Course Description:

Welcome to Harmful Algal Blooms, a self-paced online course developed by Clemson Extension. This course was created to empower Extension Agents and natural resource professionals to recognize potential harmful algal blooms and to provide rapid, actionable recommendations for response, prevention, and treatment. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can dominate freshwater ponds and interfere with water use. Cyanobacteria, a type of HAB, can produce toxins that can harm people, pets, livestock and wildlife. This course educates on identifying suspected HABs quickly and empowers professionals to recommend response actions confidently.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this course, participants will be able to...

Recognize potential harmful algal blooms
Provide rapid, actionable recommendations for response, prevention, and treatment

Course Topics:

Module 1: Overview of Harmful Algal Blooms

Module 2: What Are Harmful Algal Blooms?

Module 3: Threats From Harmful Algal Blooms

Module 4: Harmful Algal Bloom Identification

Module 5: Immediate Response

Module 6: Actions To Help Prevent Or Reduce Harmful Algal Blooms

Course Requirements:

In this course, you will work through six modules, each comprising a series of pages. A page may be an overview of the module, a lecture video, a field video, or a page that provides links to multiple additional resources. You must progress through each module in order, but you can do so at your own pace.

Technical Requirements:

To participate fully in this course, you will need:

An active email address for the individual participating in the course.
A desktop computer or laptop (recommended): Canvas is available on mobile devices, but some content may appear differently.
Access to a high-speed internet connection.
A web browser compatible with Canvas: Chrome and Firefox are recommended.
Headphones or speakers (closed captioning also available).
Computer skills including Internet browsing, using email, typing, downloading files, and basic troubleshooting.

Need Help?

If you need help accessing or registering for a course, please contact Clemson Online at onlineplus@clemson.edu.
Our support email is monitored Monday-Friday from 8:00-4:30. If you contact us in the evening or on the weekend, we will help you during the next business day.
Please do not contact CCIT regarding CPE courses. Please reach out to Clemson Online so that we can assist you.
Using Bulk Purchase? Please inform those you purchase seats for. They will receive an email invitation immediately upon enrollment. For more help, read about bulk enrollments in Catalog.

*Extension Staff can reach out to hallieh@clemson.edu to get a promo code to register for the course for free.

The content for Harmful Algal Blooms is taught by Dr. Debabrata Sahoo, Heather Nix, Dr. Sarah White, Mark Nettles, Dr. John Hains, and Ibrahim Busari.

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