Intermediate: Cyanophyta Synechococcales
Future of this course
Due to a recent review of the cyanobacterial taxonomic scheme, this course is undergoing revision. An overview of the current taxonomic scheme within the Foundation: Introduction to Phycology course is available from the course catalogue. The changes in taxonomy have occurred from the classification of family and above. However, the identifications for these taxa to genus and species level within this course remain correct.
Who is it for?
This is an INTERMEDIATE level course and is suitable for people who have undertaken the FOUNDATION series of courses and those who have previously received some training. The course is presented by Lindsay Hunt, a microbiologist and biochemist specialising in phycology and technical trainer with over 25 years of experience in brightfield and phase contrast microscopy.
What will I learn in this course?
The course is an introduction to colonial and filamentous taxa previously classified within the order, Synechococcales. These taxa are grouped together due to similar morphology to aid in learning to differentiate them.
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.
Contents
- A downloadable textbook with 81 pages background information and taxonomic guide
- A downloadabe workbook with exercises to enhance learning
- Online video content to compliment the text
Benefits
- Build confidence in skills in identification
- Presented from a routine analysis perspective using preserved materials
- Self-paced learning
- Email learning support
- Certificate of attainment and course outline for inclusion in training records
Course Outline
Module 1: Meet Your Trainer..., Course Introduction & Overview
Course Information, Downloads & Outline
Course Overview: Introduction to Synechococcales
- Examples of Synechococcales I
- Examples of Synechococcales II
- Examples of Synechococcales III
Overview of Taxonomy
Characteristics of Synechococcales
Morphological features of Synechococcales
- Colonies and cell distribution
- Trichomes (filaments) and apical cells
- Mucilage
- Stalks
- Planes of division and displacement
Module 2: Synechococcales I
Colonial – Simple primary structure
- Cell arrangements
Taxa
- Aphanocapsa spp.
- Anathece spp.
- Cyanogranis spp
- Synechocystis spp.
- Cyanocataena imperfecta
- Cyanocataena planctonic
- Pannus spp.
- Lemmermanniella spp.
- Coelosphaerium spp.
Module 3: Synechococcales II
Colonial – Secondary Structure
Taxa
- Cyanodictyon spp.
- Rhabdogloea spp.
- Rhabdoderma spp.
- Synechococcales spp.
- Merismopedia spp.
Module 4: Synechococcales III
Filamentous
Taxa
- Pseudanabaena spp.
- Limnothrix spp.
- Romeria spp.
- Planktolyngbya spp.
- Limnolyngbya spp.
Module 5: Summary & Final Assessment
Summary & Key Learnings
Final Assessment & Course Feedback Form