The unique educational opportunitites available to the students at Duke and surrounding universities are unparalleled. With multiple classes being offered, students from all disciplines are often found out in the natural habitat enclosures trailing their study subjects or in a laboratory setting discovering secrets long-held by these endangered species. Undergraduate students wishing to conduct research projects at the Center are eligible for a grant (PDF) established in memory of Molly Glander, deceased wife of former Director, Ken Glander. Studying at the Lemur Center can be a once in a lifetime experience!
BAA 144L Primate Field Biology
In Primate Field Biology students get hands-on experience in the methods used to study primate behavior. Working at the Duke Lemur Center, class participants will formulate research questions, design research protocols and then follow a variety of prosimian primates through the Duke Forest collecting data. http://baa.duhs.duke.edu/Classes/BAA_144L/Baa_144L.htm
BAA 180L Fundamentals of Paleontological Casting
Primate and other fossils are usually discovered encased in rock matrix and after this is cleaned off are frequently duplicated in plastic replicas for general teaching and study. This course demonstrates how this is done and allows the student to carry out cleaning and casting of fossils. Course covers common laboratory and curatorial methods for paleoanthropological and paleontological research collections including fossil specimen preparation, preservation, storage, reproduction, and cataloging. Aspects of field techniques such as domestic and international project planning and management, fossil specimen recovery, and field cataloging are also covered. Taught at the Duke Lemur Center Division of Fossil Primates (1013 Broad Street). http://www.baa.duke.edu
BAA 192 Tutorial inBAA
Synopsis: Directed reading, tutorial, or individual project in a field of special interest, under the supervision of a faculty member, resulting in a substantive paper or other approved product. http://www.baa.duke.edu
Research Independent Study Synopsis BAA 193
Individual research in a field of special interest, under the supervision of a faculty member, resulting in a substantive paper or written report containing significant analysis and interpretation of a previously approved topic. Open only to qualified juniors and seniors, who, before being given permission to register, must submit to the faculty advisor a written proposal outlining the area of study and listing the goals and meeting schedule. Consent of instructor and director of undergraduate studies required. http://www.baa.duke.edu
244L Methods in Primate Field Ecology (NEW!)
This class includes a survey of field methods used in the study of primate ecology, including the habitat assessment, mapping, and behavioral observations using computer technology. Laboratory includes observations of primates at the Duke Lemur Center. Prerequisite: Biological Anthropology and Anatomy 93; Biological Anthropology and Anatomy 143 recommended. http://www.baa.duke.edu
BAA 246 Primate Fossil Record
This course outlines the history of all major primate groups. It covers the origin, definition, and distribution of prosimians, monkeys, apes, and hominids, with a major focus on the appearance of monkeys and apes, and on the emergence of early hominids. http://www.baa.duke.edu