- Online
- $1,620
This course is part of the UBC Micro-certificate in Introduction to the Sustainable Blue Economy.
Explore what a sustainable blue economy means in practice and why it matters for communities, ecosystems and decision-makers in Canada and around the world. The course is designed for people who care about oceans, coasts and freshwater and want to develop practical skills they can use in roles related to environment, policy, community engagement, research or communications; no previous background in ocean studies is required.
Engage with readings, videos, policy reports, podcasts and news articles, and take part in weekly online discussions and in-class activities such as concept mapping, communication exercises, peer feedback and breakout groups, all building toward a capstone project tailored to your chosen audience.
Course outline
You will explore the following topics:
- Biodiversity and sustainability in marine and freshwater ecosystems, with examples from the Salish Sea and beyond
- Sustainable fisheries and resource management
- Indigenous fisheries stewardship and Indigenous environmental governance
- International maritime trade and its role in the blue economy
- Marine tourism, including sustainable and unsustainable models
- Ecological resilience and community-based responses to climate change and coastal urbanisation
- Freshwater perspectives and connections between rivers, lakes, wastewater and oceans
- Equity, diversity and inclusion in the blue economy
- Sustainable blue economic development and blue economic futures
How am I assessed?
You are assessed through a combination of online discussion activities, in-class exercises and a capstone project. To successfully complete the course, you must complete at least ten of twelve online discussion posts (including original posts and responses to peers), participate in weekly in-class activities and submit a capstone project, first as a draft for feedback and then as a final version.
All assignments are graded on a complete/incomplete basis with feedback to support your learning and growth.Expected effort
Expect to spend approximately four to four and a half hours per week on this course, including real-time online classes, independent study, participation in online discussions and work on your capstone project.
Textbook and technology requirements
There is no required textbook for this course; readings and resources such as articles, policy reports, videos, podcasts and news releases 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 classes
Requisites
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.