Content design of 4 innovative courses
After the completion of the ToT, the trained staff of the 4 HEIs, under the coordination and guidance of UAegean & UCY, and technical support by CSI, proceeded with the creation of four innovative online courses for the development of blue and green (incl. digital and entrepreneurial) skills, identified as most in need in the labour market and most relevant to local/regional socio-economic and environmental challenges and conditions, using Outcomes-based Teaching and Learning (OBTL) curriculum design framework (constructive alignment).
Each course is expected to have a duration of 80–90 hours (including both theoretical and practical components) and to be worth 2 credits, depending on the credit system of the respective countries. Certificates and/or credit transfer mechanisms will be arranged accordingly by the HEIs, based on their institutional systems.
Curriculum development and co-design
Four Working Groups (WGs) – one for each course – with participants from each Asian HEI and European partners, were established to coordinate their work, exchange ideas and make decisions regarding the course content. The general context of the meetings focused on developing and finalising innovative online courses and teaching modules in sustainable blue economy fields, such as marine biotechnology, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and marine debris circular economy, while also incorporating climate change aspects.
Curriculum co-design workshops
Co-design workshops in each of the four HEIs were implemented between the teaching staff responsible for the creation of each course and representatives of students and alumni of the relevant departments. These workshops focused on getting the views and the insights of the students’ needs, expectations and aspirations regarding the courses under development.
4 online courses on blue and green skills
Four online courses on blue and green (incl. digital and entrepreneurial) skills, have been developed in English, Malay and Indonesian and will be uploaded on each of the four Asian university’s e-learning platforms. The four Asian HEIs will include them, as part of wider courses/programmes, during the next revamping of their overall core courses/syllabus (taking place approximately every 3-4 years). Academic staff in each HEI will be responsible to teach and run the courses and all activities related to them.
The four online, innovative courses are:
Universitas Indonesia, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department of Biology:
Marine Biotechnology and Bioprospecting
The course for the “Marine Biotechnology and Bioprospecting” involves understanding marine biotechnology applications within the context of the blue economy. It also includes the application of technological tools, such as GIS and various omics technologies, for assessing marine biodiversity and resources. A key part of the course is the ability to evaluate the ecological, social, and economic challenges associated with marine bio-innovation. Furthermore, students will learn to propose strategies that are ethical, inclusive, and sustainable. Finally, the course culminates in the ability to present a research-based biotechnological proposal to relevant stakeholders.
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment:
Marine Debris in Circular Blue Economy
The course on Marine Debris focuses on addressing the critical issue of marine litter, with a specific emphasis on circular economy solutions to mitigate plastic pollution generated by blue economy industries. Through interdisciplinary exploration and practical case studies, students will gain insights into the complex challenges of marine debris and develop innovative strategies to foster sustainable practices within the blue economy.
The students will understand the sources and impacts of marine debris generated by blue economy industries and analyse the principles and strategies of the circular economy as applied to marine litter management. Ultimately, they will present an action plan for circular economy projects targeting specific sectors.
University Sains Malaysia, School of Biological Sciences:
Sustainable Blue Economy and Ecosystem Management
This course focuses on the sustainable use of ocean resources, emphasising the health and resilience of marine ecosystems. It covers strategies for responsible economic activities, effective management frameworks, and the use of technology to promote a thriving and healthy ocean environment.
The students will understand the principles and concepts of the sustainable blue economy, while analysing the ecological, economic, and social dimensions of marine and coastal ecosystems. They will evaluate the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development within the blue economy context and develop practical skills in ecosystem management and policy analysis. Furthermore, they will apply their knowledge to address regional challenges in Malaysia and Indonesia, fostering interdisciplinary thinking and collaborative problem-solving throughout their learning journey.
Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Faculty of Science and Data Analytics, Biology Department:
Sustainable Fisheries
The course on Sustainable Fisheries provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the seafood industry. By emphasizing the economic growth potential of sustainable practices and the importance of research and development, students will be equipped to contribute to the long-term sustainability and resilience of fisheries and aquaculture systems, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for both people and the planet.
The students will examine the challenges facing fisheries and aquaculture industries, including overfishing, habitat degradation, and environmental pollution, while exploring the economic growth potential of sustainable practices such as value-added products and market opportunities. They will also understand the role of research and development in advancing sustainable technologies in the seafood industry and analyse case studies and best practices in fisheries and aquaculture management from around the world. Finally, they will discuss the future outlook of the seafood industry, considering emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges.
