2021: August: Vietnam
2022 August: Australia or Cameroon
2023 August Australia or Cameroon
The 18th ANT COURSE will be held August 1 - 14, 2021 in Vietnam: for Cuc Phuong National Park
Organizing institutions and sponsors – California Academy of Sciences, US National Science Foundation, Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Hanoi
Course Schedule soon
Course Handbook soon
Bolton Morphology updated 18 April 2015
Participant Acceptance Criteria: ANT COURSE is open to all interested individuals (professionals, motivated amateurs such as citizen scientists, undergraduate, and graduate students, postdocs, and professors). Priority is given to applicants currently researching ants. An entomological background is not required. We aim to include students with diverse interests and experiences in biology, including systematics, evolution, ecology, behavioral biology, neurobiology, genetics, global change biology, and conservation. The high ratio of instructors to students allows all attendees to receive a great deal of individual attention. ANT COURSE is presented in English and limited to 25 participants. Photos from previous courses are available in the yearbook.
Cost: Course fees are estimated at $450. The fees cover food, lodging, and local transportation to the Cuc Phuong National Park from Hanoi. Participants must also cover all transportation costs between home and Hanoi, and must cover the costs of a taxi from the airport, meals, and hotel while in Hanoi.
2021 INSTRUCTORS
Brian Fisher (Coordinator), An Dang IEBR, Bonnie Blaimer, NCSU and Museum für Naturkunde, Michael Branstetter, USDA-ARS Utah State University; California Academy of Sciences; Flavia Esteves, California Academy of Sciences; Jack Longino, University of Utah; Andrea Lucky, University of Florida; Corrie Moreau, Cornell University; Phil Ward, University of California, Davis;
The ANT COURSE Program
ANT COURSE is a workshop that includes three modules: I. Phylogeny, Diversity, Classification, II. The Social Dimension, and III. Roles in Ecosystems and Sustainability.
Ant Course is a unique opportunity to acquire training that is unavailable elsewhere. Lectures and laboratory practice emphasize classification, identification of ant genera, social systems, and the diverse roles ants play in ecosystems. Field trips teach skills such as collecting and sampling, live colony capture, and biomonitoring techniques. Associated lab work focuses on specimen preparation, sorting, labeling, dissection, and monitoring analysis. Information on equipment, literature, and myrmecological contacts are also shared.
This course will provide students with an appreciation of the following:
ANT COURSE Schedule
I. Phylogeny, Diversity, Classification
Module one provides the framework for exploring and understanding of sociality and the role ants play in ecosystems and communities.
Field trip: focused on collecting methods, diversity of collections.
II. The Social Dimension
Ants exist not so much as individual organisms but rather as elements within a colony (within a family unit). Understanding this idea is key to appreciating how ants interact with the world.
Field trip: live colony capture for study.
Lab practical options with live colonies are done in groups of 3-4 students. Observations make it necessary to have a suitable container with fluon – note: each student should bring a plastic container.
III. Role in Ecosystem/Sustainability
Since ants are so ecologically important, can we do good science but also do good for society?
Field trip: explore community dynamics/role of ants in ecosystem.
Field Practical options:
Side workshops:
2021: August: Vietnam
2022 August: Australia or Cameroon
2023 August Australia or Cameroon
See photos, students, and instructors from past years.
Ant Course is an exceptional experience that has motivated me to pursue new avenues of research. I leave it energized and inspired. Great Work.
– Emilio Bruna 2004
Fantastic Course. Best Field Course ever. The Ant Course has revitalized my research program and has positioned me to make lasting contributions to ecology, biodiversity, myrmecology and evolution.
– Anonymous student 2004
The Ant Course Distinguished Service Award honors a lifetime of achievement in the study of ants.
Read about the history of Ant Course from the perspective of one of its coordinators.
The Academy is now open to the public. All guests, including members, must reserve timed-entry tickets in advance.
As always, your safety is our top priority, and enhanced health and safety measures are in effect:
Click the link below to view important safety information and reserve tickets. We look forward to seeing you soon!
The health and safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. In accordance with local and state public health guidelines, the Academy is closed to the public until further notice. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.