Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules

Master's in Marine Fish Farming and Genetics

This master's prepares you to lead the sustainable aquaculture of the future. You will learn to improve the production of marine species through applied genetics, advanced nutrition and integrated health management, master intensive and extensive rearing techniques and the design of aquaculture facilities, and apply strategies that reduce environmental impact in a sector with growing global demand.

Duration1,500 h

ModeOnline

Start1 December

Modules11

Program diagnosis

Prior knowledge check

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About the program

What is the Master's in Marine Fish Farming and Genetics?

This master's prepares you to lead the sustainable aquaculture of the future. You will work with molecular genetics, genomic sequencing and molecular markers, design selective breeding programs, explore genome editing and emerging biotechnologies, and apply precision nutrition, biosecurity, recirculating aquaculture systems and predictive models to marine fish farming, opening the door to aquaculture companies, breeding programs and marine research centers.

What sets this master's apart: cutting-edge genetics, from marker-assisted selection to CRISPR-Cas9 and functional genomics; a complete view of the farm, with facility design, assisted reproduction, nutrition and fish health; data and automation, with bioinformatics, big data, IoT sensors and predictive models; a solid grounding in regulation, bioethics, animal welfare and biosecurity; and a Final Project in which you build an integrated genetic improvement strategy for a marine species.

Program typeMaster’s degree

ModeOnline

Duration1,500 hours

Modules11

Start1 December

Program highlights

Cutting-edge genetics: marker-assisted selection, genetic improvement and conservation of marine biodiversity.
Genome editing: CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs and emerging biotechnologies applied to aquatic species.
Nutrition and feeding: optimized diets, alternative ingredients and efficient feed management.
Health and welfare: disease prevention and control, biosecurity and stress management in aquaculture.
Sustainability: environmental impact assessment, certification standards and good aquaculture practice.
Final Project: an integrated genome editing and bioengineering strategy for a farmed marine species.

Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Marine Fish Farming and Genetics

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Genetic Analysis of Aquaculture Populations

1.1. Molecular genetics fundamentals for marine species: DNA, RNA, proteins and gene expression
1.2. Advanced genetic analysis tools: genomic sequencing, microsatellites, SNPs and PCR in fish farming
1.3. Population structure: gene flow, genetic drift and differentiation between farmed populations
1.4. Statistical and bioinformatic models for genetic data: specialized software, heterozygosity and inbreeding
1.5. Selection and breeding in marine fish: crossing strategies, quantitative genetics and phenotypic traits
1.6. Managing genetic variability to avoid loss of diversity in captive populations
1.7. Genetic analysis for the traceability and certification of farmed species: tools against fraud and illegal trade
1.8. Genetics, disease resistance and productivity in modern aquaculture
1.9. Combining molecular genetics with sustainable management to conserve marine genetic resources
1.10. Case studies: successful applied genetics projects in the global fishing industry and future challenges

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 2

Molecular Genetics for Breeding and Disease Resistance

2.1. Molecular genetics in aquatic organisms: DNA structure, replication, transcription and translation
2.2. Advanced genomic sequencing: NGS, RAD-seq and whole genome sequencing to characterize fish populations
2.3. Molecular markers in fish farming: microsatellites and SNPs for identification, traceability and gene banks
2.4. CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and emerging technologies: design, implementation and ethical considerations
2.5. Biotechnology for resistance to viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases in intensive systems
2.6. Functional genomics and transcriptomics: gene expression under environmental stress and pathogens to develop resilient strains
2.7. Computational models and bioinformatics for phenotype prediction and marker-assisted selection (MAS)
2.8. Legal, regulatory and biosecurity aspects of handling aquatic organisms genetically in commercial aquaculture
2.9. Designing and managing breeding programs: selection, controlled crosses and genetic evaluation on advanced fish farms
2.10. Success stories in commercial species: salmonids, tilapia, shrimp and other relevant marine species

