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<DIV>INTRODUCTORY COURSE ON FRESHWATER ALGAL
IDENTIFICATION<BR><BR><BR><BR>Sunday 24 June - Friday 29 June
2007<BR><BR>Venue: Hild-Bede College and School of Education, University
of Durham, Durham, UK<BR><BR>Organisers: Professor Brian A. Whitton (Durham) and
Dr David M. John (Marie Curie Fellow, Martin Ryan Institute, NUI, Galway,
Ireland)<BR><BR> <BR><BR>The aim of the course (run since 1992) is to train
staff from the Environment Agency, SEPA, water plcs and other companies,
research students and overseas visitors in the identification of freshwater
algae. Related topics, such as aspects of monitoring and
implications of the EU Water Framework Directive, will be
introduced.<BR><BR><BR>The course is a mixture of lectures and practicals,
together with an afternoon field trip. Members should arrive by 1730 on the
Sunday and the daily programme runs from 0900 to 2120 each evening. It ends
formally after lunch on Friday, though there is an optional trip to sites along
the River Wear in the afternoon. <BR><BR><BR><BR>The course organisers are Dr
David John and Professor Brian Whitton who give the majority of the
lectures. Dr Gordon Beakes (University of Newcastle), Dr Alan
Donaldson (consultant) and Dr Martyn Kelly (Bowburn Consultancy) will also
contribute.<BR><BR> <BR><BR>Residence and meals are in Hild-Bede College
that is situated on a hill above the River Wear and therefore commands a fine
view over the river and city; it also has an excellent reputation for food and
drink. Arrangements can be made for special diet requirements.
Parking is available inside the college; it is helpful, but not essential, to
know in advance if you plan to bring a car.
<BR><BR><BR>Members are encouraged to bring a laboratory coat and boots for a
short field visit and (preferably) fresh algal samples from their local waters.
Everything else is provided including access to The Freshwater Algal Flora of
the British Isles and three identification CDs. It is expected that a new
version of the blue-green algal CD will be ready for the course. Some may find
it useful to bring their own portable computer, if it can be used for CDs and
the risk of loss is covered by insurance. A training manual (2007 revision) will
be distributed in advance of the course. Overseas members need not bring a
laboratory coat or clothes for the field visit - these will be loaned.
<BR><BR><BR>Travel Durham is on the main rail line between London King's
Cross and Edinburgh. Trains are about once an hour and the journey from London
(260 miles) takes three hours. Overseas members should contact the organizers
for advice on getting the cheapest ticket. A taxi from the station to
Hild-Bede College (about 1.5 miles, but a long hill for walkers) costs about
£3.50. The nearest airport is Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
(Avoid Teesside and Durham airport, unless this provides the only suitable
flight.) There is a rail route from Newcastle airport to Durham, though
this involves changing at Newcastle main rail station and the overall journey
can take anything from one to two hours, depending on the connection at
Newcastle. A taxi from Newcastle airport to Durham (26 miles) takes 35-45
minutes and costs about £40; the return fare is cheaper if booked with a Durham
taxi company. The organizers usually meet members at the airport if they
arrive on a day prior to the course, but this may be difficult on the
Sunday. <BR><BR> <BR><BR>Cost The inclusive cost for all
participants other than full-time research students is £875 (no VAT
charge). The discounted price for full-time students or people from
countries outside Europe is £775. Students who are members of the British
Phycological Society may apply directly to the Society for some support, but any
decision rests with the Society. Full details are given on the BPS
website. It is recommended that applications be submitted as soon as possible
(deadlines: 1 March, 1 June). Hild-Bede College can provide accommodation
for anyone wanting to stay an extra night at the beginning or end of the course
(about £30 per night). The organizers can make the arrangements, but
payment should be made during the course directly to the college.
Dinner on Friday (but not bed and breakfast) will be provided free to anyone
wanting to stay the night.<BR><BR><BR><BR>Booking Provisional and firm
reservations for one of 18 places should be made by email to <A
href="mailto:b.a.whitton@durham.ac.uk">b.a.whitton@durham.ac.uk</A> or fax
0191-386-0619, to be followed by an official order to B.A.Whitton Algal
Training, 74 Archery Rise, Durham DH1 4LA, UK. Payment or a proper
order form is required by 1 June. A full refund will be made to anyone
paying early, but cancels the reservation before 1 June, while 50% refund will
be made to anyone who cancels by 10 June. <BR><BR>For Further Information
You are welcome to email or phone Brian Whitton: <A
href="mailto:b.a.whitton@durham.ac.uk">b.a.whitton@durham.ac.uk</A> <<A
href="mailto:b.a.whitton@durham.ac.uk">mailto:b.a.whitton@durham.ac.uk</A>>
, phone 0191-386-7504 (home) or 0191-334-1347
(university). <BR><BR>People in Ireland may prefer to contact David
John directly: Dr David John, Martin Ryan Institute, National University
of Ireland, Galway: <A
href="mailto:david.john@nuigalway.ie">david.john@nuigalway.ie</A> <<A
href="mailto:david.john@nuigalway.ie">mailto:david.john@nuigalway.ie</A>>
, phone 091-493200 or 0872553909 (mobile).</DIV></BODY></HTML>