The University’s second MOOC ‘Exploring our Oceans’ starts in the next month. This free, interactive six-week course invites its learners to investigate the deepest parts of the oceans and enables anyone to study online, for free, from anywhere in the world.
The MOOC, which is being led by leading ocean explorers from Ocean and Earth Science at the University, will require two to three hours of study per week. The course will have recorded lectures, carefully selected readings, planned learning activities and online formative multiple-choice tests. There will also be a discussion forum based around weekly topics that promote lively debate and help build an online community around areas of interest. Learners will see how the ocean depths are no longer out of reach and how the oceans are connected to their everyday lives. Learners will study the animals that swim in the ocean, the creatures that live on the seabed and the makeup of the underwater environment they live in.
The course content will also be supported by videos that will feature reports and specimens from the Challenger and Discovery collections and will look at a historical timeline of the oceans from the first point of human exploration. Learners will take a virtual voyage around the world to look at all the wonderfully strange creatures that live in the depths of our oceans; Looking at the size-spectrum of life from microbes to the blue whale. There will be an opportunity to look at previously unexplored areas as well as the future of deep-sea exploration and how there are many more discoveries to be made.
Other elements of the course will cover some of the more obvious but often asked questions about ocean chemistry such as ‘why is the sea salty?’ Learners will get to see how world-leading technology and equipment is used in deep-sea expeditions including footage from on board research ships and ROVs (remotely operated vehicles).
Dr Jon Copley, Senior Lecturer in Marine Ecology, says: “Ocean science is as big as the oceans themselves. In this course, you will investigate an underwater realm that’s been unknown for most of human history. You’ll see how the ocean depths are no longer out of reach and how they are connected to our everyday lives.
By taking what you’ve learned and discussing it with other people who may be taking the course or your friends and family, you can join in a global debate about the future of our planet.”
Professor Rachel Mills, Associate Dean of Natural and Environmental Sciences at the University, says: “We look forward to you joining us online for six weeks of deep ocean exploration. We will share the exciting finds from our most recent expeditions and introduce the science of the oceans in an accessible way, whether you are a prospective student wanting a taster of our oceanography degrees or are a lifelong learner with a passion for our oceans.”
The MOOC starts on 3 February and finishes on 17 March 2014.
For participants, the benefits of taking part in a MOOC are clear; they get an engaging educational experience that develops new skills and understanding. In addition, there is no cost, no travel and the timing is flexible so that they can fit study in around their work and other activities. Although there is no official academic credit awarded for successful completion, students will be recognised with a PDF certificate or a digital badge.
The Southampton MOOCs will be delivered by FutureLearn, a new company set up by the Open University, which will offer MOOCs by many of the UK’s top universities, including Southampton. By delivering the University’s MOOCs through FutureLearn, it will enable people all over the world to enjoy learning at Southampton through free courses accessible on mobiles, tablets or PCs.
If you would like to register for the ‘Exploring our Oceans’ MOOCs, please visit https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/exploring-our-oceans
For further information on the MOOC, visit the university pages http://southampton.likn.co/moocs/exploring_our_oceans.shtml
Follow the MOOC on twitter at @UoSFLOceans