Summary

Ocean acidification (OA) is a global environmental issue caused by the continuing release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This course covers the causes of ocean acidification, associated chemical changes, its effects on marine organisms and the global ocean, how to measure ocean acidification, how to plan appropriate observations in the field and experiments in the laboratory, and the political response to the threat of ocean acidification on the global, regional and local scale.

This course may be completed online remotely or online at the University of Ghana OTGA RTC. It is organized by the leads of the Building CapacIty in Ocean AcidificaTion MoniToring in the Gulf of GuineA (BIOTTA) project at the University of Ghana with the support of The Ocean Foundation and the IOC Ocean Science Section. The course content has been made available by the IOC Ocean Science Section and ocean acidification experts. This course is envisioned to provide baseline ocean acidification knowledge to multiple levels of researchers and students at institutions that will be receiving GOA-ON in a Box kits to conduct ocean acidification monitoring in 2024.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this training, participants should be able to:

• Communicate the concept of ocean acidification, its causes, and associated chemical changes
• Become familiar with ocean acidification’s effects on marine organisms and the global ocean
• Understand how to measure carbonate chemistry parameters in the lab and in the field
• Perform quality control and assurance on data and understand how to submit it to global data portals
• Plan appropriate observations in the field and experiments in the laboratory

Course contents

Module 1. Introduction to ocean acidification

Module 2. The ocean carbonate system

Module 3. Data quality and management

Module 4. 14.3.1 SDG Indicator Methodology 

Module 5. Laboratory experiments for ocean acidification

Module 6. Chemical observations in the field

Module 7. Biological observations in the field 

Target audience

The course is for scientists, post-docs, graduate students that have an association to a project where GOA-ON in a Box OA monitoring kits will be distributed in the near term, such as Building CapacIty in Ocean AcidificaTion MoniToring in the Gulf of GuineA (BIOTTA), or the IOC NORAD OA in Africa project. Basic knowledge of oceanography and/or acid-base chemistry is recommended.

Language: English

Instructors/Organisers

Dr. Benjamin Osei Botwe, University of Ghana

Dr. Edem Mahu, University of Ghana

Dr. Kaitlyn Lowder, The Ocean Foundation

Dr. Kirsten Isensee, IOC Ocean Science Section

Notes

Course duration and format:

Approximately 4-5 asynchronous hours/module to watch video lectures, complete reading, and take the quiz, totaling 30-35 hours

Learner Assessment:

This is a self-taught course that includes quizzes designed to help learners assess their own learning at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course and award a Certificate at the end, the following is mandatory:

• complete all lessons in each Module of the course;
• complete all quizzes (70% minimum score for each quiz);

Note: submitting the course feedback survey is mandatory to obtain the course certificate.

Technology requirements

To complete this course, participants should have access to:

• Computer with Windows or Mac operating system
• Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari web browsers

Application process

Invited participants among BIOTTA Focal Points in the five countries and IOC Ocean Science Section staff.

UNESCO is committed to promote equal access principles. Applications from minority or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

Feedback survey

At the end of the course, you will be asked to fill out a feedback survey. This information will be used to improve future courses.