ZEBRA



What does ZEBRA stand for?
RZSS ZEBRA (Zoo Environment Behavioural Research Award) is a programme designed to give students looking to pursue a career in Biology or Science a head start. This is a chance to gain practical conservation and research skills, in keeping with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s mission to “Connect People with Nature” as well as the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence.
When does the ZEBRA programme run?
The programme will commence at the end of October and will run each Friday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm, excluding school holidays. There will be 13 sessions between October and March.
Typical daily programme
Students will typically enter Edinburgh Zoo and meet at our Education Centre for a 2pm start. Each week the programme will follow the below format:
2.00pm Registration & Induction
2.15pm Conservation Research Activity
3.45pm Animal Case Study in Zoo
4.00pm End
Students will be free to enter the zoo any time after 12.00pm and stay in the zoo until close should they wish to. Conservation research activities will be designed to develop practical skills. This will include conducting captive behavioural studies, carrying out native wildlife surveys, developing camera trapping techniques and use of statistical data analysis.
Each session will end with a summary, and an animal case study, whereby students will learn more about one of our endangered zoo animals and how RZSS is helping with their conservation.
What's in it for me?
This course has the potential to be hugely beneficial to students attending. The course aims for students to:
·         Improve their understanding of biology, conservation and how zoos work.
·         Boost their CV as they prepare for applications to Universities or careers.
·         Gain (optional) additional accreditation through the BSA CREST Awards.
·         Experience behavioural research first hand while studying our amazing zoo animals.
·         Develop a professional skillset that will help them in future careers.
·         Have the chance to meet new like-minded people.
·         Foster useful professional connections within the zoo world.
·         Gain regular access to Edinburgh Zoo to engage in outdoor learning.
And most importantly, this is a fantastic opportunity for the student to simply have fun!
What does it cost?
The ZEBRA programme is FREE to for pupils who attend City of Edinburgh Council schools or colleges, or students whose home address is within Edinburgh Council’s boundary. Unfortunately at this stage we are unable to accept applicants who do not meet this requirement.
How to book your place
To apply for a FREE place please go to the Zoo website, complete the Booking Form and return it via email to: education@rzss.org.uk
The course starts on Friday 26th October 2018.
Places on this course are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. With this in mind, please book early to guarantee your place!
Please note: To be eligible for the free places on this course you must currently attend a school or college within the Edinburgh City Council boundary, or else have a home address within Edinburgh City Council’s boundary. If you should withdraw from the programme within 2 weeks of the start date (or any time after this) a cancellation charge of £50.00 may be applied.
What are the BSA CREST Awards?
By completing this course you can choose to gain extra accreditation through the British Science Association (BSA) CREST Awards. You can opt in to receive a Silver CREST Award, recognised by UCAS, and recommended for inclusion within Personal Statements for University Application. Being presented for a CREST Award represents no increase in workload, merely increased accreditation for the work completed over the course duration. Please note the BSA require a £10.00 administration fee which is why the accreditation is optional as the student would need to cover the cost. Opting in to receive a CREST Award is not conditional on your attendance on this free course.
Any questions?
If want to know more about this programme, or have any other enquiries, please contact us at: education@rzss.org.uk



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