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 3

Molecular Genetics and Population Analysis for Sustainable Production

3.1. Molecular genetics applied to aquaculture: DNA, RNA, proteins and gene expression in marine species
3.2. Advanced sequencing tools: NGS, digital PCR and hybridisation techniques to characterize aquatic genomes
3.3. Molecular markers in genetic improvement: microsatellites, SNPs and RFLPs in fish and crustacean populations
3.4. Designing selective breeding programs: genetic, phenotypic and environmental criteria for sustainable production
3.5. Population analysis and genetic structure: diversity, inbreeding, gene flow and differentiation with advanced statistical models
3.6. Functional genomics and CRISPR-Cas9 editing: potential and challenges for productive traits and disease resistance
3.7. Bioinformatic models for large genomic datasets: assembly, annotation and sequence comparison in farmed marine species
3.8. Environmental and genetic impact of multi-species aquaculture: biodiversity conservation and mitigation of introgression risks
3.9. Molecular genetics for the traceability and origin certification of aquaculture products for international markets
3.10. International and ethical standards for the genetic handling of aquatic organisms: regulation, biosecurity and sustainability policies

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 4

Integrated Management and Bioengineering of Marine Farms

4.1. Integrated management of marine farms: principles, scope and environmental and health regulatory framework
4.2. Designing and planning culture systems: site selection, hydrodynamic and geochemical assessment, flow and water quality models
4.3. Fish farming infrastructure and technology: floating systems, submerged cages, recirculation and biofloc, structural strength and operational efficiency
4.4. Assisted reproduction in marine species: hormonal induction, in vitro fertilization, controlled incubation and larval rearing with automated viability monitoring
4.5. Molecular genetics in fish farming: genotypic selection, marker-assisted improvement and CRISPR-Cas for disease resistance and productivity
4.6. Biosecurity and health management: prevention, early detection and pathogen control, legal aspects and international aquaculture health certification
4.7. Precision nutrition in marine species: diets based on metabolic profiles, ingredient digestibility, probiotics and sensor-based monitoring
4.8. Sustainable production optimization: economic and production indicators, efficient use of resources and circular economy to reduce environmental impact
4.9. Monitoring and automation: IoT sensors, artificial intelligence for real-time tracking and predictive modeling of environmental conditions and biological responses
4.10. Certification and traceability: national and international standards, quality labels such as GlobalGAP and ASC, and corporate social responsibility in the aquaculture value chain

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 5

Innovation in Aquaculture Biotechnology and Gene Editing

5.1. Aquaculture biotechnology fundamentals: molecular principles applied to marine organisms and their relevance to modern fish farming
5.2. Advanced gene editing techniques: CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs and zinc finger nucleases for targeted improvement of aquatic species
5.3. Designing high-productivity marine crops: genotypic and phenotypic selection for disease resistance, faster growth and environmental adaptation
5.4. Optimizing culture systems: combining biotechnology with recirculating aquaculture (RAS) and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA)
5.5. Functional genomics and transcriptomics for phenotypic improvement: biomarkers and key metabolic pathways for superior genetic lines
5.6. Biosecurity and environmental control in genetically modified crops: risk assessment, effects on marine ecosystems and international regulations
5.7. Bioinformatics applied to fish farming: genomic and proteomic data analysis to predict phenotypic traits
5.8. Epigenetic editing tools in aquatic organisms: mechanisms, practical applications and potential for rapid adaptation to changing conditions
5.9. Bioreactors and microfluidic systems for cell and embryo manipulation in commercially important marine species
5.10. Case studies and recent advances: critical analysis of innovative marine genetics projects and their impact on sustainable productivity and long-term profitability

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 6

Advanced Breeding Strategies and Sustainability in Marine Species

6.1. Molecular genetics applied to marine aquaculture: DNA, RNA, transcription and translation in key marine species
6.2. Advanced genetic analysis: quantitative PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to characterize fish populations
6.3. Functional genomics and transcriptomics: bioinformatic tools to identify genes linked to productive and adaptive traits
6.4. Designing and applying molecular markers (microsatellites, SNPs) for studies of genetic diversity, kinship and population structure
6.5. Assisted genetic selection strategies: crossing schemes, breeding value estimation and statistical models for sustainable improvement
6.6. Breeding programs for disease resistance, tolerance of adverse conditions and faster growth
6.7. Managing genetic diversity and preventing inbreeding in farmed populations: kinship analysis, maintaining variability and genetic conservation techniques
6.8. Emerging biotechnologies in fish farming: genome editing, transgenesis and omics tools to raise productivity and resilience
6.9. Molecular genetics and environmental sustainability: risks of releasing genetically improved organisms and biosecurity in aquaculture systems
6.10. Practical cases and fieldwork: molecular techniques in real breeding programs for commercial marine species, critical analysis of results and implementation strategy

