Bio-Waves, Inc. is pleased to announce that registration (www.bio-waves.com) is now open for our Passive Acoustic Technology training course, scheduled to occur Monday, April 18th through Friday April 22nd, 2016.  This five day course combines lectures covering concepts,  theory and methods with hands-on hardware demonstrations and computer training.  The aim of the course is to give participants a working knowledge of passive acoustic hardware,  software, and methods used to study and monitor marine mammals.  The training course will familiarize individuals with passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) equipment and best practices, as well as offer instruction for troubleshooting and field repairs.  We will teach the basic skills required to prepare individuals for work as passive acoustic field and post processing technicians.  We will cover methods used for research as well as mitigation and monitoring.  This course will be held at the University of California, San Diego Supercomputer Center in La Jolla, California.

 The training course will include the following:

  •         An introduction to the physics of underwater sound (lectures)
  •          An introduction to marine mammal acoustics (lectures)
  •         An introduction to PAM hardware such as hydrophones, sonobuoys and autonomous    recorders (lectures and demo)
  •          Instruction on the design, setup, troubleshooting and repair of towed hydrophone array systems (Demo and hands-on training)
  •          Training in software used to detect, localize, and classify sounds produced by marine mammals (lectures, computer laboratory work and demos)
  •          Training in software used to review and post-process acoustic data (lectures and computer laboratory work)
  •          Lectures on the role of passive acoustic methods in mitigation and marine mammal monitoring
  •          Lectures on best practices for effective acoustic data collection and management
  •         Guest lectures from subject area experts (e.g., scientists from local research institutes such as UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography)

At the conclusion of the course, participants will have gained a working knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of passive acoustic system design, operation, and maintenance.  They will have had hands-on experience with a variety of software programs commonly used during real-time field operations and for data review and analysis. Additionally, participants will have performed specific tasks (e.g. repairing cables, troubleshooting acoustic systems etc.), and will receive a set of materials for reference in the field. 

For those participants who are interested, we are pleased to offer course credit for the training course through the University of California, San Diego's Extension Program.  Four quarter units are available via a separate UCSD application and fees.  

To register or obtain more information about the course please visit www.bio-waves.com and click on the "Passive Acoustic Technology Training Course" button on the bottom of the main page.  A $300 non-refundable deposit towards the $1,575 total fee will be required to secure your position in the course.  This cost includes a light breakfast and catered lunch.  Early registration ends on Friday March 18th after which a $100 late registration fee will be applied to the total.  Limited space is available at a discounted rate of $1,400 for groups of two or more or graduate students; discounts are available on a first come, first served basis.  Also, while lodging is not available on UCSD campus, we have a list of local hotels, some of which provide discounts if attending events on campus, and will assist in coordinating room and ride share between registrants via email prior to the training.  Please contact education@bio-waves.net with any questions.  We look forward to seeing you this coming spring!