Biological Science

Travel and Field Courses

This page lists field courses in the biological sciences. These require a fee and are typically eligible for college credit, though for some it may be via Independent Study arranged at your home institution.

Summer/Fall 2026

Center for Wildlife Studies

Via our new partnership with Colby-Sawyer College, it’s now even easier to get academic credit for courses from Center for Wildlife Studies.  Check out the details of the enrollment process on our website: https://www.centerforwildlifestudies.org/aco-guestlearner

Learners who enroll in PREMIUM format courses and choose the option for academic credit through Colby-Sawyer College can receive not only the CWS certificate of completion and digital badge but also an official transcript and transferable credit for their learning. Colby-Sawyer College is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

CWS’ fall registration is currently open for a range of wildlife and conservation courses. View our fall offerings and register here: https://www.centerforwildlifestudies.org/courses

Questions? Email info@centerforwildlifestudies.org

5/15 – Cetacean Research Training Positions – BDRI, Spain

The BDRI offers advanced professional training in marine mammal science, positioning participants as research assistants within structured, high-level research projects focused on behavioral ecology of bottlenose dolphins, with parallel projects on other cetacean species (late-season emphasis on multi-species sightings: common dolphins, fin whales, blue whales, porpoises, orcas, pilot whales), seabirds, and Eurasian otters. 

This program provides rigorous mentorship from a dedicated international faculty of 6 instructors (MSc,PhD postdocs/seniors from Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal), with a maximum of 16 participants. Over the last 20 years, more than 1,000 students have participated, producing over 450 MSc/BSc theses and 5 PhDs in the last 10 years, with numerous alumni advancing to leading roles at research centers, NGOs, and universities through hands-on skill development and independent thesis work.

Only late-season positions (August–November 2026) remain available, filled on a first-come, first-served basis—apply immediately. These slots coincide with peak biodiversity, featuring multiple cetacean sightings drawn to Galicia’s rich coastal waters.

Location: Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI). O Grove, Galicia, NW Spain.

Schedule: Full-time: 5 days/week (Monday–Friday), typically 9:30–16:00 lab-based + 1–3 weather-dependent field days (up to 8 hours). Rotations include photo-ID, GIS, bioacoustics, otter diet analysis, skin marks analysis, behavioural ecology, and statistical modelling.

Program Structure
Orientation: Protocols, skills assessment, project integration.
Progressive training: Supervised tasks to autonomous research.
Deliverables: Final report, team presentation, potential co-authorship.

Participant Profile: 18+ years, students/recent graduates in biology, marine science, or related fields.
Strong research motivation, full-time flexibility, international mindset (English working language).

Logistics and Fees: Self-funded program covers full mentorship, facilities (lab/boat), insurances, shared O Grove accommodation with other participants, utilities. Participants cover travel/meals; university funding encouraged. Details at www.thebdri.com/internships.html.

Application:
– Review Policies & Guidelines: www.thebdri.com/internships.html.
– Email internship@thebdri.com for data availability and instructions.
– Late-season spots only—positions close when filled.

4/29 – Field Program for Undergraduates: Thailand Elephant Conservation

I am the lead instructor for Wildlands Studies’ Thailand Elephant Program, a 6-week field course examining human-elephant coexistence, Asian elephant ecology, and conservation in working landscapes.

Program details:

  • Dates: 30 September to 12 November 2026
  • Credits: 15 quarter / 10 semester
  • Courses: Environmental Field Survey; Wildlands Environment and Culture; Environmental Wildlands Studies
  • Field sites: Khao Yai National Park, Chiang Mai, Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, Doi Inthanon, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, and many more! 
  • Prerequisites: one college-level course in environmental studies, ecology, or similar; 18+
  • Applications: rolling admission; program fees due 1 August 2026

Students conduct wildlife observation and habitat assessment, work alongside mahouts at an ethical sanctuary, and engage with farming communities navigating crop damage and coexistence strategies. The program is a genuinely interdisciplinary course taught through a social-ecological systems approach. Course content spans ecology, biology, conservation science, climate science, and environmental justice (among many others). All backgrounds and experience levels are welcome.

Details and application: https://www.wildlandsstudies.com/thailand-elephant

Happy to answer questions about curriculum, fieldwork, or student fit. Thank you! – Tyler Nuckols, PhD Candidate, Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder

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