This training course is part of CoastPredict UN Ocean Decade GOOS Programme’s capacity-building efforts and is a collaboration with the SUSTAIN project (UN endorsed project affiliated to CoastPredict). The training focuses on advancing skills in coastal ocean, wave, and biogeochemical modeling, and introduces innovations in observation and remote sensing, to strengthen coastal resilience in the Philippines. The course is organized by CoastPredict in collaboration with the Decade Collaborative Centre for Coastal Resilience (DCC-CR) ‘Coastal Resilience School’ and CMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change, Italy, with the support of OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA).

Course objective

The course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of numerical ocean modeling, machine learning techniques, and remote sensing applications to simulate and analyze the dynamic and biodiverse marine environments of the Philippines. 

A key feature of the course is hands-on training using the SURF ocean modeling platform, enabling participants to simulate real-world scenarios through detailed tutorials and case studies centered on the Philippine coastal region. The program emphasizes integrating physical, biological, and chemical processes in marine systems to support the protection and sustainable management of natural resources. Through this initiative, the course aims to enhance capacity for implementing data-driven solutions and strategies for resilience that can serve as a replicable model for other regions facing similar challenges.

Venue

The course will be subdivided into two phases:

An online phase will take place through OTGA e-learning platform.

An in-person phase which will be held in Quezon City, Philippines, at the University of Philippines. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the participants should be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of ocean circulation, wave dynamics, and biogeochemical modeling.
• Set up and execute downscaling experiments using the SURF platform.
• Apply advanced AI modeling techniques to predict and analyze coastal chlorophyll concentrations.
• Understand key concepts in satellite data processing and remote sensing for oceanographic monitoring
• Understand how decision-support systems can assist in marine hazard management, oil spill forecasting, and ship route optimization
• Gain practical knowledge of coastal observations and hands-on experience in implementing and operating low-cost sea-level monitoring systems.
• Explain the principles of ocean best practices, search for relevant methodologies within the OBPS, and contribute to the system by creating and submitting their own best practices.

The following table outlines a provisional schedule for the training.

The course is structured over two weeks:

1) Week 1: Online introduction to the three major components of the training: circulation, waves and biogeochemical modelling

2) Week 1: Recommended Module - Introduction to the Ocean Best Practices System (OBPS), covering key concepts for creating and implementing ocean best practices

3) Week 1: Online assignment due on March 2, 2025 to be submitted via OTGA

4) Week 2: In presence lectures and practical exercises on the CINECA interactive computing infrastructure

Target audience

The course is targeted particularly towards mid-career scientists and professionals from environmental protection agencies, governmental officers and postgraduate students (with basic knowledge of oceanography and modeling).                  

Technological requirements/computer skills

• Python, Jupyter notebook

Course content and agenda

• Module 1: Live online session (BigBlueButton)

  24 Feb 2025 : 15:00 PH time (GMT+8) / 8.00 CET (3.5 hours)

  Lesson 1: Overview of the Relocatable Ocean Modeling platform SURF

  Lesson 2: Overview of coastal wave modelling

  Lesson 3: Introduction to biogeochemical 1-D modelling

  Lesson 4: Introduction to Cineca’s cloud computing system

  Lesson 5: Practical application of SURF

  Assignment of exercises : Instructions and overview (for downscaling and wave modeling)

  Q&A Live session- 1 hour - 26 Feb 2025: 15:00 PH time (GMT+8) / 8.00 CET - (BigBlueButton) 

  ~8 hours of assignments to do the rest of the week 

  Recommended Module: Ocean Best Practices

  Lesson 1: What is a Best Practice?

  Lesson 2: Creating a Best Practice

   

Course Duration

The course has a total of 50 hours, according to the following structure:

Week 1: Online Session

February 24: 15:00 PH Time (GMT+8) / 08:00 CET - 3.5 hours (live online session via BigBlueButton on OTGA platform)

February 26: 15:00 PH Time (GMT+8) / 08:00 CET - 1 hour (live online session via BigBlueButton on OTGA platform)

Assignments ~ 8 hours (to be completed by students online according to instructions provided during 24 February online session, deadline for completion & assignment upload is March 2)

Recommended Ocean Best Practices Module ~ 1 hour (to be completed by students online)

Week 2: In-Person Sessions

March 3 -  March 8: 09:00-16:00 PH Time (GMT+8) - Approximately 33 hours total ~ 6 hours/day (except March 7&8 - shorter days) . In-person at University of Philippines). March 8 is field trip for demonstration of installation of low cost sea-level sensors - practical information about the field location and travel will be shared later.

Certificate

OTGA Certificate will be awarded to the participants upon successful completion of assignments online and delivery of a group presentation according to the course planning.

Notes

Application process

This course is by invitation only, with a limited number of seats (10-15) participants.

Selection criteria

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

Costs

Free of charge. There are no tuition fees.

The course is offered free of charge to the participants. The participants would have to cover their own costs of their travel and stay in Quezon city. Instructors are self-funded.

Contacts

For any questions, please contact OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org), always using the name of the course as e-mail subject.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.