Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course in Ocean Citizen Science
The Course in Ocean Citizen Science Prepares you to design and coordinate citizen science projects that produce useful data about the ocean while involving the public in its conservation. You will learn how to frame suitable quest
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course in Ocean Citizen Science?
The Course in Ocean Citizen Science
Prepares you to design and coordinate citizen science projects that produce useful data about the ocean while involving the public in its conservation. You will learn how to frame suitable questions, design simple, reliable protocols, ensure data quality, choose digital platforms, manage volunteers and communicate results to participants, scientists and managers, so that collective effort turns into knowledge and better decisions.
Key advantages
- Data that counts: Protocols designed so that data serves science and management.
- Digital tools: Apps, platforms and open databases.
- People management: Recruiting, training and motivating volunteers.
- Ethics and safety: Data protection, safety at sea and respect for wildlife.
- Case study: Designing a marine citizen science project.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Programme highlights
- Design the project: Set realistic questions and objectives.
- Create protocols: Develop simple methods that can be repeated.
- Ensure quality: Apply data validation.
- Engage people: Manage and motivate volunteers.
- Broaden your profile: Useful for NGOs, schools, aquariums and public bodies.
- Train to turn the public into the ocean’s scientific allies.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Foundations of Citizen Science
- What citizen science is
- Models of participation
- Marine examples
- Scientific and social benefits
- Limitations and biases
02
Project and Protocol Design
- Questions suited to participation
- Selecting species and indicators
- Observation protocols
- Training participants
- Safety and respect for wildlife
03
Data and Digital Tools
- Observation recording apps
- Photography and identification
- Expert validation
- Open biodiversity databases
- Personal data protection
04
Volunteers and Communication
- Recruiting participants
- Motivation and retention
- Working with schools
- Communicating results
- Evaluating social impact
05
Using the Data and Case Study
- Analysing citizen science data
- Correcting for bias
- Data for environmental management
- Funding projects
- Case study: designing a marine citizen science project
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Environmental educators and communicators: who want to launch participatory projects NGO and community group staff: who coordinate environmental volunteers Aquarium, museum and visitor centre staff: who develop public programmes Researchers: who want to bring public participation into their studies Divers and sailors: who want to contribute data to ocean knowledge
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Understand citizen science
- 02Design projects
- 03Develop protocols
- 04Manage data quality
- 05Use digital tools
- 06Manage and communicate
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Citizen science project coordinator: Designing and managing participatory projects.
02Marine environmental educator: Educational programmes involving the public.
03Environmental volunteer coordinator: Managing volunteers in NGOs and public bodies.
04Participatory data manager: Validating and managing observation data.
Questions
Entry Requirements
It is not essential. The course explains the scientific concepts needed to design reliable projects.
It can be, provided good protocols are designed, participants are trained and records are validated; the course covers all of this.
Yes. It includes guidance on working with primary and secondary schools.
Yes, such as personal data protection, participant safety and the permits required.
Designing a complete marine citizen science project, with protocol, platform and communication plan.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 300 hours of study. You can work at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by our admissions team when you enquire.
On completing the programme you receive the Course in Ocean Citizen Science qualification awarded by Navalis Magna Institute.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Entry profile: A university degree or vocational qualification in science, education or communication; or experience in environmental education, volunteering or water-based activities. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.