Six PHYCONET members recently attended a 2-day HPLC course, tailored to algae researchers, at RLC Lab in Loughborough. The course covered theory and application by analysing test mixes/algae extracts, investigating the effect of changing key parameters (organic solvent concentration, flow rate, temperature) to achieve efficient separation, calibration/quantification and sample preparation techniques including SPE (solid phase extraction). The focus of the course is on understanding compound structure and properties and how this information is used to guide method development.
We may fund this course again next year (possibly in March, April or May); however, a minimum of 6 people are required so if you are interested in attending this free course with accommodation and meals included, please email Janet Waterhouse (networkmanager@phyconet.org.uk). Students whose stipends contain funds for training activities are not eligible.