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The aim
of this 5-day introductory course is to provide a broad training in identification
and ecology of all freshwater algal groups, with the emphasis on commoner
algae and others used for monitoring or the cause of nuisance problems
including the death of domestic animals. Related topics, auch as practical
techniques, aspects of monitoring and implications of the EC Framework
Directive, will be introduced briefly into the course.
Every effort is made to deal with a participant's particular requirements,
as inevitably some know more about algae than others at the start of the
course. Advice and reading material can be provided to anyone who wants
to do a few hours preparation in advance of the course, but this is by
no means essential.
The emphasis of the practical work is to show how new aids facilitate
the identification of algae, especially The Freshwater Algal Flora
of the British Isles (John, Whitton & Brook 2002) and interactive
indentification keys and CDs/websites of algal images. A comprehensive
collection of Floras, ecological and monitoring literature will be on
display.
Dr David John and Prof. Brian Whitton give the majority of lectures.
Dr Martyn Kelly
(Bowburn Consultancy)
covers the diatoms.
Dr Gordon Beakes (University of Newcastle) and Peter York (NHM) will demonstrate
and lecture on microscopy.
Dr Alan Donaldson will lecture and demonstrate electronic keys.
Programme
The
course is a mixture of lectures and practicals, together with an afternoon
field trip. The daily programme runs until 2100 each evening. It normally
begins on Sunday evening and ends formally at lunch time on Friday. Often
it is possible for anyone who wants to stay until Saturday morning may
do so at no extra cost. There is an optional trip on the Friday afternoon
to sites along the River Wear from Upper Weardale down to Durham City.
Sunday
Two informal lectures with colour slides: Introduction to freshwater algae;
Aquatic sites and algae in northern England
Monday
Lectures: Microscopy and related techniques; Blue-green algae 1 and 2;
Guide to Floras and other literature; evening - Introduction to the green
algae
Practicals: first look at mixed field samples; range of blue-green algae
Tuesday
Lectures: Green algae 1 and 2; computer-based aids for identification;
evening - Diatoms 1
Practicals: range of green algae
Field visit to Cassop Vale National Nature Reserve, followed by microscopy
of samples
Wednesday
Lectures: Diatom 2 (mixed lectures and practicals); evening - Flagellates
Practicals: Diatoms: taxonomy and techniques
Thursday
Lectures: Red algae and charophytes; microscopy and preservation methods,
including diatom slides; .Use of mixed algal populations as environmental
indicators
Practicals: Reds, flagellates and charophytes; use of CD-ROMs for identification
Friday
Lectures: Use of algae for monitoring purposes; Toxic and nuisance
algae; general discussion
Slide show quiz, followed in the afternooon by the optional tour
Where
Hild-Bede College and School of Education, University of Durham, Durham,
England.
Accommodation and meals are in Hild-Bede College. The College and School
of Education are on the same site on a hill above the River Wear. Arrangements
can be made for special diet requirements. Those wanting to stay for an
extra night at the end of the course may do so at no extra charge, providing
the organisers know one week beforehand. Car parking is available inside
the college.
Travel
Durham City is on the main rail line between London King's Cross and Edinburgh.
Trains are once an
hour and the journey from London (260 miles) takes three hours. Overseas
participants should contact Prof. Whitton in advance for advice on getting
the cheapest ticket. The price of a taxi from the station to Hild-Bede
College (about 1.5 miles, but a long hill for walkers) depends on day
of the week and time of day. The nearest airport is Newcastle (Newcastle-upon-Tyne).
There is an easy rail journey from the airport to Durham City, though
this involves changing at Newcastle main rail station; the overall journey
can take anything from one to two hours, depending on rail connection
at Newcastle. A taxi journey from Newcastle airport to Durham City (25
miles) takes 35-40 minutes, but charges are erratic and expensive. The
organisers usually meet people at the airport if they arrive on a day
prior to the course.
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