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 7

Molecular Genetics and Bioengineering Innovations in Marine Fish Farming

7.1. Molecular genetics applied to marine fish farming: DNA, RNA and principles of inheritance in aquatic species
7.2. Advanced genomic sequencing: next-generation sequencing (NGS), whole genome analysis and transcriptomics in marine species
7.3. Gene editing and CRISPR-Cas9: molecular mechanisms, practical applications for genetic improvement and ethical considerations in aquaculture
7.4. Bioinformatics and genomic data analysis: computational tools to identify genetic markers, optimize phenotypes and control genetic quality
7.5. Bioengineering in culture systems: designing bioreactors and recirculating systems (RAS) combined with biotechnology for sustainable production
7.6. Genetic evaluation of germ lines: marker-assisted selection, breeding program development and genetic diversity management in marine populations
7.7. Disease resistance and genetic improvement: identifying associated genes, molecular techniques for immunization and biosecurity strategies
7.8. Emerging biotechnologies: epigenetics, metagenomics and synthetic biology to optimize aquaculture production
7.9. Regulatory aspects and international standards for molecular genetics and bioengineering in marine fish farming
7.10. Case studies and applied projects: putting genetic and biotechnological innovations into practice to raise efficiency and sustainability

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 8

Predictive Models and Precision Genome Editing for Smart Aquaculture

8.1. Predictive models in aquaculture: mathematical principles, machine learning algorithms and neural networks applied to the behavior and development of marine species
8.2. Big data in fish farming: capturing environmental, biological and operational data to feed real-time predictive models
8.3. Ecophysiological models to predict growth, reproduction and stress response in marine species under variable farming conditions
8.4. Advanced CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing: design, delivery and evaluation of target genes to improve adaptive traits and disease resistance
8.5. Bioinformatic tools for gene selection: genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic analysis for adaptation and performance in smart aquaculture systems
8.6. Predictive models to optimize automated aquaculture systems: IoT sensors, environmental control and real-time genetic feedback
8.7. Genome editing strategies for pathogen resistance: molecular mechanisms, experimental validation and monitoring in marine populations
8.8. Impact of genome editing on biodiversity and biosecurity: international regulations, risk assessment and containment protocols
8.9. Practical cases in developing adaptive marine species through genome editing and predictive modeling
8.10. Emerging trends and technology foresight: artificial intelligence, next-generation genome editing and their role in sustainable aquaculture

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 9

Advanced Genetic Analysis and Biotechnology in Marine Aquaculture

9.1. Molecular genetics applied to fish farming: DNA, RNA, genomes and their relevance to marine species
9.2. Advanced genomic sequencing tools: NGS, high-throughput genotyping and bioinformatic analysis for aquatic resources
9.3. Reproductive biotechnology in marine species: gamete handling, in vitro fertilization and cryopreservation
9.4. Gene editing to improve productive traits: CRISPR-Cas9 and emerging techniques in aquatic organisms
9.5. Molecular markers for genomic selection: microsatellites, SNPs and haplotypes in breeding programs
9.6. Genetic diversity and population structure for sustainable management: assessing variability and minimizing inbreeding in marine farms
9.7. Gene expression analysis and molecular biomarkers to improve welfare and disease resistance
9.8. Metabolic engineering and transgenic lines: outlook and regulation in marine aquaculture
9.9. Combining biotechnology with culture systems: biosecurity, genetic monitoring and traceability in hatcheries and recirculating systems
9.10. Computational models and big data in marine genetics: predicting phenotypes and environmental response to optimize production

