Biological Science

The Northeast Section of The Wildlife Society, in cooperation with Paul Smith’s College, will be hosting our 14th annual 2-week Wildlife Field Course at Paul Smith’s College, New York, May 17-30, 2026. 

Please visit the course website for details and application materials:    https://tws-northeast.org/about/student-field-course/

The course fee is $1300 and includes 3 undergraduate or graduate credits through Paul Smith’s College (PSC) and room and board for the 2 weeks.  The course is housed at the PSC Campus on 14,000 acres of forests, lakes, and streams amidst the 6 million acres of the Adirondack Park.  The course emphasizes hands-on experience with basic field techniques (small mammal trapping, bird point counts, habitat sampling, radiotelemetry, etc.) and small group work organized around the theme of conducting a biological inventory.   The course is led by practicing wildlife biologists and ecologists who volunteer their time to serve as instructors providing great networking opportunities and career perspectives during evening discussion sessions.  We usually have 20+ guest instructors from various state and federal agencies, consulting firms, and universities.  The November/December 2017 issue of The Wildlife Professional (www.wildlife.org) has a short article on the course which is accessible from the course website.  Several chapters of The Wildlife Society offer full or partial scholarships to eligible students, too.

Enrollment is capped at 20 students and we still have some openings, disregard the March 15 deposit deadline on the registration form.  We accept undergrad or grad students from any college or university, you do not need to be enrolled in a wildlife major to be eligible and we also accept unenrolled students who have already completed a degree and are looking to gain field skills.   Please do not reply to this email with questions but contact me at: nefieldcourse@gmail.com.

Glacier Change Research Mission (Alaska) | July 1–July 12
Students will join an interdisciplinary team studying glacier retreat and landscape change along Alaska’s remote south coast. After a one-week online module, they will spend two weeks aboard a research vessel visiting over 50 glaciers, relocating historic photo stations, collecting repeat photography, and integrating GPS, maps, and satellite data to document glacier dynamics. Their work contributes to long-term datasets archived with the National Snow and Ice Data Center and Parks Service.

More info: [Field Course Webpage] | [Download Flyer] | [Sample Syllabus]

Ecosystem Field Studies   www.ecofs.org

• Earn 3 undergraduate college transfer credits in these exciting 3-week, hands-on field study courses.
• Learn practical scientific skills & methods in field research through active investigations.
• Engage & connect with a dynamic & diverse group of student peers from throughout the US and beyond
• Open to students from all universities & majors | Accredited by the University of Montana at Missoula, Environmental Studies Program:
  ENST 391- for 3 undergraduate semester transfer credits

Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies
* Study, SCUBA, & Snorkel on the Caribbean coast of Mexico *
      May 20- June 9, 2026

Colorado Ecosystem Field Studies  
* Study, camp, & hike in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado *
    June 19 – July 7 or July 17- August 6, 2026

WILDLIFE MOLECULAR PARASITOLOGY — FROM TAXONOMY TO DNA

LOCATION: La Selva Biological Station, Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), Costa Rica.
→ Apply: https://tropicalstudies.org/course/wildlife-molecular-parasitology-taxonomy-to-dna/

INSTRUCTORS

• Tyler Kartzinel, Brown University. Specialty: wildlife ecology, molecular ecology, conservation biology.
• Ezequiel Vanderhoeven, Brown University. Specialty: veterinary medicine, parasitology, field ecology.
• Anna Jackson, Brown University. Specialty: DNA sequencing, genomics.
• Timothy Divoll, Brown University. Specialty: bioinformatics, data science, molecular ecology.
• Cecilia Trani, Instituto Biología Subtropical. Specialty: parasite taxonomy, field parasitology, host–parasite ecology.

→ Course instructors: https://www.kartzinellab.com/news/helmcamp-2026

HELMCAMP 2026 is an intensive, two-week field course that integrates classical wildlife parasitology with modern molecular and genomic techniques. Participants will learn the full workflow—from ethical animal capture and parasite collection through morphological identification, DNA extraction, PCR, metabarcoding, and bioinformatic analysis—aimed at generating robust, verifiable data for biodiversity, epidemiology, parasite ecology, and conservation applications. A key innovation is training in portable Nanopore sequencing, enabling real-time DNA sequencing and parasite identification under field conditions.

DESIGNED FOR: Advanced undergraduate and graduate students, early-career researchers, wildlife veterinarians, and conservation biologists working in biology, veterinary medicine, ecology, taxonomy, parasitology, public health, zoology, and related fields.

COURSE SCHEDULE / STRUCTURE: The course combines short lectures and discussions with hands-on field and laboratory activities. Core activities include wildlife capture/handling, field necropsy procedures, parasite recovery and identification, Nanopore-based DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics. Emphasis is placed on integrating morphological and molecular results to address ecological and evolutionary questions in real-world field settings.

Participants will:

• Train in animal capture, necropsy, and parasite collection procedures.
• Learn techniques for morphological identification of helminth parasites.
• Apply molecular methodologies including DNA extraction, PCR, metabarcoding, and Nanopore sequencing.
• Integrate morphological and molecular results to address relevant ecological and evolutionary questions.

METHODS / TECHNICAL SKILLS COVERED (EXAMPLES)

• Parasite collection, preservation, and vouchering for reference-quality taxonomy
• Morphological parasite ID and taxonomic workflows
• DNA extraction and PCR
• Metabarcoding approaches for parasite community profiling
• Portable Nanopore sequencing and field-ready workflows
• Introductory bioinformatics for sequence processing and interpretation
• Building/curating genetic resources linking taxonomy with molecular identifiers

COURSE LENGTH: Two weeks: May 23 – June 6, 2026

TUITION / TRAVEL: Tuition: $3450 USD. The tuition includes transcript issuing, course materials, meals and lodging from lunch on May 23 through breakfast on June 4. Discounts may be available to students from Latin America. Transportation: Transportation to and from La Selva Biological Station is provided. The group transfer will depart from OTS Headquarters in San José.

