Before you begin…

These courses are aimed at:

• scientists, technicians, and consultants seeking to develop, expand or reinforce their knowledge of cyanobacteria, phytoplankton and water quality
• secondary and tertiary students and teachers wanting to find out more about cyanobacteria, phytoplankton and water quality (foundation subjects recommended)
• Anyone that wants to learn about standard brightfield or phase microscopy and ergonomics
• Anyone that wants to learn more about developing good practices in quality assurance, record-keeping, workflow or systems design, applicable to any industry.

Please note: the courses are offered in ENGLISH ONLY.

For the phytoplankton courses, the taxa presented are mainly planktonic phytoplankton (benthic taxa are not specifically covered), commonly observed in Australia, with samples sourced mainly from within Queensland.  If you are joining us from overseas, the material covered may still be relevant, as many of the taxa are cosmopolitan.  So, for our international learners, I urge you to look for additional, regional references and articles, in addition to the material presented to ensure you are learning in an appropriate regional context. If you have any questions about additional references, please contact us at training@jarvishuntconsultancy.com.au.

The aim is to provide you with a solid foundation in the subjects offered. For the phytoplankton and cyanobacterial identification and enumeration techniques, the material is presented from production or routine monitoring or analytical laboratory perspective and is based on preserved specimens.

Below is a recommended minimum specification for a microscope and list of equipment that we use to assist you to examine your own samples.

This delivery is an entirely online format, and we recognise that with this subject matter, nothing is better than time spent down the microscope, looking at samples. The units are designed as stand-alone courses, but it is assumed you have a microscope and access to samples, and you will spend time at the microscope so you can get the most out of this material.

Microscope

• Any compound light microscope, fitted with phase contrast filters and annuli
• Phase 1 x10 magnification long working distance objective
• Phase 1 or 2 x40 magnification long working distance objective
• Phototube or c-mount and camera attached for taking photos (highly recommended)

Equipment

• Sedgewick Rafter or similar counting chamber (glass or plastic)
• 24 x 60mm disposable coverslips
• 1mL plastic disposable pipettes
• Acidified Lugol’s Iodine
• Scissors
• DI or RO water
• 70% ethanol
• Small toothbrush (cleaning slides)
• Glass wipes (lint free)

How the training works…

You may enrol in single units to suit your needs, or select from one of our bundles containing units that work as a cohesive body of learning.  There are three modes of training available to learners.

• Competely self-directed, online training that is self-paced.
• Blended online training which include 1-2 hour video sessions with me to support your online learning and take you through samples (subject to availability). You simply choose the option and make a booking through the calendar. Please note, that bookings are generally only conducted during office hours only and are made in AEST. For bookings outside of hours, please contact us to discuss at training@jarvishuntconsultancy.com.au
• In-person and onsite training (Australia only). Access to the online courses and assessments is included.  This mode of training is completely customisable, and highly recommended for early-stage learners or in early-service development stages. It offers the greatest level of skill acquisition and knowledge transfer.

You will have access to the course materials for one year from the date of enrolment. If you are having any issues, all our online training is supported via email.  Please contact us at training@jarvishuntconsultancy.com.au if you have any questions or require support.

Upon completion of your training, you will receive a certificate. You will need to pass the course before receiving the certificate, and you may have as many attempts as required to do so.

If you would like some more information on which courses would suit your needs, please use our contact form or email us at training@jarvishuntconsultancy.com.au to get in touch.  We’d be happy to discuss your needs with you.

Finally, keep an eye on our website too, as we hope to organise and hold in-person and online workshops in the future. Please call us, or get in touch via our contact form, and we’ll get back to you.

We hope you enjoy our training courses. Happy learning!