Research Training of Aquatic Animals

Dates 2-11 June 2008
Co-ordinated by Ass. Professor Magnus Wahlberg, Fjord&Bælt, Unviersity of Southern Denmark, Kerteminde
Registration deadline - 01.03.2008


ECTS: 5

Many branches of biological research relies on trained animals under human care. Animal training thus fulfills a very important role in biological research, and appropriate training methodologies are crucial for obtaining and adequately interpreting data. This class is intended for graduate students and trainers specializing in research training of aquatic animals.
The first part of the class contains lectures and practical trials on basic training paradigms, such as classical conditioning and positive reinforcement. The second part deals with special training techniques for marine mammal and fish training.
The students are exposed to lectures by some of the foremost experts in the world on animal training, as well as on very highly esteemed scientists whose research methods involve animal training. Lectures are combined with practical trials where the students train and try out various training methods under the supervision of the teachers.

 

When: Monday 2nd to Wednesday 11th of June, 2008

Where: Fjord&Bælt, Kerteminde, Denmark.

Funded by: The Nordic Marine Academy from the Nordic Research Council, and the Research Graduate School SNAK, University of Southern Denmark

Organized by: Magnus Wahlberg, Fjord&Bælt and University of Southern Denmark

Workload: 5 ECTS

Maximum number of students: 24

Fee: Students from Nordic countries free of charge including room and board, students outside this region will be charged 3.000 DKK for participation, including room and board.

Applications consisting of a maximum 1-page letter motivating why you want to be enrolled in this class, and a maximium 1-page C.V., should be emailed or posted to Magnus Wahlberg, Fjord&Bælt, Margrethes Plads 1, DK-5300 Kerteminde, Denmark, magnus@fjord-baelt.dk or magnus.wahlberg@biology.au.dk no later than 1st of March, 2008. Successful candidates will be notified by 15th of March, 2008.

Teachers

Björn Mauck (BM), Ph.D. and Professor, University of Southern Denmark

Colleen Reichmuth (CR), Ph. D. and Associate Professor, Long Marine Lab, Santa Cruz, USA

Ken Ramirez (KR), vice president, John G Shedd Aquarium, USA

Kirsten Andersen (KA), animal curator, Odense Zoo, Denmark

Mats Amundin (MA), Ph.D., chief Biologist, Kolmården, Sweden

Marie-Anne Blanchet (MAB), M.Sc., senior trainer, Fjord&Bælt, Denmark

Marlee Breese (MB), senior trainer, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, USA

Paul Nacthigall (PN), Professor, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, USA

Richard Fay (RF), Professor, Parmly Sensory Sciences Institute, USA

Schedule (still subject to major changes)

Students share rooms in hostel, where breakfast is served. Lunch and dinner is served at the marine station.

more information about the proposed course schedule