Photographer: Alice Cook
The Songs of the Sea
Course Title: An Introduction to Cetacean Bioacoustics
about the programme:
Are you intrigued by cetaceans and the complex ways in which they communicate?
Then our intensive course in bioacoustics research could be just what you are searching for. With modules in the physiology of cetacean sound production and reception, as well as one-to-one lessons in acoustic analyses - the completion of this programme will stand out on the CV of any aspiring cetologist. By the end of our course you can be confident that you will have a better understanding of acoustic communication in the underwater world and the detrimental effects of anthropogenic noise pollution on marine life.
Who should take this course?:
Programme objectives: On completion of this course you will be able to:
Course start dates: This is an intensive, week-long course (Monday- Friday), with the first commencing on Monday the 6th of June. For enquiries about early arrival prior to your course start date or extending your stay following completion of the course, please email [email protected]
Maximum capacity: 5 people
Requirements: Basic knowledge of biology and ideally statistical analyses required (although this is not absolutely essential). As long as you are passionate about the topic and willing to put the work in, we can cater for any ability here at the AWdF.
We look forward to having you join us this summer, it's going to be a whale of a time!
Then our intensive course in bioacoustics research could be just what you are searching for. With modules in the physiology of cetacean sound production and reception, as well as one-to-one lessons in acoustic analyses - the completion of this programme will stand out on the CV of any aspiring cetologist. By the end of our course you can be confident that you will have a better understanding of acoustic communication in the underwater world and the detrimental effects of anthropogenic noise pollution on marine life.
Who should take this course?:
- College, university or postgraduate students who want to add to their knowledge base or who simply have an interest in bioacoustics and/or cetaceans
- Individuals looking for a career change into research and conservation may also find this programme beneficial.
- Due to the complexity of analyses involved in this course (statistics using R, data point mapping using QGIS), high school students are only encouraged to apply if they can display their interest and intention to work hard through a short writing sample. Please email research management at @Pavan Virdee for more information.
Programme objectives: On completion of this course you will be able to:
- Expertly deploy an SQ26-H1 model hydrophone in order to obtain high quality recordings of various different cetacean vocalisations (Short-finned pilot whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins etc.)
- Work efficiently in a team conducting boat-based research, communication is key - not only for the cetaceans!
- Process cetacean recordings using acoustic analyses software such as Raven (K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics. (2019). Raven Pro: Interactive Sound Analysis Software (Version 1.6.1) [Computer software]. Ithaca, NY: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.), thus gaining a clear understanding of the studied species' vocal repertoire.
- Demonstrate the importance of underwater bioacoustics data in policy making and legislation (the waters of Tenerife are home to Europe's first whale heritage site!)
- Conduct a comprehensive acoustics-focused literature review on a species of your choice, this may be particularly helpful to those students who require a writing sample in order to apply to related courses at universities around the world
- Show that you have acquired a well-rounded and overall more advanced understanding of the 28 cetacean species living in the biodiverse waters of Tenerife in the Canarian archipelago
- Demonstrate a better understanding of cetacean behaviours and physiology as well as the context of these in the field of bioacoustics
- Participate in interactive lectures and discussions of relevant literature and documentaries. Students will be encouraged to share sources of particular interest to them, thus providing the opportunity to improve their public speaking skills.
- Delve into the impacts of underwater noise pollution and other anthropogenic pressures on cetaceans.
- Start thinking about the potential career options for an ecologist with proficiency in bioacoustic data collection and analyses.
Course start dates: This is an intensive, week-long course (Monday- Friday), with the first commencing on Monday the 6th of June. For enquiries about early arrival prior to your course start date or extending your stay following completion of the course, please email [email protected]
Maximum capacity: 5 people
Requirements: Basic knowledge of biology and ideally statistical analyses required (although this is not absolutely essential). As long as you are passionate about the topic and willing to put the work in, we can cater for any ability here at the AWdF.
We look forward to having you join us this summer, it's going to be a whale of a time!
Price & information£500* including accommodation/food at the AWdF base
£400* for the course only (provide your own food and accommodation) *does not include flights. For an extra £100 you can also gain valuable knowledge with our Advanced Short Courses in Statistics or GIS Mapping or both! |
Note: When you reserve your place the total amount of your booking will be shown but today you will only have to pay the £50/€50 deposit. The deposit is fully refundable in the event that you can not participate because of COVID-19.
|
Discounts are available for groups, families and course bundles, please email [email protected] for more information on pricing and discounts.
If you wish to stay with us for a longer period of time to continue practicing analyses, you can pay our normal weekly rate, (4 - 5 weeks - £200 per week or for 6+ weeks - £150 per week) plus a certain amount extra for continued mentoring.
General Course Information
For more information about our course structure and what you are gaining by doing a Fair Earth Foundation Course, please visit our Extra Information Page.
How to apply?
BOOK NOW on the calendar above. For more information please email [email protected].
Application Deadlines
There are no deadlines for applications, but places will be filled on a first come first serve basis and there are limited places for each course intake. If you want to secure your place, please reserve your place for 2021 course intake now.
If you wish to stay with us for a longer period of time to continue practicing analyses, you can pay our normal weekly rate, (4 - 5 weeks - £200 per week or for 6+ weeks - £150 per week) plus a certain amount extra for continued mentoring.
General Course Information
For more information about our course structure and what you are gaining by doing a Fair Earth Foundation Course, please visit our Extra Information Page.
How to apply?
BOOK NOW on the calendar above. For more information please email [email protected].
Application Deadlines
There are no deadlines for applications, but places will be filled on a first come first serve basis and there are limited places for each course intake. If you want to secure your place, please reserve your place for 2021 course intake now.