Observing Primate Behaviour
The summer course Observing Primate Behaviour focuses on getting familiar with primate observational methods by observing primate social behaviour and following the scientific cycle. Through the analysis of gathered observational data, students investigate and present their own research questions. Furthermore, the additional activities aim to provide the students with more background information on the different topics related to studying primate behaviour, such as welfare, colony management and fieldwork.
As the name suggests, the summer course ‘Observing Primate Behaviour’ focuses on observing behaviour and therefore includes actual data collection of primate social behaviour by live observations. The course employs the scientific cycle by asking and answering research questions through the analysis of the gathered observational data. The student uses statistical methods (using R studio/SPSS Statistics and MatMan) to analyse the data and will present their own research both in writing and verbally.
In addition, the course includes lectures (topics include: animal behaviour, conducting behavioural research & fieldwork experiences), a social event, visit to the famous Dutch primate zoo Apenheul, Apeldoorn and live observations of a social group of primates. The observations will be conducted on the colony of long-tailed macaques that is used for behavioural biology studies. The Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk provides one day in the program with information and discussions on the ethics of animal husbandry, welfare and experimentation.
The course is open for (advanced) bachelor and master students with an interest in biology, zoology and ethology and preferably having followed and passed a basic statistical course. This course is particularly interesting for biology/psychology/zoology students who wish to gain experience in using observational methods to study (animal) behaviour.
Course director
Lecturers
Prof. dr. E.H.M. Sterck
Dr. A.M. Schel
L.M. van den Berg, MSc.
Target audience
Course aim
Study load
Costs
Housing through Utrecht Summer School
Costs for traveling (to Rijswijk and Apeldoorn) are not included in the course fee; take into account additional costs for traveling. One lunch, coffee/tea, social dinner and entrance to zoo is already included in the course fee.
Application
For this course you are required to upload the following documents when applying:
- Motivation Letter
- C.V.
- Transcript of Grades
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.utrechtsummerschool.nl/courses/life-sciences/observing-primate-behaviour