphin vocalizations - Whistles categorization - Sound analysis - Noise pollution - Acoustic deterrent devices - Software to bio-acoustical studies - Bottlenose dolphin behaviour - Primary statistical data analyses - Computer orientation The courses are limited to 8 students, so they provide an opportunity for students to interact closely with the course instructor(s), and to collaborate with other students who share the same interests.   Cost: from 550 Euros (6 days), 1150 Euros (13 days) with special fees for students. The costs include accommodation in apartment, dolphin research training, lectures, certificate of attendance, printed material and all associated field and lab costs. Participants will share rooms with 1-2 persons of the same gender and couples can be accommodated in a private room. Single/Private bedrooms may be available in some periods.   Pre-approval is necessary for registration. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Positions are open until filled.   For more information on this course, please contact Bruno Diaz Lopez education@thebdri.com For more information on BDRI, including a list of publications and thesis, please visit www.thebdri.com     Bruno Diaz Lopez Research Biologist / Marine Zoologist Chief Researcher The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI V.Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy http://www.thebdri.com info@thebdri.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Golfo-Aranci-Italy/BOTTLENOSE-DOLPHIN-RESEARCH... Tel: + (39) 346 081 5414