Continuous Professional Development Short Courses

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) modules are short courses for professionals looking to expand their knowledge in specific areas relevant to their work. These new modules offered by the UN Environment Programme GEMS/Water Capacity
Development Centre, in conjunction with University College Cork (UCC), are aimed at individuals involved in all aspects of freshwater quality management, staff in higher education and research, and industry staff responsible for water use, wastewater treatment and discharge.

Course module homepages can be found here:

EV6012: Freshwater Monitoring Programme Design

This module introduces a step-by-step process of designing a monitoring programme. Particular focus is placed on using the objectives of the monitoring programme to define the placement of monitoring stations, methods used and parameters to be tested.

EV6013: Quality Assurance for Freshwater Quality Monitoring 

To ensure data are reliable and comparable, a monitoring programme should have an associated quality assurance programme. This module investigates how to apply quality assurance processes, covering fieldwork and laboratory techniques and the different options available for both.

EV6014: Data Handling, Assessment & Presentation for Freshwater Quality Monitoring

This module focuses on the effective use of data acquired from monitoring water quality. Statistical techniques and the associated presentation of results are introduced, together with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and how they can be used for data storage, analysis and presentation.

EV6015: Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment in rivers/lakes/reservoirs

This module introduces the hydrological, biological and chemical features of river systems, lakes and reservoirs. It demonstrates how an understanding of these features is necessary for effective monitoring programme design and appropriate interpretation of water quality data.

EV6016: Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment of Groundwater

This module examines natural variations in groundwater quality and the vulnerability of groundwaters to contamination. Options for, and constraints to, developing an effective groundwater quality monitoring programme are presented.

EV6017: Freshwater Quality Monitoring with Biota and Particulate Matter

This module examines the use of biological and ecological monitoring methods for surface water quality and the key criteria for their successful use. Monitoring techniques using sediments and suspended particulate matter are also explored.

For more information about our CPD courses, download a pdf of the CPD Short Online Courses.

Fees:

The fees for EU candidates are €400 per module and €800 for non-EU candidates. Applicants from developing countries that are part of the GEMS/Water programme should contact gemscdcadmin@ucc.ie for more information as applicants may qualify for reduced fees.

To Apply:

    1. Fill out the application form. CPD Application Form September 2023

    2. Applicants from developing countries can fill out an Application Form for Reduced Fees

    3. Relevant applicants can also complete the Bursary Application Form for CPD.

    4. Send all completed forms to gemscdcadmin@ucc.ie

Bursaries

Each Bursary is worth €100 and can be awarded to students who have been nominated by their National Focal Point (NFP) or from GEMS/Water GPCU and applied to commence one of the following modules : EV6012, EV6013, EV6014, EV6015, EV6016 and EV6017.