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
