Portaferry, Co. Down, Northern Ireland
4-8th August 2008
This course will provide an introduction to ascidian ecology and taxonomy. No prior knowledge is required, and it is expected that participants will include academic researchers, government agency staff and environmental consultants. On course completion, participants should be able to identify ascidian species to at least genus level. Topics to be covered include: outline of major ascidian groups, ascidian morphology, ascidian reproduction, larval and adult ecology, ascidian bioinvasions, ascidian biogeography, genetic techniques, in situ identification of ascidians from Britain and Ireland. Practical sessions will cover dissection of ascidians, preservation techniques, and field and laboratory identification sessions. There will also be an opportunity to participate in a two-day field trip to Mulroy Bay, Co. Donegal prior to the course (weekend of 2/3rd August).
The course tutors will be Gretchen Lambert and Charles Lambert (University of Washington Friday Harbor Laboratories), John Ryland (University of Swansea), John Bishop (University of Plymouth) and Bernard Picton (Ulster Museum). Gretchen and Charles Lambert are internationally renowned experts on ascidian taxonomy. They have taught several courses on ascidian taxonomy, most recently a two week training course at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. John Ryland is an expert on the taxonomy and reproduction of ascidians, and a co-author of Marine Fauna of North-West Europe. John Bishop's research interests include patterns of genetic diversity in marine species and introduced species in sessile biotas. His lectures will provide insights into the use of genetic methods in tunicate taxonomy and invasive species. Bernard Picton's research interests include marine invertebrate ecology and taxonomy. He will lecture on in situ identification of British and Irish ascidian species, and the use of photography in recording.
Places are available on either a full board (including accommodation Sunday-Thursday, and all meals) or day rate (including lunch and tea/coffee only). The full-board rate is £320 and the day rate £150 (with the option to purchase evening meals for an additional charge). Participants should note that there are some evening laboratory sessions and lectures and an early start on Monday. A course schedule is available on our website(http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/ascidians), or available by email on request.
The course is being organised by the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording, National Museums Northern Ireland. For more information or to request a booking form please contact Claire Goodwin (email:claire.goodwin@gmail.com, phone: 028 90395267, post: Zoology Department, National Museums Northern Ireland, 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, Co. Down BT20 OEU). Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis, although the right will be reserved to limit the number of participants from any one organisation.
This course is generously supported by grants from Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government (Republic of Ireland) and Environment & Heritage Service (Northern Ireland).
