GEMS/Water encourages a standardized approach to data generation through providing guidance and training on all aspects of monitoring and assessment and quality assurance.  GEMS/Water provides appropriate support, based on capacity needs at national and regional levels, and develops training for delivery in countries all over the world.

To maximize impact and availability of training material, various approaches being used: 

Online Training: The on-line courses 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. Online courses are held twice a year. The courses are: 

• Freshwater monitoring programme design

• Quality assurance for freshwater quality monitoring

• Data handling, assessment and presentation for freshwater quality monitoring

• Water quality monitoring and assessment of rivers, lakes and reservoirs

• Water quality monitoring and assessment of groundwater

• Alternative methods for freshwater quality monitoring

Workshops:  A series of technical and "training of  trainer" workshops will be organised to address specific needs of water quality monitoring and management.

Accredited University Courses:  GEMS/Water Capacity Development center runs and online postgraduate higher diploma as well as a MSc course through University College Cork. The 2 year Postgraduate Diploma focuses on all aspects of water quality monitoring including: monitoring programme design, quality assurance, data analysis and presentation, monitoring and assessment of rivers, lakes and groundwater, and water quality monitoring with biological and ecological methods and with particulate material. There is also an opportunity to take part in a field workshop during the second year of the programme. The MSc in Freshwater Quality Monitoring and Assessment builds on the existing Postgraduate Diploma.  In the third year, students carry out an individual research project on a water quality topic and submit a dissertation for the MSc in Freshwater Quality Monitoring and Assessment.

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