- Online
- $1,620
This course is part of the UBC Micro-certificate in Communicating Ocean Science.
Many learners in the sustainable blue economy can access data and research, but find it difficult to turn that knowledge into clear, engaging messages that speak to the needs of communities, colleagues and decision-makers. This course is for learners who want to strengthen how they communicate ocean-related ideas in their work or community, whether they are just starting out or looking to grow in an existing role; it is not designed as a technical ocean science course.
Engage with readings, videos, guided online activities and weekly live workshops, and use tools such as collaborative documents and multimedia platforms to experiment with different formats. Throughout the term, you develop a major and minor communication piece on an ocean-related topic of your choice, with opportunities for peer- and self-assessment, mini-presentations and a final oral presentation to share your work.
Course details
In this course, you will explore topics such as:
- Why communicating ocean science matters across sustainable blue economy sectors
- Identifying stakeholders, rightsholders, community partners and public audiences
- Understanding audience needs, cultural safety and knowledge co-production
- Crafting and refining clear, targeted messages for different audiences
- Selecting and testing multimedia tools and formats (for example, blogs, videos, social media, podcasts, infographics)
- Using narrative structure and storytelling to make ocean science relatable
- Designing and delivering engaging oral presentations
- Adapting messages for new audiences and contexts
- Giving and receiving constructive feedback to sharpen your communication pieces
How am I assessed?
You are assessed on your active participation, completion of required activities and your final communication piece. Assessment is on a complete/incomplete basis and includes instructor, peer and self-assessment using a structured rubric. To successfully complete the course, you must meaningfully complete a major communication piece that explains the findings and relevance of a recent, self-selected article or technical report tailored to a specific sustainable blue economy audience.
Expected effort
Expect to spend approximately four to four and a half hours per week on this course, including attending real-time online workshops, completing guided independent activities and working on your communication pieces.
Textbook and technology requirements
There is no required textbook for this course. Readings, videos, policy reports and other resources are provided through the online learning platform.
To take this course, and for the best experience, we recommend you have access to:
- An email account
- A computer, laptop or tablet
- The latest version of a web browser (or a recent major version)
- A reliable internet connection
- A video camera and a microphone to participate in live online workshops
Requisites
Learners should be able to read, write and communicate in English and be familiar with basic word processing. No post-secondary ocean science background is required, though a background or strong interest in the biological sciences is recommended.
Course format
This course is 100% online and instructor-supported with real-time classes. They are recorded for later viewing in case you miss one or want to review the content. Log in to your class at scheduled times and participate by video conferencing.