We are very pleased to offer this uniquely designed self-study course which allows potential applicants the opportunity to gain the required skills necessary to become a Field Assistant Trainee and join Expeditions and projects. This course covers the behaviour and ecology of Old and New World primates from an evolutionary perspective. Emphasis will be given to both the Old and New World primates. The material and topics covered in this course are equivalent to an upper division university course in primate behaviour and ecology. A background in biology, primatology or physical anthropology is helpful, but not required. It is far more important to have a serious interest in learning about primates and a desire to do field work. The course is divided into 4-5 units of academic material. The course may be taken by correspondence via regular mail, or by participating in the AFASST course. You will learn the basics of conducting field work, field identification techniques, observational sampling techniques, behavioural repertoires, etc. More importantly, you will learn how to transcribe field data into publishing format. In order to be accepted into the primate program you must first be interviewed in order to determine your suitability. The training for our international conservation programs is done beforehand via the FASST course and to some extent on site while in the host country by project staff. If accepted you would be required to take the FASST Course for primates followed by the AFASST Course. Once you have completed your FASST course work and have been awarded a Certificate of Completion you may then apply to EARTHQUEST for AFASST Course. Please note: all assignments and questions are due no later than 60-90 days prior to your departure date, if you choose to take the FASST course before embarking on an AFASST course in Canada or Central America. The course summary is outlined below;
Unit #1: Primate Phylogeny and distribution
A review of the taxonomy, evolution and nomenclature of the Primate Order.
Evolution of the New World monkeys
The Emergence of Old World monkeys from New World monkeys
The Evolution of the Old World monkeys
Primates 101 - a general description of the Primate Order
Geographic Distribution and Classification of Primates
Unit #2: History of Primatology
From the early beginnings to present day research efforts as well as the history of the macaques in Nepal or Cebid/Callitrichid monkeys in Central America.
Unit #3: Census Techniques; theory and methodology
A look at 8 different census techniques from the most generic to the most applicable to the study of monkeys in Nepal and/or Costa Rica/Nicaragua.
Unit #4: Observational Sampling Techniques; theory and methodology
Six different sampling techniques are presented along with their usefulness in data collection.
Theory; scientific explanations of behaviour
Scientific levels of explanation
Methodology; observational sampling of behaviour
Unit #5: Effect of Distribution and Abundance of Food on Primate Social Behaviour
How the distribution and abundance of food influences agonistic and aggressive behaviours in semi-free ranging and free-ranging macaques.
Course #2: Advanced Primate Field Assistant Self Study Training (AFASST) Course
Once you have completed your FASST Course you may then participate in the AFASST Course and receive 7 - 14 days, or up to 26 days for AFASST equivalent courses, of practical field training and instruction. The AFASST course may be taken in Canada or Central America. In Central America the AFASST equivalent course for the Nicaragua/Costa Rica Primate Program is the eqivalent of the program conducted in Nicaragua/Costa Rica by our partner organization and would be taught once in Nicaragua/Costa Rica.
Please note, again, the AFASST Course for primates that we teach is NOT the same as the AFASST equivalent course taught in Nicaragua/Costa Rica by our partner organization. More information on the Nicaragua/Costa Rica Primate Program equivalent AFASST Course will be given upon full acceptance into the program. Please keep in mind, however, in order to participate in this program there is a cost involved. Both Course #1 & 2 are required in order to join or participate in any EARTHQUEST Expeditions, projects or programs. Students of this course are trained in all aspects of identifying primate behaviours in the field. By the completion of the AFASST Course you should have selected an independant study project which must be approved by your instructor before commencing the project or program in the field. An AFASST course summary for the Canada Primate Program is outlined below;
Day #1-3: Primate Social Organization and Communication
An overview of the macaques and their behaviour patterns.
How to visually identify and record primate behaviour patterns using observational sampling techniques
Day #4 - 13: Construct and design of a field study project
A sampling of field study techniques and topics; applied to subjects
Day #14: Evaluation Day
Assessment of readiness for field project based on course work
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Expeditions and courses run from May - October each year
Course #1...........August 11 - 25, 2008 (14 days)
Course #2...........August 11 - 21, 2008 (10 days)
Course #3...........September 8 - 22, 2008 (14 days)
FASST Course in primates: $599.00 USD + $80.00 CAD registration fee
All other regular courses starting after September, 2009
14 day field course: $1750.00 USD/person
10 day field course: $1600.00 USD/person
(Please note: Due to the nature of the program, all prices and program contents are subject to change without prior notice or approval).
Included in 10 & 14 day Expedition/project/field course costs:
..........Accommodations included with 14 day field course
..........Insurance
..........Services of Project Leaders & any Field Assistants
..........Certificate of completion
..........Discussion material & handouts
..........FASST Course (FAT's only)
..........Expedition Briefing
Not Included in 10 & 14 day Expedition/project/field course costs:
..........Food not included with any field course
..........Transportation not included with any field course
..........Airport taxes and government departure taxes
..........Health or cancellation insurance
..........Beverages/liquor
..........Additional funds for souvenirs, extra food, etc.
..........Valid passport
..........Immunizations/vaccinations
..........Personal supplies (e.g. hiking boots, tents, clothing, etc.)
..........Round trip airfare or busfare to Ontario, Canada
..........Food & accommodations
To Register for field courses:
For 10 & 14 day field courses a non-refundable deposit of $$599.00 USD/person + $80.00 CAD registration fee (to secure placement) is required. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure (postmarked by mail does not count). We recommend that you book early (within 1 year of the project start date) as spaces on courses fill quickly and the Biological Field School is limited to 15 participants per semester. Expeditions, projects and field courses are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis in sequential order beginning with course #1. When course #1 is full we place your name on a waiting list for the next available field course. For information on terms and conditions please click here.
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EARTHQUEST (Canada) for the Environment
