This is just a reminder that registration for the Passive Acoustic Technician Training Course run by Bio-Waves, Inc. closes on Jan 4. We still have a few spots left, so sign up now so that you don't miss out! The four day training course combines theoretical instruction with hands-on demonstrations and training to give participants a working knowledge of passive acoustic monitoring hardware and software. The goal of this training course is to familiarize individuals with the necessary equipment and procedures, and teach the basic skills required to prepare them for work as passive acoustic field technicians. This course will be held at the University of California, San Diego Supercomputer Center in La Jolla, California from Tuesday, February 12th through Friday February 15th, 2013. The training course will cover the following subjects: · an introduction to the physics of underwater sound and fundamentals of marine mammal acoustics · instruction on the design, setup, troubleshooting and repair of towed hydrophone arrays and other acoustic monitoring devices (ex. sonobuoys, autonomous recorders) used in the field · software used to detect, localize and classify sounds produced by marine mammals · software used to review and post-process acoustic data · the role of passive acoustic methods in mitigation and marine mammal monitoring · best practices for effective acoustic data collection and management. At the conclusion of the course, participants will have gained a working knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of towed hydrophone array system design, maintenance and operations, in addition to software used during field operations and for data review and analysis. All participants will receive a set of materials for reference in the field. For those participants that are interested, we are pleased to offer course credit for the training course through the University of California, San Diego's Extension Program. Credit for the course is available to those who are interested via a separate application and fees. To register or obtain more information about the course please visit www.bio-waves.net/upcoming . A $250 non-refundable deposit will be required to secure your position in the course, and a minimum number of participants must be registered by Friday, January 4th, 2013 (deposits will be refunded if the minimum is not met prior to this date and we will notify all registrants). Limited spaces are available at a discounted rates for groups or graduate students; discounts are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact education@bio-waves.net with any questions. We look forward to seeing you this coming winter! Happy new year! -- "If you have the desire for knowledge and the power to give it physical expression, go out and explore" -Apsley Cherry-Garrard