Conservation Summer School in Greece

GSS-2013: Biodiversity Theory and Practice

 Zagori, Greece, July 1-12 2013

www.jmax.gr/gss2013

Aim

To equip participants with an understanding of the principles of modern biodiversity theory. They will learn practical skills for biodiversity fieldwork including sampling design and monitoring. Students will learn how to use some of the main computer packages for biodiversity data analysis, and have the opportunity to try these out on their own datasets.

Course Contents

The course will involve lectures, fieldwork, computer labs and an individual project in roughly equal proportions. There will also be regular evening lectures and activities of a more general interest. The main course topics are as follows:

-        Field techniques in biodiversity assessment

-        Biodiversity theory

-        Sampling design & monitoring

-        Biodiversity and ecosystem function

-        Statistical analysis of biodiversity data

-        Biodiversity software packages (primarily R-based packages)

-        Globalizing biodiversity networks and databases

-        Frameworks for biodiversity management and protection

Location: Zagori, Epirus, Greece (Ano Pedina and Papingo villages)

Eligibility:

Participants should have a degree in Biology or environmental science or equivalent and should have at least started a postgraduate degree. Applicants with good quantitative and computational skills are especially welcome. Should be familiar with the R programming environment. Participants are expected to bring their own laptop computers with Wi-Fi capability.

Number of participants:  limited to max. 15 persons

Cost of participation: 700€

This includes transport from Ioannina to the course location, all training fees, participation in all activities and programs, accommodation, and meals.

Examination and Credits

The course will be worth 6 ECTs (transferable course credits), and will be assessed as follows: Exam (written): 40%, Project: 40%, Continuous assessment: 20%

Sponsors

University of Ioannina

EEF (European Ecological Federation)

SCB (Society of Conservation Biology)

HELECOS (Hellenic Ecological Society)

Further details can be obtained at our website www.jmax.gr/gss2013