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Data quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) in the Ocean Decade

16 Nov - 11 Dec

Summary

This course will give an introductory view of data quality assurance and control (QA/QC), and focus on several quality control in a number of thematic areas relevant to the UN Ocean Decade.

Learning outcomes

Participants will:

  • Understand the importance of QA/QC in ocean data.
  • Describe QA and QC processes their ocean data have been through in metadata shared with global data ocean data systems.
  • Understand issues in QC of ocean data from a range of thematic areas and be able to perform basic QC of these data

Course content

1.Introduction to data quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC)

  • Why does QA/QC matter?
  • Data lifecycle
  • Issues/Challenges of poor QA/QC (examples)
  • Recommended QA/QC standards

2. QA/QC process

  • Metadata and data quality descriptions
  • Rules

3. Data quality in different areas 

  • Biodiversity
  • Forecasting
  • Bathymetry
  • Microplastics
  • Metocean
  • Marine megafauna
  • Citizen science (biodiversity data)
  • Citizen science (physical oceanography data) 

Target audience and prerequisites

This course is open enrollments and no application/selection process included.

When enrolling, consider that the course was prepared for:

  • Early career ocean professionals (ECOPs) that want to work or are working in data, data management or research
  • Ocean Decade Actions 

Pre-requisites:

  • Good working knowledge of English 

  • Basic computer skills 

  • Basic knowledge in data management is advised 

  • Some knowledge of ocean data is required 

  • Complete the pre- and post-assessment

Language of instruction: English

Instructors

Adam Leadbetter, DCO Ocean Data Sharing

Margarita López, DCO Ocean Data Sharing

Contributors:

  • Ocean Biodiversity and Information System
  • Enrique Álvarez (DCC Ocean Prediction)
  • Vicki Ferrini (Seabed 2030)
  • Steve Hall (Seabed 2030)
  • Parsa Kian (Kyusyu University)
  • Samantha Blakeman (British Oceanographic Data Centre)
  • Kamila Walicka (British Oceanographic Data Centre)
  • Antonio Novellino (EMODnet physics)
  • Jaume Piera
  • Stephanie Barnicoat 

Synchronous sessions 

There will be 2 live sessions on 1 hour, at the beginning and during the course to solve any issues or questions participants might have and to build connections 

Potential dates: 

  • 24 November 

  • 10 December 

Participation in these sessions are not mandatory.

Estimated course duration: 20 hours

Organizers: 

This course is organized by the Decade Coordination Office for Ocean Data Sharing with the support of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO through the OceanTeacher Global Academy, in collaboration with different experts.

Learner assessment: Learning will be measured through short automated assessments and quizzes.

Evaluation/Certificate:

Certificate will be issued, the criteria is to complete all lessons in each Module of the course and complete all quizzes (70% minimum score for each quiz)

Complete final course feedback survey

Complete pre and post assessment

Technology requirements:

To follow this course, participants shall have: 

  • Access to a computer or mobile device with Windows, Android, or Mac OS.

  • Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari web browsers, with JavaScript and cookies enabled 

  • Broadband internet access (minimum bandwidth of 0.5 Mbps (Receive and Send) 

  • Audio speakers or headphones

  • Basic computer skills, such as finding resources through search engines and 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) 

Pre-requisites: advisable: take the Ocean Data Management course (see www.oceanteacher.org) - available till 31st December 2026.

Registration/Enrollment

Self-enrollment will be open from 1 November to 4 December 2026, up to 100 participants, until all places are reserved.

To access this course, you must register on the OceanExpert (www.oceanexpert.org) and have an individual account approved (this is not done immediately). Once your OceanExpert account is activated, you must:

  • Log in OTGA e-Learning Platform, using your OceanExpert username and password;
  • Access the COURSE PAGE; and
  • Register with the enrolment key: Qa/Qc2026Decade

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

Costs: There are no tuition fees. 

UNESCO is committed to promote 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.

Event Times (UTC-5):

Starts: 15 Nov 2026 18:00:00
Ends: 10 Dec 2026 18:00:00
Open attendance

Documents:

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