Professional Courses

Every year, Bigelow Laboratory offers a number of professional courses open to outside attendees. Courses are limited in number of participants to ensure the best possible experience for students.

Below are brief descriptions of some of our upcoming courses and links to in-depth information regarding course content, intended audience, and application procedures and deadlines. Most courses are offered annually, so please check back again if you missed an opportunity this year or contact the course organizers to see if you can sign up for email updates.

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Bioinformatics of Microbial Single Cells

This course offers hands-on training in computational techniques for the integration of single amplified genome (SAG) data in studies of microbial ecology and evolution. The intended audience includes faculty, graduate students, post docs and professionals interested in working with SAG data. We also offer an optional, remote software carpentry-styled workshop for participants interested in improving or reviewing their basic coding and data science skills. For further information, please see course website.

Algal Culture Techniques

This culture techniques course is designed to teach the students the basics of culturing phytoplankton from sterile technique to the basics of growth media and everything in between. In addition, there will be learning sessions on single cell picking for isolation, media preparation, use of automated optical microscopy, molecular techniques for identification, and other useful bits of information for embarking on a long career of growing phytoplankton.

Marine Harmful Algae Taxonomy

Effective monitoring and management of harmful algal blooms (HABs) relies on accurate and timely identification of the species involved. The classic method of detection is microscopic examination for HA species based on morphological characteristics. The rapidly expanding harmful algae taxonomy field, retirement of many ‘classical’ taxonomists, lack of dedicated U. S. harmful algae taxonomic and identification training programs, and increased use of non-traditional methods of harmful algae identification all contribute to an increasing need for comprehensive training for U.S. harmful algae managers, scientists and technicians.This course will provide expert training and a certificate of proficiency in harmful algae identification, based on light microscopy, and provide familiarity with alternate identification technologies.

OceanHackWeek

OceanHackWeek is a collaborative learning experience which aims to promote data and software proficiency in ocean scientists and facilitate inclusive community building. It includes tutorials, data exploration, software development, collaborative projects and community networking. Participants will learn computational and data science skills with a focus on the integration and manipulation of diverse sources of data and models. We encourage participation across disciplines and career stages so we can connect oceanographers with a diversity of experience and identity and cultivate an inclusive, open and sharing culture that catalyzes data-intensive research. For further information see our website.

Education