objectives

1. To provide an opportunity for a direct experience with the natural environment.
2. To provide knowledge of the natural history of the Brunei rainforest.
3. To provide an understanding of rainforest ecology and guidance for its conservation.

programme of study

The Centre provides a weekend long (Thursday till Sunday) Field course catering for Biology and Geography students at secondary level, especially at 'O' and 'A' levels.

During their stay at the Centre, students have a unique opportunity to live and study in an area of unspoiled tropical rainforest. They take part in a long trek through the jungle, climbing to a height of over 300 metres studying the living and non-living components of the forest on the way. They also have the opportunity to carry out investigations into the 'working' of the rainforest.

Back at the Centre there are slide shows and opportunities to see some of the specimens collected from the forest.

research

vision

To take a leading role in research on primary rainforest ecosystems in Southeast Asia.

mission

To carry out research :

• on the environmental and physical characteristics of the primary rainforest ecosystem.
• on primary rainforest biodiversity.
• on primary rainforest dynamics.

goal

To contribute to the collection of baseline data and expansion of knowledge of the environmental (biological, chemical, cultural, economic, physical, social) characteristics of the primary rainforest.

procedures for conducting research

Guidelines for Research Proposals

To conduct research at KBFSC, prior approval from the KBFSC Research Advisory Committee is needed. The committee requires a detailed research proposal and résumés for each researcher involved in the project. The research proposal must be submitted at least three months before the proposed visit and needs to contain the following information:

1. Introduction

   • brief introduction to the nature of the work and to previous studies
   • a statement on the importance of this work in the context of existing knowledge
   • clearly stated objectives
   • mention of any local collaboration/supervision
2. Methods

   The methods need to be given in detail and include (where applicable):

   • sampling design and techniques
   • the number of specimens to be collected
   • impact of the methods on the target species and any implications for its conservation
   • the dates and duration in the field
   • where the specimens are going to be deposited
   • if any special assistance (equipment, guides or boats) from KBFSC is required

The committee requires a preliminary report on completion of the field trip and copies of any subsequent publications. Other output such as field guides, diagnostic keys, etc. are greatly appreciated. Visiting researchers are also encouraged to submit articles to The Science Bulletin published by the Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. This is an annual publication, the aim of which is to provide information to the University community and the public about the research activities of the Faculty in an accessible and informal manner.