DEST - Taxonomy Training

Description of project:
Beetles (Coleoptera) are probably the most diverse organisms in most terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. An understanding of the 180 families is essential for any taxonomic or ecological work involving these animals, but training in family identification is rarely available. The aim of this project is to train students in identification of the beetles at family level, and ‘on the job’ training in the recognition and characterisation of all the major families will be provided by a team of skilled Natural History Museum entomologists. Students will sort tropical beetles, under expert mentor supervision, and learn this essential baseline taxonomic skill.

Duration of training:
2 weeks

Training period:
To be discussed with mentor

Target Audience:
This project would be ideal for students, MSc, PhD, postdocs, or early-stage museum professionals, working with or wishing to work with Coleoptera but lacking the necessary family-level identification skills

Practical experiences:
Mostly; almost 100%

Lectures:
Where applicable

Seminars:
Weekly seminars are available

Name of mentor/supervisor:
Maxwell V L Barclay, Curator of Coleoptera

Institution:
The Natural History Museum, London
Department of Entomology
Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK

Registration fee:
Will be announced soon.  
Participants are responsible for their own travel and subsistence expenses.

Registration:
Deadline for registration: 1 October 2011
Participants will be notified by 14 October 2011 whether accepted to the training.
Click here for the registration form.

Payment:
Payment details and deadline will be provided upon acceptance to the training.