Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) - Basic Training Course

In this 7-week online version of the OBBN starting April 23, 2025, you can expect to learn content independently, as well as with an instructor and class group in Zoom meetings. We will meet weekly on Wednesdays at 7 pm via Zoom. This is designed to help make the course more accessible to students outside of Thunder Bay or professionals with busy working schedules. Content on the OBBN protocols and theory will be provided with detailed video tutorials, the OBBN manual, live discussions, and online exercises. Benthic identification will be taught through a combination of independent hands-on projects, video tutorials and exercises that utilise digital vouchers of benthic specimens. There are taxa in the 27 groups that form the minimum taxonomic precision permitted in the OBBN. The majority of video tutorials were recorded and provided by the OBBN’s former scientific and administrative lead, Dr. Chris Jones. The proficiency of participants is assessed with tests and exercises. Participants who successfully complete the course are recognized as certified OBBN members.

Course Code: CELL 9101C CE3 (7 week ONLINE Only)
Start Date: April 23, 2025
End Date: June 4, 2025
Registration Fee: $300 NO HST

This version of the course is predominantly held in person on the Lakehead University Campus in Thunder Bay. The in-person component will focus on reviewing critical concepts, practicing field techniques, and conducting Invertebrate ID in the classroom. Before attending the in-person component students will review content available online that focuses on Theory and macroinvertebrate ID. Video tutorials were recorded and provided by the OBBN’s former scientific and administrative lead, Dr. Chris Jones. The proficiency of participants is assessed with tests on theory, methods and Identification of the 27 groups of macroinvertebrates. Participants who successfully complete the course are recognized as certified OBBN members and will be provided with a certificate.

Course Code: CELL 9101C CE4 (2-day IN-PERSON field training)
Start Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
End Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Registration Fee: $300 NO HST

This offering is approved as a Micro-credential by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) of Ontario and is OSAP-MC eligible at Lakehead University.

To learn more about the provincial program and how to apply for OSAP for Micro-credentials, please visit Ontario.ca Micro-credentials from Ontario’s postsecondary schools.
For a list of frequently asked questions on OSAP for Micro-credentials, please visit Lakehead Student Central: Financing, Scholarships & Awards and Government Aid.
To learn more about OSAP for Micro-credentials, please visit Lakehead Student Central.

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Course withdrawals more than two weeks before the start of the course will receive a full refund, less a $40 non-refundable administration fee. Two weeks before the course begins, learners will be refunded 50% less the $40 non-refundable administration fee. Once the course starts, learners will receive no refund.