Micro-certificate in Analytics for Leaders in Ocean Management

The UBC Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries Micro-certificate in Analytics for Leaders in Ocean Management is a part-time online program which enables students to build their analytics knowledge and create solutions for sustainable-equitable development and management of Blue Economy conservation, marine biodiversity, and natural resources.

Analytics for Leaders in Ocean Management

This UBC IOF Micro-certificate two courses. The cost for the full micro-certificate is CAD $3,240 (CAD $1,620) per courses.

Analytics for Leaders in Ocean Management is a part-time online program that enables students to build their analytical skills and develop solutions for the sustainable and equitable development and management of the Blue Economy, including conservation of marine biodiversity and natural resources.

By the end of this program, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate increased ocean data literacy and access
• Utilize marine environmental, biodiversity, and socio-economic databases
• Understand and apply widely used planning analytics
• Interpret and communicate results generated from data analytics

To complete this micro-certificate, you must take the two following courses:

Introduction to Aquatic Data Sciences

CAD $1,620 | Live weekly lectures

Introduction to Aquatic Data Sciences is designed for professionals and researchers passionate about oceans, fisheries, and sustainable development. This course is a gateway to understanding aquatic databases and equips students with the introductory skills to sample, visualize, and analyze data. Using aquatic databases is critical in driving sustainable practices and fostering equitable Blue Economy sectors. Through weekly live, interactive lectures with the instructors, and hands-on activities, professionals working in marine biology, ocean management, and conservation will develop an understanding of aquatic databases’ contents and infrastructure. This introduction will improve students’ ability to harness the wealth that these information systems offer. By enhancing data sampling skills, professionals can become more proficient data-driven decision-makers. Designed and instructed by Dr. Deng Palomares and Dr. Gabriel Reygondeau.

Dr. Deng Palomares
Co-developer and co-instructor of Introduction to Aquatic Data Sciences. A senior scientist and manager of the Sea Around Us Research Unit, she is a renowned leader in applying data sciences in marine biology and fisheries science.

Dr. Gabriel Reygondeau
Co-developer and co-instructor of Introduction to Aquatic Data Sciences. An Associate Professor at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, he coordinates the Aquamap/AquaX Project and has published extensively on biological oceanography, biogeography, and the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.

Modelling for Marine Ecosystem-Based Management

CAD $1,620 | 8 weeks | Live weekly lectures
Modelling for Marine Ecosystem-Based Management is designed for professionals working with marine or freshwater resources, including the evaluation of trade-offs in marine planning and environmental impact assessment. This 8-week course introduces participants to dynamic ecosystem modelling using the versatile Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) framework, the world’s most widely used ecosystem modelling approach. Through hands-on exercises and weekly live lectures, students will learn to apply predator-prey models, assess ecosystem sustainability, evaluate trade-offs in management, and make data-driven decisions. Designed and instructed by Professor Villy Christensen.

Professor Villy Christensen
Developed and instructs Modelling for Marine Ecosystem-Based Management. A globally recognized expert in marine ecosystem modelling and principal developer of the EwE modelling approach, his work has significantly influenced ecosystem-based management worldwide. Dr. Christensen is a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Canada and the American Fisheries Society and has taught ecosystem modelling in 28 countries.

Next session

March 30 – May 20, 2026. Live lectures: April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6, 13.

These fully online, instructor-supported courses includes real-time classes and are held on Wednesdays evenings. Over nine weeks, students engage in approximately 4 hours of coursework per week, combined with 2 hours of live lectures and discussions, with 2 hours of readings and assignments.

The course culminates in a final project that allows students to apply their new skills to their professional context, with the opportunity to present in video, slide, or essay format.

Grading is based on 25% participation and 75% for the final project, with a passing grade of 70% or higher required.

Note: Courses do not receive UBC credit.

Have you taken one or more of these courses? Now you can earn a digital badge! Highlight the skills and competencies you have gained in this course.

More Information

Register here

REGISTER: Modelling for Marine Ecosystem-Based Management