Introduction to Ecosystem Modelling using Ecopath and Ecosim - February 2012

Another very successful course on ecosystem modelling was run recently by Dr Sheila Heymans. The course introduced the modelling tools ECOPATH and ECOSIM to delegates from UK, Ireland and Israel. The course included introductory lectures but was mostly hands-on with delegates learning how to set up data, balance models and review the outputs from the packages. An exciting development is that Dr Heymans has been asked to provide training in ecosystem modelling of low trophic level fish by the Marine Stewardship Council. This will take place during spring of 2012

Introduction to molecular methods for algal research - September 2011

A training course introducing molecular methods used in algal research was taught recently at SAMS. Scientists and PhD students from the UK, Norway and France attended the 2 day course. The course was designed to give the participants the guiding principles and know-how to start to incorporate molecular research into their algal research. Course content included lectures on the principles of DNA extraction and the PCR, DNA cloning and sequencing, and quantitative PCR. Two practical sessions applied this theoretical knowledge: (i) extracting and PCR amplifying algal DNA, and (ii) an introduction to bioinformatics, working with DNA electropherograms, sequence assembly and tree construction. This was the first time this course has been run, and feedback was encouraging. We are planning to re-run this course next year.

Marine Invasive Species Identification Workshop - September 2011

Delegates from DARDNI (Fisheries Inspectorate Northern Ireland) and AEPM Ltd. recently attended a course on Marine Aliens. Delegates learned about how to identify the most common invasive species in UK waters, including the highly invasive Carpet Sea Squirt Didemnum vexillum and what to do if you think you've found one of these species. There is a clear need for improved education on marine aliens in Scottish and European marine industries and agencies. In response SAMS will be developing a half-day course which can be delivered at various sites around Scotland to enable this CPD training to a wider audience.

If you think that your business would benefit from this course, please contact Dr Liz Cook

Displaying georeferenced scientific data using Google Maps - August 2011

Delegates from NOCs, the Environment Agency and The Dorset Wildlife Trust recently attended a course on presenting scientific data using Google Maps. Delegates learned how to design interactive online maps using the Google Maps Javascript API v3, whilst learning more about the core building blocks (HTML, JavaScript, Google Map API) needed to bring Google Maps to life. Delegates were also able to work on their own projects which included mapping of sediment cores and associated meta-data, mapping of high-resolution bathymetry and underwater images, as well as mapping of various river restoration related datasets. There is a clear need for computing and IT courses aimed at technical and scientific clients and SAMS will be developing several new courses in this area in the near future.

Long term conservation of marine microbial resources - February 2011

This course covered both theoretical aspects of cryopreservation and lyophilization, as well as their application to conserve microbial resources including: bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa. The event attracted delegates from a wide range of backgrounds including: biotechnologists, those working in Biological Resource Centres and scientists from fundamental and applied research environments. Delegates came from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Norway, South Korea Spain, the UK and

the USA, reflecting the global importance of this area of science. The course comprised a mix of lectures and practical sessions, with tutors from SAMS and the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) and input from specialist equipment manufacturers (Planer plc and Linkam Scientific Instruments Ltd). Topics covered included: Cryopreservation theory and application; Freeze-drying (lyophilization) theory and preparation; Health and Safety implications in cryopreservation; Ownership, Intellectual Property and microbial diversity as well as Data management and Quality Assurance. The large amount of interest in this subject means that the course will be repeated in February 2012.  

Delegates in the entrance to the new Sheina Marshall teaching facilities at SAMS

Identification of harmful phytoplankton - January 2011

The presence of harmful phytoplankton is a major issue for shellfish growers. The shellfish filter phytoplankton from the water and, if harmful strains are present, the shellfish can accumulate toxins in their flesh. In the EU waters in which shellfish are grown are regularly tested for the presence of harmful phytoplankton. In the UK this is co-ordinated by the Food Standards Agency and in Scotland SAMS undertakes analysis of the water samples.

This training course was run for parts of the industry interested in undertaking their own additional monitoring of phytoplankton in shellfish growing waters. The course explained what we know of the conditions leading to blooms of harmful phytoplankton, introduced the main groups of harmful algae and provided practical training in microscopic analysis and how to recognise and count the phytoplankton themselves.

Trainees practising identification of harmful phytoplankton

Marine Planning - the Policy Background - January 2011

Delegates from the Crown Estate, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation as well as  academia came together for a two-day course on the policy background to Marine Planning. The course comprised a mix of talks, discussions and group exercises covering the international, European and UK policy behind the emerging field of marine planning. Practical exercises included developing conceptual maps of the legislative framework, group discussions and role playing the planning process.

The course included talks on the current state of progress with marine planning in the UK and Scotland.

Working on conceptual maps to help navigate complex policy legislation

Discussing the current state of UK Marine Planning with Dr Tim Stojanovic of St. Andrews University

Culturing Algae For Biotechnology - September 2010

A very successful course on culturing algae for use in biotechnology was run in Sept (2010) by the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa. The event attracted delegates from a wide range of countries including UK, Ireland, Spain, Holland and Israel reflecting the intense global interest in this area of science.

The course comprised a mix of lectures and practical sessions. Topics covered included algal biodiversity, photosynthesis and its implications for cultures in artificial light, culturing methods and health and safety in culture labs, genomics and the use of algae for biofuel production.

As this course provided a broad introduction to the subject, some of the delegates expressed interest in receiving more intensive training in specialised areas e.g. identification of algae and molecular analysis of algae. SAMS will be exploring whether further courses can be set up to cater for this market.