Intermediate: Identification of Heterocystous Cyanophyta
Online Course Information
The Intermediate: Identification of Heterocystous Cyanophyta online course examines the filamentous cyanobacterial genera and species that produce specialised cells. Many of these taxa have morphology similar to the heterocystous potentially toxic cyanobacteria that have been addressed within the potentially toxic cyanophyte course of this series.
It is essential to be able to differentiate between species, particularly from their potentially toxic counterparts, for the appropriate application of monitoring guidelines for risk assessment and associated toxin testing.
Approach of this Course
The course is divided into genera, with the most common species within each described, with the genera sequenced in a logical order to facilitate the comparison of differences and overlapping morphologies.Â
What will I learn in this course?
The course introduces the heterocystous filamentous taxa that all reside within the order Nostocales. These genera and species are found in fresh, brackish and estuarine environments. They are cosmopolitan in distribution. These taxa are all filamentous and may produce heterocytes and/or akinetes.
As with all these identification courses, there is an emphasis on the development of good habits and core skills in the identification of taxa. The emphasis should always be on seeing the morphological characteristics and putting them into the context of the sample and the environment it represents.
The taxa within this course are not currently considered potentially toxic in Australia, though that may vary depending on the region. The intermediate course on identifying potentially toxic cyanophytes may contain other species of the genera within this course, and can be found in the course catalogue.
Who is it for?
This intermediate-level course is designed for analysts at all stages of their careers to build and reinforce identification skills for this morphologically distinct group of cyanobacteria.Â
Contents
- A downloadable 60+ page textbook with descriptive entries for each taxon, relevant information, and images, as a reference and taxonomic guide.
- Approximately 45 minutes of video and written content to complement the textbook.
- The access to this course and all materials via a recurring subscription.
- Unlimited learning support via platform messaging or email.
- Additional VOIP live training sessions able to be purchased separately as required, subject to availability.
Benefits
- Build confidence in observation and identification skills.
- Presented from a routine analytical perspective using diagrams and images of preserved materials.
- 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 Instruction & Downloads
- Lesson 1: Meet your Trainer
- Lesson 2: Course Instruction & Downloads
Milestone 2 - Introduction to Heterocystous Cyanophyta
- Lesson 1: Introduction to Heterocystous Cyanobacteria
Milestone 3 - Dolichospermum
- Lesson 1: Dolichospermum crassum
- Lesson 2: Dolichospermum spiroides
- Lesson 3: Dolichospermum perturbatum
- Lesson 4: Dolichospermum flos-aquae
- Lesson 5: Dolichospermum helicoidium
- Lesson 6: Dolichospermum planctonicum
- Lesson 7: Dolichospermum smithii
- Lesson 8: Dolichospermum brachiatum
Milestone 4 - Sphaerospermopsis
- Lesson 1: Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides
- Lesson 2: Sphaerospermopsis reniformis
- Lesson 3: Sphaerospermopsis eucompacta
Milestone 5 - Aphanizomenon
- Lesson 1: Aphanizomenon gracile & Aphanizomenon flos-aquae
Milestone 6 - Cylindrospermum
- Lesson 1: Cylindrospermum spp.
Milestone 7 - Anabaena
- Lesson 1: Anabaena inaequalis
- Lesson 2: Anabaena oblonga
Milestone 8 - Anabaenopsis
- Lesson 1: Anabaenopsis arnoldii
- Lesson 2: Anabaenopsis elenkinii
- Lesson 3: Anabaenopsis circularis
Milestone 9 - Cuspidothrix
- Lesson 1: Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi
Milestone 10 - Chrysosporum
- Lesson 1: Chrysosporum bergii
Course Summary & Final Assessment
- Lesson 1: Course Summary & Final Assessment
- Lesson 2: 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. Payments are direct debited. Please also note: The course information and materials you receive within each below fee option are exactly the same.
$99.75 AUD / 3 months
Total Price: $399.00 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.
$399.00 AUD / year
Total Price: $399.00 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.