I. Course Description The course provides participants with both background reading assignments that cover the main course topics and hands-on exercises that explore the essential elements of the Global Temperature and Salinity Profile Programme (GTSPP) data management and assists participants in developing specific technical skills and methods for using the GTSPP data. Topics covered include: • Programming Language R essentials for managing the GTSPP data • GTSPP overview • GTSPP format descriptions • GTSPP operations ? GTSPP data flows ? Functions of the GTSPP long-term archive o Data acquisition o Data accession o Data ingestion o Data quality assessment ? GTSPP QC flagging scheme ? Quality control software and ? XBT data management • GTSPP data visualization II. Course Objectives • Promote the methodology of the GTSPP data management best practices. • Facilitate the data sharing and exchange with the GTSPP. III. Course Outcomes After completion of the course, the participants should be able to: • Describe in detail how the GTSPP operates. • Develop a greater conceptual understanding of the GTSPP data structure • Develop skills in obtaining and manipulating the GTSPP data through hands-on exercises • Demonstrate the ability to visualize the GTSPP data using open source application programs. • Build the fundamental concepts of data management. • Provides insights into the future operational construct of ocean data management systems. IV. Pre-requisites Participants should have • Educational backgrounds in the oceanographic or meteorological sciences • Proficiency to use personal computers with Windows or Mac • Experience with the Linux/Unix shell scripting, FORTRAN, PERL, and R programming • The working knowledge of English V. Target Audience The targeted audiences include, but are not limited to, the following: • Marine and coastal scientists • Oceanographic data managers • Academic professors and students in the oceanographic or meteorological sciences

Priority will be given to participants originating from the Western Pacific region. UNESCO being committed to promote gender equality, applications from women are strongly encouraged. Applications (OTGA Application Form and Endorsement Letter) should be sent by email to Dr Claudia Delgado (OTGA Project Manager, c.delgado@unesco.org) and Ms Nachapa Saransuth (n.saransuth@unesco.org, from the IOC Regional Secretariat for the Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific, WESTPAC) before 8 November 2015 with the subject line: "GTSPP course application". Do not send any unrequested documents as these will be disregarded. Trainees are encouraged to bring their own laptop as possible. IOC/IODE will provide travel support (economy fare) while NMDIS will provide local accommodation and meals. The course will be held at the “Tianjin Zhengxie Club Hotel” where students will also be accommodated. The course will be delivered in English. :::::::::: Course Venue: Tianjin Zhengxie Club Hotel Tel : +86-22-23398666 Fax: +86-22-23398222 Website: http://www.tjzxhotel.com