Course FAQs
What are the dates of the course?
This course is self-paced, which means you can complete the content anytime. This run of the course will close on October 3, 2023 — so be sure to complete all materials by then!
Are there due dates for the assignments?
For self-paced courses, edX suggests due dates for assignments and exams as a way to help you stay on track. These due dates are suggestions to help you plan and pace your studies. You can submit assignments or exams any time up until the final end date of the course. Learn more about edX suggested due dates here.
If you see an assignment you have not completed is Past Due, or you see a message that you have missed a suggested deadline on the course homepage or Dates tab, you can shift your due dates. You can shift your due dates using the Shift due dates button on the course homepage or Dates tab. This will not affect any of the progress you have made in the course so far.
I see that all the due dates are set in UTC. What is UTC?
All of the due dates and times are presented in UTC, which is Coordinated Universal Time, set equivalent to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). To convert the time in UTC to your time zone, please use a time zone converter, such as World Time Server.
How long will this course take?
The course consists of 9 modules of content. Though it varies by person, this course should take on average 1-2 hour per module. This includes watching all of the videos for the module, completing the comprehension quizzes, reading the module specific handouts and participating in discussions.
How do I receive a Certificate?
Learners have the opportunity to earn a free certificate, awarded by IISD, GIZ and IUCN. To receive a Certificate of Completion, you must audit the full course. Your certificate will be one of completion rather than proficiency.
To receive the certificate, be sure to complete the post-course survey and follow the instructions carefully. Please allow for at least 3 weeks to receive the certificate, as they will be generated manually by the course team.
Is this course free?
Yes. There is no course fee associated with this course, and it is open to all. The Certificate of Completion is free for learners who complete the course.
What resources will I need for this class?
A strong internet connection will be helpful, but we will try to ensure materials are available for slower bandwidths as well. The course is optimized to run on the most recent versions of most browsers, and Google Chrome and Safari have been shown to work the best with the platform. No other computer programs or books are necessary. All the readings will be provided as links. Video files, transcripts, and readings are available for download to be read offline.
What kind of background do I need for this course?
The course is open to all and is accessible to learners without prior background or experience in the topic. However, a basic understanding of climate change and climate adaptation is beneficial. As the course provides a certain level of technical detail, interest in in-depth learning about planning and implementing EbA measure is a key requirement.
Can I take this class for university credit?
No. While we encourage any professors to incorporate this material into their own courses, you cannot take this course on its own for university credit.
How can I engage with the course beyond the lectures, readings, and quizzes?
In addition to the discussion prompts in each module, we encourage you to use the discussion board to post thoughts, ask questions, and engage in discussion with fellow learners.
Whom do I contact with questions?
For specific questions related to the course, you can email at courses@sdgacademy.org. This includes any questions about the material or assignments. This email address is used for multiple courses, so please specify that you are asking about the "EbA" course.
For technical questions about the platform, please visit the edX Help Center.