The AUSRIVAS Online training course is offered twice a year by the eWater CRC and the University of Canberra. The course aims to teach the skills and knowledge needed to assess river health to an acceptable standard using AUSRIVAS methods. Those who complete its requirements successfully are eligible for accreditation from the relevant State or Territory agency.
There are no prerequisites for this short (12 weeks) non-award course, other than registration and payment. The theory of assessing river health can be learnt entirely online, with interactive tutorials and discussion. However, the student must attend a 4-day practical module in the final week of the course, to learn the practical skills required.
Note that AUSRIVAS accreditation will be conferred by the state authority (see AUSRIVAS State/Territory agency contacts for the list of contacts).
The tables below list the AUSRIVAS training modules needed to fullfill requirements for accreditation in 4 AUSRIVAS accreditation components. Table 1 lists the modules you should enrol in if you want to be both trained and accredited. Table 2 lists the modules you should enrol in if you want to be accredited only (i.e. you have extensive practical experience, so dont need training, but want to be tested for accreditation). Please also clarify the details of the accreditation requirements with your state AUSRIVAS State/Territory lead agency.
To be trained and accredited in
AUSRIVAS accreditation component: | Enrol in AUSRIVAS training module(s): |
|---|---|
| 1. Prefield & site information | Module 2: The habitat Module 5: Practical Workshop |
| 2. Field work | Module 2: The habitat Module 3: Macroinvertebrate sampling and processing Module 5: Practical Workshop |
| 3. Laboratory | Module 5: Practical Workshop + optional ID component (Note that taxonomic training is not provided. You can attain accreditation via this module if you are already experienced in aquatic macroinvertebrate identification to family taxonomic level). |
| 4. AUSRIVAS predictive models | Module 4: Data analysis, predictions and indices |
To be accredited in AUSRIVAS
accreditation component: | Enrol in AUSRIVAS training module(s): |
|---|---|
| 1. Prefield & site information | Module 5: Practical Workshop |
| 2. Field work | Module 5: Practical Workshop |
| 3. Laboratory | Module 5: Practical Workshop + optional ID component (Note that taxonomic training is not provided. You can attain accreditation via this module if you are already experienced in aquatic macroinvertebrate identification to family taxonomic level). |
| 4. AUSRIVAS predictive models | Module 4: Data analysis, predictions and indices |
Following completion of the AUSRIVAS course, the University of Canberra will provide the agencies with a written certificate, assuring that the criteria outlined in the training and accreditation manuals have been met. The Agencies will then issue the course participant with a training or a training and accreditation certificate.
Training equates with a "satisfactory" pass (see the AUSRIVAS course outline for details) and accreditation equates with the standards specified in the relevant State / Territory Accreditation manual (available in the section on Accreditation Manuals)
The names of trained and accredited operators are listed on a Training and Accreditation register maintained by University of Canberra.
Please clarify the details of the accreditation requirements with your state AUSRIVAS State/Territory lead agency.
The course costs $550 ($500+ 10% GST) per module for modules 1-4 and can be completed over 12 weeks. The practical workshop costs $1100 ($1000 + 10% GST), which includes a macroinvertebrate identification tutorial or macroinvertebrate identification accreditation (see course outline for description).
| Course | Status |
|---|---|
| Semester 2 2010 | Completed |
| Semester 1 2011 | Enrolling now |
| Semester 2 2011 | Enrolling from June 2011 |
To enrol in the next AUSRIVAS course, download and print the enrolment application form and send the completed form to the address given on the form.
Alternatively, you can register your interest in the next course and receive an obligation free enrolment pack, by filling in the online information request form.
To register your interest in the next course and receive an obligation free enrolment pack, please fill in the online form.
If you cannot use the on-line form, please fill in form you will find by clicking here and email it to sue.nichols@canberra.edu.au.
For more details you can contact:
Susan Nichols
| Phone: | 02 6201 5408 | |
| Email: | sue.nichols@canberra.edu.au |
Evan Harrison
| Phone: | 02 6201 2080 | |
| Email: | evan.harrison@canberra.edu.au |