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.

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!

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.

2026 Summer Courses at Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (ASU BIOS), a unit of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University, is accepting applications for two exciting summer courses scheduled for 2026.

These popular summer courses are designed to immerse an international cohort in an intensive 3-week program that is unique in marine science education. Founded in 1903, ASU BIOS is a world-class ocean science research and education facility. Our summer courses provide participants with the opportunity to expand their studies into subtropical environments and/or to investigate topics in ocean science which are not offered within the curricula of their home institutions. ASU BIOS has quick and easy access to a diverse array of subtropical marine habitats and ocean locations around Bermuda which, combined with lectures, discussions and integrated field work, skills training and laboratory exercises, create an optimal environment for experiential learning.

Suitably qualified applicants, of all nationalities, may apply for bursary funding towards course fees which include 3-weeks tuition, campus accommodation and meals (we do not award bursary funding for travel related expenses or medical/travel insurance).

CORAL REEF ECOLOGY: Functional Ecology of Coral Reefs

• June 22 – July 10, 2026
• Instructor: Dr. Eric Hochberg (ASU BIOS)

MARINE MOLECULAR ECOLOGY

• July 13 – 31, 2026
• Instructor: Dr. Brett Jameson (ASU BIOS)
• Co-instructor: Dr. Sheryl Murdock (ASU)
• Co-instructor: Dr. Nicholas Baetge (ASU BIOS)

Full course details, syllabi, prerequisites and application instructions are available here: https://bios.asu.edu/education/summer-courses

Application deadline April 30, 2026

Questions? Please contact us at bios.education@bios.asu.edu.

The Institute for Field Research (IFR), in partnership with MareTerra, is offering a two-week field course on Dolphin Ecology & Marine Conservation in beautiful Sardinia, Italy from June 1-June 13, 2026. This immersive, two-week summer program offers participants the opportunity to study wild bottlenose dolphins, gain field research experience, and contribute to real-world conservation efforts while earning academic credit.

Participants will gain field and lab-based research skills, working alongside experts to collect dolphin bioacoustic data and contribute to conservation strategies for managing human-marine mammal interactions. The program includes an online pre-departure module, beachfront accommodations, and cultural excursions, with 4 semester/6 quarter credits awarded through Connecticut College.

Course highlights include:

• Practical experience in boat-based monitoring of cetacean behavior and habitat use in the stunning Capo Caccia MPA, a Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot
• Training in photo identification, PAM data collection, GIS and Raven Pro analysis and more
• Engage with local fishers and tourism stakeholders to advance conservation strategies
• A home base in Alghero, a lively town with Catalan heritage, fantastic food, and access to Sardinia’s best beaches and cultural sites.

Applications are now open with a February 1st priority deadline and we welcome participation from all majors and academic backgrounds. Please feel free to share this opportunity and the materials below with students or colleagues who may be interested.

More info & apply: [Field Course Webpage] [Flyer] [Request Info]

For questions, contact us at info@ifrglobal.org. Thank you for sharing!

Applications are now open for the Sustainable Agriculture & Biodiversity Field Course in Greece, hosted by the Institute for Field Research and the University of the Aegean. This three-week summer program (June 6-June 26, 2026) is based on the island of Lesvos, providing students with an immersive experience in environmental fieldwork (and not to mention a beautiful backdrop for our research!). 

Course overview:  Participants will study the impact of different environmental management methods on biodiversity within Mediterranean olive groves, exploring the balance between productive farming practices and ecosystem health. Through field and lab-based research, students will contribute to research shaping conservation practices for Mediterranean agro-ecosystems. Key practical skills include:

• Biodiversity assessments and population monitoring
• Species identification and survey techniques
• Environmental data collection and habitat assessment using drones and camera systems
• Use of pitfall and pan traps for arthropod sampling
• Scientific writing and presentation skills

Field course details: Housing is provided in modern, self-catering university dorms, and cultural activities and excursions are included in the program. Participants will earn academic credit through Connecticut College upon successful completion of the program.

Key deadlines: The priority application deadline is February 1 with rolling admissions thereafter until the course is filled.

Learn more:

• Field course webpage & application
• Field Course Flyer
• Questions? Contact us at info@ifrglobal.org

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

• Shoals Marine Laboratory (Appledore Island, Maine), Cornell University & UNH
• Mountain Lake Biological Station, University of Virginia
• Highlands Biological Station, University of North Carolina
• Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Lab
• Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, University of Iowa
• University of Notre Dame Research Center (UNDERC), Michigan/Montana
• Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), Michigan State University
• University of Michigan Biological Station
• Boulder Mountain Research Station, University of Colorado
• Ecosystem Field Studies, Colorado (accr. by UMontana)
• Wild Rockies Field Institute
• Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana
• Oregon Institute of Marine Biology
• Friday Harbor Laboratories, University of Washington
• Inside Passage Field Studies, Alaska
• Semester by the Bay, Alaska

• The GREEN Program
• Ecosystem Field Studies, Mexican Caribbean (accr. by UMontana)
• Seamester, Caribbean, Atlantic & Pacific voyages (accr. by Univ of South Florida)
• Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC)
• Organization for Tropical Studies, Costa Rica & South Africa
• DANTA Association for Conservation of Tropics – Costa Rica
• Field Projects International
• Institute for Field Research
• Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences