Phycology Fundamentals Course Bundle Information
Online Course Information
This combined program contains two courses.
- Foundation: Introduction to Microscopy, and
- Foundation: Introduction to Phycology for Analysts
This combined program lays the foundational skills in analytical phycology by ensuring confident use of a phase contrast microscope, developing an understanding of the dynamics between natural and artificial aquatic systems and phytoplankton populations, and building fundamental identification skills in an analytical context.Â
Approach of this Course
This course is aimed at the very foundation of analytical phycology. The first course is designed to ensure confidence in setting up and using a microscope to achieve the best-resolved field, and then to provide the concepts and context required to learn the basics of identification and the environmental factors analysts need to be aware of for analysis and interpretation.Â
What will I learn in this course?
The Foundation: Introduction to Micrsocopy covers the anatomy and function of all microscope components, setting up of the light path, Kohler illumination, alignment and focusing of condenser, phase annuli, and focus. Basic precautions and checks to ensure safety and prevent instrument damage, and troubleshooting are addressed. Calibration of microscope and camera software, and ergonomics and health management in microscopy.
The Foundation: Introduction to Phycology for Analysts Course is dual-purpose; it is intended to provide new phycology analysts with the foundational material as a primer for microscopic identification of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae, and to prepare them for analysis by understanding the environmental forces that influence the phytoplankton and analysis, and that, in this analysis, context is everything!
This course also provides analysts with a solid foundation in microcope preparation and use, and a foundation for understanding the concepts and context that influence phytoplankton populations, and basic morphological features used for identification.
Who is it for?
This program is designed as a primer for early-career technicians, students, and laboratories that are developing analytical services in phycology. Particularly for laboratories, this is a way to introduce some baseline understanding of the field, potentially assess an analyst’s suitability, interest and aptitude in microscopy and phycology.
Contents
- Downloadable textbooks specifically written for each course.
- Videos and written content for each unit, with analytical needs in mind, designed for effective learning and practical applications.
- Unit and final assessments to help review and enhance the learning experience.
- Certificate download for training records upon completion.
Benefits
- Self-paced learning.
- Comprehensive guides to help develop understanding and competency.
- Build confidence in skills for identifying phytoplankton and interpreting results in an analytical setting.
- Unlimited learning support via direct messaging within the platform and email.
- Additional VOIP live training sessions are available for purchase separately upon request (subject to availability and time differences).
- The subscription is for an initial 1-year of access and may be extended. Full fee payment for the course is required, regardless of the chosen payment option. Cancellation allowed at any time, once the full fee balance is paid.
Course Outline
Milestone 1: Course Instructions & Downloads
- Lesson 1: Meet your Trainer
- Lesson 2: Course Instructions & Downloads
Milestone 2: Microscopy: What, When & How?
- Lesson 1:Â The Uses & Power of Microscopes
- Lesson 2: The History of Microscopes
- Lesson 3: How Our Vision & Microscopes Work
Milestone 3: Anatomy of a Microscope & Setup
- Lesson 1: Components, Functions & Basic Sample Preparation
- Lesson 2: Microscope Setup: Preliminary Checks
- Lesson 3: Microscope Setup: Basic Dos & Don’ts
- Lesson 4: Microscope Setup: Light Path Alignment (Kohler Illumination & Phase Annuli)
- Lesson 5: Microscope Setup: Focus the Field (Brightfield & Phase Contrast)
- Lesson 6: Microscope Setup: Coverslip Correction (Phase Correction Ring)
Milestone 4: Calibration & Troubleshooting
- Lesson 1: Calibration of Eyepiece Micrometer
- Lesson 2: Calibration of Camera Software
- Lesson 3: Troubleshooting Microscope Setup
Milestone 5: Ergonomics
- Lesson 1: Ergonomics in Microscopy
- Lesson 2: Neutral Sitting Position
- Lesson 3: Management of Health
Milestone 6: Course Summary, Final Assessment & Feedback
- Lesson 1: Course Summary
- Lesson 2: Final Assessment
- Lesson 3: Course Feedback Survey
Milestone 1: Course Instructions & Downloads
- Lesson 1:Â Meet your Trainer
- Lesson 2: Course Instructions & Downloads
Milestone 2: Introduction to Phycology
- Lesson 1:Â Study of Phycology & Unique Environments
- Lesson 2: Natural vs. Artificial Water Columns & DO
- Lesson 3: Turnover
- Lesson 4: Black Water & Avian Botulism
- Lesson 5: Human Influences & Climate Change
Milestone 3: Eukaryotic Algae
- Lesson 1: Eukaryotic Algae Ecology, Biology & Metabolism
- Lesson 2: Eukaryotic Internal & External Cell Structure
Milestone 4: Cyanobacteria
- Lesson 1: Cyanobacterial Cell Biology & Photosynthesis
- Lesson 2: Nutrient Acquisition & Response
- Lesson 3: Mobility, Movement, Reproduction, & Genetic Diversity
- Lesson 4: Toxins, Taste and Odour Compounds
- Lesson 5: Cyanobacterial Morphology
Milestone 5: Interactions, Bloom Dynamics, Monitoring & Mitigation
- Lesson 1: Cyanobacterial Bloom Dynamics
- Lesson 2: Monitoring, Sampling & Mitigation
Course Fee Options:
About the fee options:
For individuals, we offer three (3) payment options for this course, so you can choose the one that is most convenient for you. Upon signing up, payments can be made via PayPal or Credit Card. Payments are directly debited. Please also note that the course information and materials you receive under each fee option below are exactly the same.
If you are buying for your team or need a formal quote for purchasing, please follow the link below the pricing boxes.
$44.00 AUD / month
Total Price: $528.00 AUD per year
- One (1) Seat
- After the full course fee for the first year is paid, the subscription may be cancelled at any time thereafter. The remainder of the course fee becomes immediately due if cancellation occurs within the first 12 months.
Additional video training calls available upon request (additional fees).
$125.40 AUD / 3 months
Total Price: $501.60 AUD per year (5% Discount)
- One (1) Seat
- After the full course fee for the first year is paid, the subscription may be cancelled at any time thereafter. The remainder of the course fee becomes immediately due if cancellation occurs within the first 12 months.
$475.50 AUD / year
Total Price: $457.50 AUD per year (10% Discount)
- One (1) Seat
- Access to the course will remain active for the full 12 months of the subscription. At the end of the subscription period, options include renewing for another 12 months, changing the payment plan, or cancelling the subscription.