Tropical Biology (AF-BL.0210)

The Tropical Biology course is is a project-oriented international field course in tropical Africa or Southeast Asia, organised by the Tropical Biology Association (TBA; http://www.tropical-biology.org/).

This is a recommended and elective MSc course in Biology for the option Ecology and Evolution; it amounts to 28 days and counts of 10 ECTS points. This course can be used as a replacement for BL.0205 (5 ECTS).

Each year TBA runs month-long courses in tropical ecology and conservation for students at advanced undergraduate or early postgraduate level who have a keen interest, but little experience, in tropical biology. The TBA courses provide practical training and experience in the tropics with an emphasis on building skills and understanding. They provide a valuable foundation on which to build a career in conservation, research and sustainable natural resource management. TBA runs courses in collaboration with conservation and research institutions in Africa and Southeast Asia, ensuring they cover priority topics that are relevant.

The Department of Biology can support 2 students per year to attend this course. The support from the Department of Biology consists of a financial contribution to the course and travel costs as well as a letter of support for students applying for admission to this field course. There is no guaranteed admission to this course.

Students who are interested in attending a TBA course should contact and make an appointment with Prof. Thomas Flatt (thomas.flatt@unifr.ch).

Further information on TBA courses can be found at: http://www.tropical-biology.org/