The IOC Identification and Qualification in Harmful Marine Microalgae (HAB) course usually takes place annually in August in Denmark. However, considering the COVID-19 situation, it is not possible to organize a course in August 2021 in the usual format, including the practical microscopy of cultures and samples of HAB species.

Therefore, the IOC Science and Communication Centre on Harmful Algae at the University of Copenhagen will organise a distance learning course, hosted by IOC's OceanTeacher e-Learning Platform as Part 1 of the course, with a follow-up practical face-to-face course (Part 2) on species identification when the COVID-19 situation allows. This Part 2 includes 60 hours of teaching and a microscope will be available to each participant during the entire period.

Part 1 of the course will be held as a stand alone course and therefore it will be possible to participate in this course only. However, it is a prerequisite for participation in Part 2 of the course that Part 1 has been completed.

Part 1 (distance learning) will run between September - November 2021 and consists of 11 modules including:

1. Introduction to the various groups of HAB species


2. Questions and exercises (e.g. photos for species identification)


3. Weekly synchronous web conferences with the teachers

Part 1 of the course will not include an exam and the participants will receive a certificate of attendance after completing course. The practical course will include a final 3-hour exam in species identification qualifying for the ‘Certificate of Proficiency’.

Language: English

Course Instructors:

• Dr. Heléne Annadotter


• Dr. Santiago Fraga


• Dr. Jacob Larsen


• Dr. Nina Lundholm


• Professor Øjvind Moestrup

Target Audience:

The course is aimed at participants who have some years of practical experience in identification of microalgae. The number of participants is limited to 16. If there are more applicants than available seats, priority will be given to applicants who have direct research or management responsibilities with regard to the occurrence of harmful algae.

Course details:

Part 1 (online):

• 1 September - 30 November 2021


• OTGA e-Learning Platform

Part 2 (face to face):

• specific dates to be announced (likely in 2022)


• venue: IOC Science and Communication Centre on Harmful Algae, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, c/o Danhostel, Lejrskolevej 4, 3400 Hillerød.

Notes	Application Process: Please fill in the Online Application Form (https://bit.ly/2QeS0PU) no later than 1 June 2021. Course Fees Part 1 (online) The fee for the e-learning course is 1100 EUR. This fee for the e-learning course covers: Access to the e-learning course on Ocean Teacher – the course will start om 1 September 2021 and run for 2½-3 months as out-lined above Hard copies of the following three books to be sent to the participants by courier: Hallegraeff, G.M., Anderson, D.M., Cembella, A.D. (eds) 2004. Manual on harmful marine microalgae, - Monographs on oceanographic methodology 11, Unesco, Paris, 793 pp. Hoppenrath, M., Murray, S.A., Chomérat, N. & Horiguchi, T. 2014. Marine Benthic Dinoflagellates: Unveiling Their Worldwide Biodiversity. - Kleine Senckenberg-Reihe, Volume: 54, 1-276. Lassus, P., Chomérat, N., Hess, P. & Nézan, E. 2016. Toxic and Harmful Microalgae of the World Ocean. – Denmark. International Society for the Study of Harmful Algae / Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of Unesco. IOC Manuals and Guides 68, 523 pp. Part 2 (face to face) The fee for the 11-days practical identification course in Denmark will be 2500 EUR depending on the actual costs of lodging and will cover all expenses (accommodation, meals, course material, tuition, and exam) during the course, but not travel expenses. The fee for Part 2 is a package deal which covers all expenses during the course period; thus Accommodation, arriving to the course venue on the day before, check-in from 16.00, and check-out on last day at 10.00 All meals during the course, starting with an evening meal upon arrival and finishing with breakfast on departure day. The organisers expect that the course in Denmark can be organized late 2021 or early 2022, but the dates will be decided in agreement with the participants. Note: The course fees for the two parts of the course will be invoiced separately. Once the selection process is complete, the selected participants will be notified and informed about the payment instructions. Contact for enquiries: Jacob Larsen, jacobl@bio.ku.dk   Tentative Schedule for Part 1 (online): Module Available on 1: Introduction to HAB 6 September 2021 2: Introduction to dinoflagellates 13 September 2021 3: Prorocentrales: 3a – Planktonic species 3b – Benthic species 20 September 2021 27 September 2021 4: Dinophysiales 4 October 2021 5: Unarmoured dinoflagellates 11 October 2021 6: Peridiniales 18 October 2021 7: Gonyaulacales 7a –  Pyrodinium, Lingulodinium, Protoceratium, Gonyaulax 7b –  Alexandrium 7c –  Ciguatoxic dinoflagellates, Coolia, Gambierdiscus, Ostreopsis 25 October 2021 1 November 2021 8 November 2021 8: Haptophyceae 15 November 2021 9 & 10: Raphidophyceae and Dictyochophyceae 18 November 2021 11:Diatoms 24 November 2021 12: Evaluation TBD
Organisers & Staff   Organisers   Henrik ENEVOLDSEN   Jacob LARSEN