Foundation: Introduction to Phycology for Analysts
Online Course Information
The Intermediate: Introduction to Phycology for Analysts online course is designed to achieve two objectives;
- To provide new analysts with a solid foundation to build identification skills upon.
- To give experienced analysts the foundation for data interpretation and professional development towards becoming a signatory or Senior Analyst.
Approach of this Course
This course examines key concepts in phytoplankton biology and metabolism, as well as the significant parameters and dynamics of water and extreme events that influence or explain our observations during phytoplankton analysis.Â
What will I learn in this course?
Without understanding how algae and cyanobacteria cells are structured, how they respond to nutrients and changing conditions, how they behave during blooms and in the presence of other taxa, and the impact of phytoplankton on water quality, the analytical results do not hold much meaning.
This foundational knowledge is also necessary for new analysts learning to differentiate between and reliably identify the various classifications of algae and cyanobacteria, as well as to understand their context within the water body they are examining, which is also often key to correct identification.Â
This course aims to build the skills to understand phytoplankton and cyanobacteria, and find the context within the sample to build confidence and consistency in routine phytoplankton analysis and identification.
Who is it for?
This foundation-level course is designed for early-career technicians, scientists, students, or water professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the water bodies they observe and the phytoplankton communities within them, for analysis, research, and water management purposes. The course is also suitable for experienced analysts seeking professional development to become a senior analyst or signatory for accredited laboratories.
Contents
- A downloadable textbook specifically written for the course, over 70 pages of content, images and diagrams.
- Approximately 75 minutes of video and written content to complement the text.
- The subscription fee provides ongoing access of this course and all materials
- Unlimited learning support via platform messaging or email.
- Additional VOIP live training sessions able to be purchased separately as desired.
Benefits
- Build confidence in skills in identification skills and basic concepts.
- Presented from a routine analytical perspective and application.
- Self-paced learning.
- In application messaging and email learning support.
- Certificate of completion and course outline for inclusion in training records.
Course Outline
Milestone 1 - Course Instructions & Downloads
- Lesson 1: Meet your Trainer
- Lesson 2: Course Instructions & Downloads
Milestone 2 - Introduction to Phycology
- Lesson 1: Study of Phycology & Unique Environments
- Lesson 2: Natural vs. Artificial Water Bodies, 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 & Odour Compounds
- Lesson 5: Cyanobacterial Morphology
Milestone 5 - Interactions, Bloom Dynamics, Monitoring & Mitigation
- Lesson 1: Cyanobacterial Bloom Dynamics
- Lesson 2: Monitoring, Sampling & Mitigation
Course Summary & Final Assessment
- Final Assessment – Colonial Cyanophyta
- Course Feedback
Course Fee Options:
About the fee options:
We offer two (2) payment options for individual course purchases, allowing you to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Upon signing up, payments can be made via PayPal or Credit Card. The course content is the same, regardless of the payment option.
$69.75 AUD / 3 months
Total Price: $279.00 AUD per year
After the full course fee is paid for the first year, the subscription may be cancelled anytime thereafter. The remainder of the course fee becomes immediately due if cancellation occurs within the first 12 months.
$279.00 AUD / year
Total Price: $279.00 AUD per year
Access to the course will remain active for the full 12 months of the subscription. At the end of the subscription period, options are to renew for another 12 months, change payment plan, or cancel the subscription.