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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>IDENTIFICATION
COURSE ON THE FRESHWATER ALGAE OF IRELAND<BR><BR>Monday 11 June - Friday
15 June 2007<BR><BR>Venue: Martin Ryan Institute, National
University of Ireland, Galway<BR>Organiser: Dr David M. John (Marie Curie
Fellow, MRI) <BR><BR><BR><BR>The course aims to provide a broad training in the
identification of all groups of freshwater algae with the focus on those common
in Ireland, important for environmental monitoring and assessing the 'ecological
status' of waters, as well as on harmful and nuisance forms. <BR> <BR>The
programme begins at 0915 on the Monday and at 0900 on other days. The mix of
lectures and practicals runs from 0900 to 1800 on all days except Friday when
the course formally ends at 1600. An afternoon field trip will provide an
opportunity to demonstrate sampling methods and therefore participants are
advised to bring appropriate clothing. Several identification aids will be used
including multi-access identification keys (CDs), image database web sites and
The Freshwater Algal Flora of the British Isles (2002, eds John, Whitton,
Brook). Some participants might wish to bring their own portable computers to
practice using the identification CDs.<BR><BR> <BR><BR>Dr David John will
give the majority of the lectures and Dr Bernadette Ni Chatháin will run the
one-day diatom programme. Dr Ciarán Loughnane and other algal specialists will
assist from time to time.<BR><BR> <BR><BR>The course is designed for those
who have little or no experience identifying freshwater algae. Catered for
during practical sessions will be the needs of those who have some prior
knowledge of algae.rw All participants will receive a manual in advance of
the course along with a detailed programme. Further material will be handed out
during the course. Locally collected samples will be used although participants
are encouraged to bring fresh samples (if possible) from their own
areas<BR> <BR>The Martin Ryan Institute is in Galway
city and therefore ideally placed for running a freshwater algal training
course. Immediately to the north lies Connemara where loughs and the thousands
of boggy pools associated with extensive areas of blanket bog form some of most
desmid-rich waters in the British Isles. To the south lies the Burren
whose alkaline waters are ideal for blue-green algae, stoneworts, diatoms and
other algal groups. Subaerial algae will be considered briefly since evident
throughout this part of Ireland due to the relatively wet and mild
climate.<BR> <BR><BR>Cost The inclusive charge of EUR200 covers
training, documentation, other incidentals, lunch as well as tea and
coffee. Accommodation is not included in the cost and therefore
participants need to make their own hotel reservations and arrangements for
evening meals. A list of local B & Bs and hotels can be provided on request.
For comprehensive tourist information about Galway, see the website </FONT><A
href="http://www.galway.ie"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>www.galway.ie</FONT></A><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>.
<BR><BR> <BR>Full-time students can apply to the British
Phycological Society for a contribution towards the course cost, but must be
members of the Society. Details of how to apply for a student award are given on
the BPS web site <BR>(deadline for applications: 1 March).
<BR><BR><BR><BR>Booking provisional and firm reservations for one of the 15
places should be made by email to </FONT><A
href="mailto:david.john@nuigalway.ie"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>david.john@nuigalway.ie</FONT></A><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>
<</FONT><A href="mailto:david.john@nuigalway.ie"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>mailto:david.john@nuigalway.ie</FONT></A><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>> followed by an official order or a formal letter addressed to
Dr David John, The Martin Ryan Institute, NUI, Galway. Payment is required by 1
May 2007. A full refund will be made to anyone paying early but who cancels
before that date. A 50% refund will be given to anyone who cancels after 20 May
due to unforeseen circumstances. <BR><BR>For further information contact
</FONT><A href="mailto:david.john@nuigalway.ie"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>david.john@nuigalway.ie</FONT></A><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>
<</FONT><A href="mailto:david.john@nuigalway.ie"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>mailto:david.john@nuigalway.ie</FONT></A><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>> , phone 091-493200 (office) or 0872553909 (mobile); if phoning
from outside Ireland use 00353 and remove the first '0'.
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