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 2026

4/29 – Learn Regenerative Farming Skills in Japan!

The Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is currently accepting applications for its summer Global Agroecology Pathways Program (GAPP) in Japan.

This three-week exchange (May 31–June 19, 2026) is designed for students, early-career professionals, and community leaders interested in agroecology, sustainable food systems, and rural livelihoods. The program centers on applied, place-based learning at the Asian Rural Institute (ARI) in Tochigi, a training center with over four decades of experience in organic and regenerative agriculture.

Participants will engage in hands-on training in practices such as forest stewardship, rice transplanting in paddy systems, and Bokashi composting. The program emphasizes agroecological principles including soil health, nutrient cycling, and community-based food systems, while fostering cross-cultural knowledge exchange among participants from diverse agricultural and ecological contexts.

Through immersive, collaborative learning, participants will deepen their understanding of regenerative farming systems and their social-ecological dimensions.

Learn more here!

3/4 – Field Courses in South Africa – Applications Open (OTS)

Applications are now open for Summer 2026 field-based ecology and conservation courses in South Africa with the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS). These immersive, research-driven programs are designed for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and early-career professionals seeking rigorous field experience in globally significant ecosystems. Courses are taught by experienced faculty and practitioners and emphasize hands-on data collection, analytical skills, interdisciplinary thinking, and real-world conservation challenges.

Summer 2026 South Africa Course Offerings:

Marine Ecology and Conservation
Coastal and marine systems, biodiversity assessment, and conservation strategies
https://tropicalstudies.org/course/marine_ecology/

Veterinary Field Practicum in South Africa (Field Training in Veterinary Disease Management)
Wildlife health, disease ecology, One Health frameworks, and applied diagnostics in field settings
https://tropicalstudies.org/course/veterinary-field-practicum-in-south-africa/

Fire, Elephants, and Biodiversity
Savanna ecology, disturbance dynamics, large herbivore impacts, and landscape-scale conservation
https://tropicalstudies.org/course/fire-elephants-and-biodiversity/

Applied Bioacoustics for Conservation: Theory and Practice
Acoustic monitoring, soundscape ecology, quantitative analysis, and conservation applications
https://tropicalstudies.org/course/applied-bioacoustics/

Across courses, participants engage directly with:

  • Field-based experimental design and data collection
  • Biodiversity monitoring and ecological modeling
  • Wildlife health and disease dynamics
  • Fire ecology and herbivore–vegetation interactions
  • Marine and coastal conservation
  • Bioacoustics monitoring and analytical workflows
  • Interdisciplinary conservation challenges in a One Health context

South Africa’s diverse savanna and coastal systems provide a powerful living laboratory for understanding ecological processes and conservation solutions in practice.

2/11 – Marine Science Classes at Friday Harbor Laboratories – WA

Applications are now open for Summer 2026 courses at Friday Harbor Labs!

Summer at Friday Harbor Labs in a nutshell (or snail shell 🐚):

  • 400- & 500-level classes
  • Engage in hands-on learning
  • Gain field research experience
  • Live on San Juan Island
  • Join a tight-knit community and grow your professional network
  • Work with and learn from marine science professionals

See linked course descriptions below for Summer A and Summer B terms for more details on specific courses offered.

  • FHL welcomes UW and non-UW students alike
  • Students take one class during a given term
  • You may apply to a class from each term or just one term

Summer A Term (June 14 – July 17):

  • Marine Conservation Ecology (9 credits)
  • Evolutionary Development of Marine Invertebrates (9 credits)
  • Marine Invertebrate Zoology (9 credits)

Summer B Term (July 19 – August 21):

  • Marine Subtidal Ecology (9 credits)
  • Functional Morphology and Ecology of Marine Fishes (9 credits)

Contact Maia Kreis fhlstudents@uw.edu with questions!

2/11 – Tropical Ecology Courses – Panama

Travel courses through ITEC (Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation), based in Gainesville, FL

SUMMER FIELD COURSE (July 15 – Aug. 9, 2026) – TROPICAL BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION

SUMMER FIELD COURSE (July 15-August 9, 2026) – TROPICAL RAINFOREST AND CANOPY ECOLOGY

COURSE LOCATION: Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Republic of Panama. The biological station is located on a hill facing Almirante Bay and Volcan Baru on the mainland.  Coral reef and lowland tropical rainforest ecosystems are immediately accessible from the field station. This juxtaposition of the two most biologically-diverse ecosystems along with Panama’s rich cultural diversity provides tremendous opportunities for education and research. 

Visit www.itec-edu.org for details.

Center for Wildlife Studies courses

Look for course available for academic credit; you will want to set it up as an independent study through your home institution. https://www.centerforwildlifestudies.org/courses

Fall 2026

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

4/21 – Apprenticeship: Pelagic Ecosystem Function – WA

There are spots still available in the Pelagic Ecosystem Function Apprenticeship this Autumn quarter at Friday Harbor Labs.

Dates: 29 September – 12 December

Target Audience: undergraduate, post baccalaureates, and graduate students

  • 400-level research apprenticeship
  • 15 credits over 10 weeks
  • Engage in hands-on learning
  • Gain field research experience
  • Live on San Juan Island
  • Join a tight-knit community
  • Work with marine science professionals

– Full Course Description: https://fhl.uw.edu/courses/course-descriptions/course/pelagic-ecosystem-function-of-the-san-juan-archipelago-2026/

– Apply Here: https://fhl.uw.edu/courses/applying-for-an-fhl-course/

– Rolling application review – apply while space allows

More Organizations that run Field Courses

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