Micro Ecology Training, Analysis & Consultancy

• To provide up to date, consistent and easily accessible training.
• Alternative training options are usually provided in person and often require travel (which can be expensive and/or disruptive).
• Other established conferences and workshops that provide some form of professional development are not always readily available. Many only occur every couple of years and move around the world, or from state to state.
• The scientific community recognizes the need for the development of more analysts and taxonomists in this field because of policy and program recognition of cyanobacteria as a world health priority.
• To help improve the standard and quality of the laboratories performing this analysis for the safety of the water supply.

You’ll be learning how to identify and analyse planktonic and benthic cyanobacteria and phytoplankton (microalgae), using phase-contrast microscopy, from a routine sample and analysis perspective. 

The cyanobacteria and phytoplankton covered are commonly seen within Australia, and most are cosmopolitan in distribution and will still be relevant to most regions.

There are also courses that provide a foundation for analysis and to understand the dynamics and also a basic course in how to set-up and use a brightfield or phase contrast microscope.

These courses are aimed at laboratore technicians and scientists, students, teachers, trainers, scientists, laboratories, consultancies, and education providers, that have a desire or need to learn how to identify and analyse cyanobacteria and other microalgae.

These courses are needed because the skills to identify and the ability to train in this expertise is becoming increasingly rare. Over the past 10 years, as a consultant working with water utilities and performing environmental analysis, I have found the laboratories are less able to meet required service levels, and the water industry is increasingly less able to make critical decisions they need to ensure water is safe.

If you are an analyst, yes, most certainly. The courses are designed for routine analysis, using phase contrast microscopy, and many of the images in the identification courses are presented this way, where available, so that analysts can apply and practice what they learn. 

The courses can be purchased individually, in small bundles, or partial or full library access. The course price provides access is for ONE YEAR, on subscription basis.

Your subscription may be cancelled at anytime, though the full price for the course for the year becomes due at time of cancellation.

Subscriptions can be paid in a single upfront payment, in installments, or monthly payments. The options offered may vary, depending on the size and product configuration.

Subscription includes all revisions and upgrades to course materials, and you’ll be given access to the new version alongside the older version so that you may complete it to get your certificate of completion, or undertake the new version. After approximately a month, the older version will be retired and removed from your account.

It is assumed you have a background either in water analysis, related to the courses, or some tertiary science education, as the courses are aimed at science students, analysts, and environmental scientists. So, if you have no prior knowledge, these courses may not be suitable.

That depends on your experience: 

For analysts and scientists that have microscopy experience in a related field but not specifically cyanobacteria and phytoplankton, it is adviseable to start with the foundation courses and work through the courses in a programmed order. It is also highly recommended that you consider some additional training sessions, either in-person if there are multiple learners within your organisation, or via video for small groups and individuals.

For those with reasonable phycology experience wanting to enhance or update their knowledge, are generally going to be able to do the courses in any order, with on demand training sessions available if required.

Either way, if you aren’t sure, please reach out and I’d be happy to discuss it with you.

Yes. Unfortunately, this is a visual and subjective science, and there is only so much you can convey online and over video. It is also harder as a trainer to assess the student from the interaction and non-verbal queues from students that tell me how well they are understanding the material.

The main advantage with in-person training is the enhanced delivery of course theory, with the additional bonus of dedicated time at the microscope, both as a group and one-on-one with me.

Yes, most certainly. We encourage constructive feedback, suggestions and ideas. The courses are reviewed when information needs updating, and we will always let you know when there is a new revision of the content being released.

We are also always looking for ways to enhance the courses with additional content and resources. If you have suggestions for related topics or enhancements, please utilise the course feedback forms at the end of every course, or you can send us an enquiry form message at any time.

JHC’s is located in a subtropical region in southeast Queensland, Australia. However, most of the cyanobacteria and phytoplankon contained within the courses, are found all over the world, and the courses will be of benefit no matter where you are located. There may be regional differences, in which are considered to be  potentially toxic species and the toxins they produce, so, I always recommend the use of local or regional guides to supplement your knowledge to contextualise the learning experience with these courses. Context is everything.

Our courses have been undertaken by technicians across Australia. Over the last year or so, they have been introduced to the European market, and soon will be introduced to other countries.

Currently, our courses are only available in English.

It is one of the developments JHC will be working towards in the future, to make our courses more accessible to everyone.