This course is part of the UBC non-credit Micro-certificate in Analytics for Leaders in Ocean Management.
Introduction to Aquatic Data Sciences is designed for professionals and researchers who are passionate about oceans, fisheries and sustainable development. This course is a gateway to understanding aquatic databases and equips students with the introductory skills to extract, analyze and visualize data to inform research and related decisions. The use of aquatic databases is critical in driving sustainable practices and fostering equitable blue economic sectors.
Throughout the course, professionals working in fields such as marine biology and ocean management will embark on an exploration of environmental and ecological databases. The objective is to develop an introductory understanding of databases’ unique datasets and infrastructure, improving students’ ability to harness the wealth of information databases offer. By enhancing data management, data analytics and modeling skills, professionals can become more proficient data-driven decision-makers, which will elevate their career prospects.
Esteemed experts such as Deng Palomares and Gabriel Reygondeau will deliver captivating lectures in this course. Students will learn from renowned guest speakers who specialize in database infrastructure, taxonomy, biogeographical databases, species databases and more. By participating in hands-on activities, students are challenged to understand data extraction and generate biogeographical models. Moreover, starting to understand the intricacies of FishBase and SeaLifeBase will empower students to leverage their biodiversity information systems and apply biological and ecological tools to enhance their professional performance.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Understand the
- purpose, data and infrastructure of databases
- taxonomy and nomenclature of species databases
- species traits in biological databases
- habitat and ecology data in global information databases
- Comprehend key oceanographical concepts of how the environment influences the spatial and temporal dynamics of aquatic species
- Grasp various types of environmental data currently available and accessible, as well as the geographical division of the Ocean.
- Understand the basic concept of biogeography and species distribution modelling starting with the general ecological theory
- Locate spatial information on a given set of species, and model their past, present and future distribution (following climate scenarios)
- Prepare a general takeaway from the whole course
- Solve possible questions and imagine future applications of the acquired knowledge
Course outline
Course modules
- Defining aquatic databases
- Defining species traits in biological databases
- Geography of the ocean: spatial division and environmental databases
- Where and why marine species have different distributions
- How and why do databases apply to my local reality?
How am I assessed?
The evaluation criteria comprise students’ participation and a final project. Participation will be attributed by the instructors to students after each synchronous activity. During classes, you are expected to participate by sending instructors one simple question, which can happen via chat or speaking. At the end of the 5th module, you will complete a final project using the skills you learned in the course. This last assignment comprises a 5-minute video about how the knowledge acquired can be integrated into your own professional practice or community environment. Considering accessibility needs and personal preferences, students have the option to deliver their project in other formats than video, which can be an audio file, a slide presentation or an essay. This course is designed for working professionals and we do not anticipate significant challenges in completing these activities.
Participation counts 25%, whereas the final assignment represents 75% of the final mark. To pass the course, you must obtain an overall grade of 70% or higher.
Expected effort
This nine-week course consists of approximately 4 hours of coursework per week, as a combination of 2 hours online lectures and groups discussions and 2 hours readings and assignments.
Students have the option of requesting individual meetings with the instructors in case of pressing issues and concerns related to the course. The realization of these meetings, however, is under the instructors’ discretion.
Technology requirements
To take this course, and for the best experience, we recommend you have access to:
- an email account
- a computer or laptop using Windows or macOS or a tablet
- the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
- a reliable internet connection
- a video camera and microphone.
One day before the start of your course, we’ll email you step-by-step instructions for accessing your course.
Course format
This course is 100% online and instructor supported with real-time classes. Log in to your class at scheduled times and participate by video conferencing.
Real-time classes are held Wednesdays 4:30 – 6:30pm Pacific Time.