Course Information
Participants take a total of 9 undergraduate credits.
ANP 350: Methods in Studying Primates. One major goal of this course is to introduce the issues in primate methods throughout
the tropical regions of the world. We will begin with the history of primatology.
Controversial topics will be discussed, such as the frozen zoos as a solution for
extinction, reintroduction of primates back into the wild, methods to study infectious
diseases, methods to evaluate sustainable development, and methods of fundraising,
including crowd-sourcing for raising awareness of primates.
ANP 307: Comparing Ecosystems in Madagascar (SNW). A cross-country trip will provide students with the opportunity to examine and compare
ecosystems as diverse as rainforests, dry deciduous forests, spiny deserts, mangrove
swamps, and coral reefs. At each stop, students will learn about the evolutionary
adaptations that make the region unique and current conservation threats to local
biodiversity.
Additionally, students take 3 credits of Independent Research.
ANP/ANT 387: Independent Research (3 credits)
Details regarding the specific type of research project are determined in consultation
with ICTE on campus or on arrival with the Resident Coordinator or faculty. Students
work with staff and faculty to select and execute a project consistent with their
interests and background.
Independent Research projects include:
Conservation Education: Work alongside the Centre ValBio education team to lead educational activities and
games with the Conservation Club members and My Rainforest, My World participants. Join with the Conservation Clubs and lead new activities. Reforest
with native trees, help organize the conservation radio shows, assist in forest walks
with club members. Visit elementary schools to explain watersheds, corridors and biodiversity
preservation.
Environmental Arts: Work with women weavers, basket making experts, wood carvers. Dance with the local
villagers, paint with the local artists. Experience the arts, crafts and music of
Madagascar. Assist Centre ValBio recording and studio technicians to record local
artists and environmental messages. Create nature music, films, and videos.
Human Health: Shadow the Centre ValBio mobile health team to remote villages to experience basic
health service, participate in demonstrations, and record basic health data. Students
will observe local professionals in routine visits and assist in health data collection.
Students can also work with the traditional healers, assist with medicinal plant gardens,
and help in marketing some local plants as botanicals, massage oils, and health creams.
Animal Health: Be part of the rapidly changing field of animal health, making important connections
between animal health, human health and environmental health. Study the fragmented
forest and its impact on lemurs.
Conservation Ecology: Jump in on any of the on-going research projects taking place at CVB. Work with
the reforestation team in examining the similarities of reforestation plots and nearby
forests. Work with local staff on area reforestation efforts and cash crop cultivation.
Reptiles and Amphibians: January is a perfect time to study the 130+ species of frogs found in Ranomafana
National Park. Participate in frog diversity transects and population studies.
Water and Climate: Measure water quality in rivers and streams. Compute climate data, and put together
plant phenology information. This hands on project will prepare you for understanding
climate change and its effects in the tropics.
Primate Research: Work alongside researchers as they embark on ground breaking lemur research. Past
projects included the bamboo lemur cyanide project or creating a GIS map with lemur
species and densities.
Data Analysis for Social Good: There is a plethora of data available. Engineers and scientists need to use this data
to find solutions to challenging problems facing marginalized communities. This short
data analysis project will use data collected by scientists at Centre ValBio to make
meaningful contributions to the Madagascar.
Sustainability Development Goals: The UN Sustainability Goals are focusing the world's attention on solving many of
most challenging problems facing humanity. In this short project, students will pick
a UN Sustainability Goal to understand how it is being addressed in and around Madagascar.
Inclusive Engineering: Engineers design and develop artefacts. It is imperative that they use inclusive
design principals to ensure their products are useful and help the lives of marginalized
communities. In the projects, students will find engineering challenges around Madagascar
and explore how engineers can make inclusive solutions.
Academic Policies
- Credits earned on this program will calculate toward a student's GPA at Stony Brook
University. Non-SBU students are advised to check their home university policy on
grade and credit transfer.
- Students following the Stony Brook Curriculum (SBC) may request for GLO and EXP+ in
addition to requirements fulfilled by their coursework.
