Taxonomic skills and field techniques for freshwater ecology and quality

We are offering a five-day course to learn how to collect and identify freshwater species to inform water quality and ecology.

This training initiative targets PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, early-career environmental science researchers and those working in biology, environmental and ecological sectors. The course will benefit those who wish to acquire or enhance their taxonomic expertise, practical identification and field work skills.

Summary

This course will deliver training in taxonomic skills and field techniques for freshwater sciences, ecology and water quality, with training in practical identification skills tailored to the requirements of the participants.

The course is delivered by our experts in biodiversity research and freshwater biology, particularly aquatic invertebrates, algae and aquatic macrophytes. It will entail two days of lectures, a one-day field excursion to the New Forest and two days of extensive hands-on practical sessions of microscopy, lab-based and herbaria work. The course is delivered by our taxonomic specialists. By working closely with our scientists, participants will gain expertise to meet the needs and challenges of their current and future careers.

Venue and duration

The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London. The course will run for one week, from 9:30-17.30 daily.

Eligibility

The course is available to all environmental science students, postgraduate researchers and early-career scientists. Priority will be given to those with NERC funding or whose PhD award was NERC funded. There is a maximum of 15 places available. The course is sponsored by NERC, and all course costs, travel and accommodation costs are covered. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided each day. Travel and accommodation arrangements will be made for participants by our administration team.

How to apply

Please download the application form provided and return by the closing date of 24 April 2025.

For more information about course content please email Anne D Jungblut. For administrative questions (e.g. travel and accommodation), please email Anna Hutson.

Topics to be covered

• Introduction to the taxonomy and identification of major freshwater groups.
• Practical training in the use of keys and existing handbooks.
• Microscopy techniques.
• Field work.
• Overview of freshwater habitats and appropriate sampling techniques.
• Hands-on training in sampling techniques, recording protocols for species lists, community assessment and monitoring.
• Data analysis methods, quantitative methodologies and experimental field design.
• Approaches to integrate taxonomic data and the physical and chemical properties of freshwater aquatic habitats.
• Preservation of different aquatic freshwater groups for voucher specimens and long-term storage.

Course outcomes

1. After completing the course, participants will:
2. know how to use handbooks and keys for the taxonomic identification of a range of freshwater groups;
3. understand best practice in collecting and preparing freshwater specimens for taxonomic identification;
4. be familiar with the use of microscopes;
5. be aware of preservation of different aquatic freshwater groups for voucher specimens and long-term storage;
6. familiar freshwater habitats and appropriate sampling techniques according to habitat characteristics;
7. be aware of sampling techniques, recording protocols for species lists, community assessment and monitoring approaches.

Course contributions

Aquatic invertebrates

Dr Ben Price and Luis Moliner Cachazo: Taxonomy, identification and ecology of freshwater insects (especially Chironomidae, Odonata, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Coleoptera). Responses of freshwater insects to environmental change, statistical analyses, palaeoecology, quantitative inference models.

Ciliated protozoa (ciliates)

Dr Alan Warren: Systematics, diversity and ecology of ciliated protists (ciliates) in aquatic ecosystems, including wastewater treatment processes; application of microscopy, isolation and cultivation, and the use of ciliates as bioindicators of water quality.

Aquatic lichens

Dr Gothamie Weerakoon: Taxonomic diversity and ecology of lichens.

Macrophytes

Ewan Shilland: Taxonomic diversity, identification and field surveys aquatic angiosperms, bryophytes, pteridophytes and charophytes.

Freshwater algae

Dr Eileen Cox: Taxonomy and systematics of microalgae (especially, green, yellow-green algae, chrysophytes and dinoflagellates), application of microscopy and field identification.

Dr David Williams: Taxonomy, systematics and biogeography of freshwater diatoms.

Dr Anne D. Jungblut: Taxonomic diversity and ecology of cyanobacteria, toxic bloom-forming cyanobacteria, benthic cyanobacterial biofilms; application of microscopy, and DNA sequencing.