The Centre of Excellence training program is divided into six learning modules, with multidisciplinary approaches and cross-cutting skills developed throughout the program.
In addition to the modules, early career scholars work on an independent learning project related to ocean carbon, eDNA, or coastal resilience, throughout the training program, mentored by a domestic or international professional that informs a knowledge mobilization aspect to ensure scholars are effectively trained in the communication and delivery of their scientific knowledge.
While this independent learning project does not need to be a specific research project, it requires some basic research skills to be employed, building on the knowledge gained in the core modules.
Administered through the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development, the courses listed below have associated microcredentials, or similar recognition, reflecting the skills and knowledge gained throughout this course in a manner that is internationally recognized by employers. Scholars receive tangible benefits in addition to the prestige that is associated with the POGO program and the network that is unlocked through their participation.
Oversight of the program is provided by the curriculum committee, with direction from the international observing community.
Arriving at the first location, the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, the first week of the program is devoted to ensuring the scholars are settled, connected, and confident in their new home. Activities include social events, health and safety training, campus tours and orientation activities.
All Core Oceanography courses are delivered by the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland with field excursions to their numerous observing facilities.
All Module 2 courses are delivered by the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland with field excursions to their numerous observing facilities and ship time on various research vessels within their fleet.
All Module 3 courses are delivered by Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia through the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development, the Department of Information Science in the Faculty of Management, DeepSense in the Faculty of Computer Science and CIOOS, housed and supported by Dalhousie and the Ocean Frontier Institute.
All Module 4 courses are delivered by Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia through the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development, the Department of Information Science in the Faculty of Management, DeepSense in the Faculty of Computer Science and CIOOS, housed and supported by Dalhousie and the Ocean Frontier Institute.
Module 5 topics take the scholars beyond the science and show them how to talk about it for impact. The topics covered in this module are taught across locations and by various organizations, providing diverse insight.
Module 6 topics touch on additional disciplines and perspectives and are delivered by the Ocean Frontier Institute and the IOI-Canada in Halifax, Nova Scotia.