Summary 

This course will provide participants with foundational and practical training in ocean acidification monitoring, with emphasis on the ocean carbonate system, field sampling, laboratory analysis, data quality control, data management, and reporting in support of Sustainable Development Goal indicator 14.3.1. 

The course will guide participants through the full ocean acidification monitoring workflow, from planning field observations and collecting samples to laboratory analysis, data interpretation, quality assurance, and submission of data to relevant global data systems. It will also introduce the role of ocean acidification observations in understanding marine ecosystem vulnerability, coastal resource management, and long-term ocean change. 

The programme will be delivered as a blended course. The online component will provide core theoretical knowledge and ensure that learners with different levels of prior experience develop a common foundation. The onsite component will focus on practical demonstrations, hands-on field and laboratory methods, data analysis exercises, and development of country level or institutional monitoring plans. 

Format and Duration 

This is a blended course consisting of two phases:

• Phase 1: Online Pre-training Course (self-paced) 25 May – 24 June 2026
  Approximately 20 asynchronous hours across 7 modules (video lectures, readings, quizzes).

Total estimated workload Phase 1: 20 hours. 

• Phase 2: In-person Practical Training (University of Ghana) 29 June – 3 July 2026
  Approximately 40 hours of practical demonstrations, lab sessions, data analysis, and group work. (*Note that the in-person training is will only be available for a limited group of people)

Total estimated workload Phase 1 and 2: 60 hours.

⚠️ Participants are required to complete the online phase before attending the in-person training. Attendance during the onsite phase is mandatory for selected in-person participants.

Venue: University of Ghana, Ghana 

Language of instruction: English 

Learning outcomes 

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

• Explain the concept of ocean acidification and describe its implications for marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and ocean resources 
• Describe the ocean carbonate system and identify key carbonate chemistry parameters (pH, total alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon, pCO₂, and calcium carbonate saturation state) 
• Identify appropriate field sampling procedures and laboratory methods for OA monitoring 
• Apply basic quality assurance and quality control principles to ocean acidification data 
• Interpret ocean acidification datasets and assess spatial and temporal variability 
• Manage ocean acidification datasets using good data management practices 
• Describe the SDG 14.3.1 indicator methodology and explain the data submission process 
• Design a basic ocean acidification monitoring plan for their country or institution 

Course content 

Online 

• Module 1: Introduction to Ocean Acidification
• Module 2: The Ocean carbonate system
• Module 3: Data quality and management
• Module 4: the 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

Onsite 

• Field sampling planning and sample collection and preservation 
• Laboratory demonstrations and quality checks 
• Data analysis exercises 
• Group discussions and participant presentations 
• Development of a basic ocean acidification monitoring plan 

Target audience  

The course is intended for students, early-career researchers, laboratory technicians, marine science professionals, and staff of relevant national institutions from countries in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic region. Priority will be given to applicants affiliated with BIOTTA focal points, national oceanographic institutions, universities, environmental agencies, or laboratories involved in marine monitoring. 

Basic knowledge of marine science, chemistry, oceanography, or related fields is recommended. 

Places available: 11 participants for the full blended course (online + onsite); up to 24 additional participants for the online component only. 

Organizers 

This course is jointly organized by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, through the Ocean Science Section  and the OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA), and University of Ghana OTGA Regional Training Centre. 

In-person Instructors

• Prof. Kim Currie: National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)
• Dr. Leticia Barbero: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Instructors who prepared the online materials for the IOC Ocean Acidification course, first version:

• Prof. Helen Findlay: Plymouth Marine Laboratory
• Dr. Sam Dupont: University of Gothenburg
• Dr. Kirsten Isensee: IOC of UNESCO
• Dr. Adrienne Sutton: NOAA/PMEL
• Prof. Christopher Sabine: University of Hawaii – Manoa

Course Coordinator Prof. Edem Mahu: University of Ghana RTC edemmahu@gmail.com / emahu@ug.edu.gh

Registration, costs, and technological requirements 

Applications for this course are now closed (deadline: 25 April 2026). Selected participants have been notified. (For reference, the original application form was available at: https://lnkd.in/dbu-Xpsc)

Selected participants will not be required to pay course registration or training fees. Support for travel, accommodation, meals, and local transport will be subject to available funding and communicated to selected participants before the course starts. 

To complete the online course, participants need access to: 

• A computer with Windows, Mac OS, or Linux 
• Latest version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari 
• Stable internet connection (minimum 0.5 Mbps) 
• Basic computer literacy; familiarity with spreadsheets recommended 

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

Assessment & Certificate 

Certificates will be issued to participants who: 

• Complete all required online modules 
• Achieve a minimum score of 70% across required quizzes and assessment activities 
• Participate in the onsite practical sessions (where applicable) 
• Complete the mandatory course evaluation form 

Contacts 

For course organisation, please contact: Prof. Edem Mahu – edemmahu@gmail.com / emahu@ug.edu.gh 

For additional questions, please contact the OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org), always using the name of the course as email 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.