Non-Invasive Genetic Techniques In Wildlife Conservation

This course is an introduction for graduate students and professionals to the benefits, drawbacks and applications of non-invasive genetic techniques to wildlife conservation. We concentrate on the use of non-invasive techniques to answer questions in animal behavior, population biology, and population management, with a particular focus on the conservation of vertebrate populations. Participants gain hands-on experience relating to all stages of a research project utilizing modern non-invasive methods.

The curriculum includes:

• Survey design options and concerns
• Non-invasive sample collection protocols
• DNA extraction and amplification
• Analysis of microsatellite and sequence data
• Assessing genotype reliability
• Population size estimation
• Research applications for ancient DNA
• Next generation pyrosequencing
• Applications of genetic information for behavioral studies (e.g. kin selection, inbreeding)
• Interpretation, synthesis, and application of results

This intensive seven-daycourse is taught by researchers from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics and George Mason University, and by several expert visiting instructors. The course includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the research campus at Front Royal, Virginia as well as use of the National Zoo's new state-of-the-art Genetics Lab.

Participants should have previously completed a college-level genetics and basic ecology/evolution course.

Dates

May 19-25, 2012

Location

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia

Application Procedures and Course Costs

This course is now full. Dates for 2013 will be posted soon.

Payment Deadline: March 26, 2012

Non-Invasive Genetic Techniques In Wildlife Conservation is offered through the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. Applications may be submitted for either Continuing Education Units (professional training) or for graduate credits (graduate training), as described below. Those applying for graduate credit must complete additional course requirements before credit is awarded.

For professional training (non-credit) application and registration:

Please download and complete the application form and send the completed form along with the necessary supporting materials (CV, reference letter, personal statement) as attachments to SCBITraining@si.edu. Use the subject line: "Non-invasive Genetics: Professional Training."

Further instructions for registration and payment will follow for those accepted to attend the course.

This professional training course costs $1,500. The fee includes instruction and course materials, plus meals and lodging. All other travel costs and incidental expenses are the participant’s responsibility.

Professional training course participants earn three Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

For graduate training application and registration (George Mason University graduate credit):

Please download and complete the application form and send the completed form along with your CV and personal statement as attachments to SCBITraining@si.edu.

Further instructions for graduate registration and payment will follow for those accepted to attend the course.

This two-credit graduate course costs $2000 for in-state (Virginia) students, and $2500.50 for out-of-state students. The fee includes instruction and course materials, plus meals and lodging. All other travel costs and incidental expenses are the participant’s responsibility.

For More Information

Email SCBItraining@si.edu.