[Lista-Algas] COURSE ON FRESHWATER ALGAL IDENTIFICATION

[Andres Boltovskoy]

INTRODUCTORY COURSE ON FRESHWATER ALGAL IDENTIFICATION


Sunday 24 June - Friday 29 June 2007

Venue:  Hild-Bede College and School of Education, University of Durham, Durham, UK

Organisers: Professor Brian A. Whitton (Durham) and Dr David M. John (Marie Curie Fellow, Martin Ryan Institute, NUI, Galway, Ireland)

 

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.


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. 



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.

 

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.     


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. 


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.   

 

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. 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.



Booking  Provisional and firm reservations for one of 18 places should be made by email to b.a.whitton at durham.ac.uk 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. 

For Further Information  You are welcome to email or phone Brian Whitton:  b.a.whitton at durham.ac.uk <mailto:b.a.whitton at durham.ac.uk> ,  phone  0191-386-7504 (home) or 0191-334-1347 (university).   

People in Ireland may prefer to contact David John directly: Dr  David John, Martin Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway: david.john at nuigalway.ie <mailto:david.john at nuigalway.ie> ,  phone  091-493200  or 0872553909 (mobile).
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