Learning goals

• Gain understanding of the EMODnet Biology project and how it interlinks with other European and international initiatives in the field of biodiversity knowledge.
• Recognize the importance of sharing biological data, taking into account the FAIR principles.
• Develop skills to correctly format biological data to EMODnet Biology and EurOBIS formats.
• Gain knowledge on the required quality control steps and on the importance of interoperability.

Target audience

Anyone interested in marine biodiversity data.

• Module 1. Introduction to EMODnet and EMODnet Biology
• Module 2. Metadata
• Module 3. Formatting your dataset for EMODnet Biology
• Module 4. Dealing with archaeology data
• Module 5. Publishing in IPT
• Module 6. Quality Control 
• Module 7. EMODnet Biology data harvesting
• Module 8. Finding data after publication

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)

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

Pre-requisites:

• a working knowledge of English
• background knowledge in biological and marine sciences
• basic computer skills (either Windows or Mac systems)
• the ability to be self-directed in learning new technology skills (e.g. following a step-by-step tutorial, online video help, or access to support to learn necessary skills)

Technology requirements

To complete this course, participants should have access to:

• Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari web browsers
• Access to internet

Course duration and format

The course will be open until the content is valid or a new version is published. The estimated time to complete the self-paced course is approximately 20 hours.

How to enroll

Please register on the OceanExpert website (www.oceanexpert.org). Once your OceanExpert account is approved (this is not done immediately), you can self-enroll in the course. If you already have an OceanExpert account, you can self-enroll in the course using your OceanExpert username and password.

First log in OceanTeacher, then access the course page and click on self-enrollment.

The enrolment key is EMODNETBio**2023

For any questions please contact the OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) or the EMODnet biology secretariat (bio@emodnet.eu) always using the name of the course as email subject.

There are no tuition fees. 

UNESCO is committed to promoting 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.