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 10

Bioethics, Regulation and Technology Transfer in Aquaculture Genetics

10.1. Regulation of genetically modified organisms
10.2. Gene editing and the European legal framework
10.3. Animal welfare in aquaculture
10.4. Bioethics of genetic improvement
10.5. Intellectual property of genetic lines
10.6. Germplasm banks
10.7. Biosecurity and escapes
10.8. Social acceptance
10.9. Technology transfer
10.10. Genetic improvement plan

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 11

Final Project

11.1. Advanced marine fish farming: physiology, nutrition and reproduction of farmed species
11.2. Marine genetics for genetic improvement: heritability, genetic variability and marker-assisted selection
11.3. Genome editing in aquatic species: CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs and their adaptation to commercially important marine species
11.4. Experimental design for bioengineering in fish farming: planning, execution and statistical analysis of genetic trials
11.5. Optimizing germplasm banks and genomic biobanks: collection, conservation and advanced molecular characterization
11.6. Emerging biotechnologies in genetic improvement: transgenesis, targeted mutagenesis and epigenetic editing in marine species
11.7. Environmental impact and biosecurity in the controlled release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into aquatic ecosystems
11.8. Integrating omics tools (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) for the analysis of improved phenotypes
11.9. Computational modeling and simulation to predict genomic and phenotypic effects under marine farming conditions
11.10. Strategic planning for sustainable production: balancing productivity, genetic conservation and animal welfare

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Marine Fish Farming and Genetics

It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

Hours per week

4 h30 h

With 12 h per week

months to finish

125 weeks

weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance

Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints

Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator

Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory

Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator

Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator

Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line

Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator

Objectives

Objectives of the Master's in Marine Fish Farming and Genetics

01Develop genetic improvement programs: design selection protocols, directed crosses and progeny evaluation to propagate individuals with superior growth, disease resistance and nutritional quality.

02Design and manage efficient facilities: run advanced recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), monitoring oxygen, pH and ammonia to maximize production with minimal energy use and effluent discharge.

03Lead applied research: design and carry out rigorous studies, analyze data statistically and interpret results to develop viable, sustainable solutions.

04Formulate feeding and nutrition strategies: design diets by species, life stage and environmental conditions, and apply feeding protocols that reduce waste and improve feed conversion.

05Diagnose and control disease: identify common pathogens, apply biosecurity protocols and use pharmacological or alternative treatments based on laboratory analysis.

06Market seafood products to standard: grade and label products by freshness, origin and species, ensuring traceability and compliance with health regulations.

Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Marine Fish Farming and Genetics

01Aquaculture farm managerdesign, planning and optimization of production on marine fish farms.

02Genetic improvement specialistselection and crossing of marine species to raise productivity and disease resistance.

03Quality control techniciananalysis of water quality and seafood products.

04Sustainable aquaculture consultantadvice to companies and public bodies on environmentally responsible practices.

05Marine researchernew technologies and methods for aquaculture and marine genetics at research centers.

06Aquaculture R&D project managerdesign, management and execution of research and development projects.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Marine Fish Farming and Genetics

On both: it covers the rearing of marine fish and the genetics of marine organisms, with a focus on how genetics can improve fish farming.

Yes. The program covers CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs and other emerging tools, together with their regulatory, ethical and biosecurity implications.

No. Basic knowledge of biology, genetics and statistics is enough; the bioinformatic tools and models are introduced step by step.

Yes. It includes facility design, assisted reproduction, precision nutrition, biosecurity, monitoring and automation, and certification standards such as GlobalGAP and ASC.

Yes. Animal welfare, bioethics of genetic improvement and the prevention of escapes are covered in a dedicated module.

You develop an integrated genetic improvement strategy for a farmed marine species, combining genomics, experimental design, biosecurity and sustainable production planning.

The master's is taught entirely online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, recorded live sessions and tutorials. It comprises 1500 hours of study across 11 modules of about 136 hours each, and you progress at your own pace within the schedule you are given on enrollment.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements

Profile: aimed at marine biologists and aquaculture professionals seeking to specialize in genetic improvement and production optimization, fisheries engineers and aquaculture technicians, researchers interested in genomics applied to fish farming and the conservation of marine resources, managers of aquaculture companies, and graduates in marine sciences or veterinary science. A degree in marine biology, environmental sciences, veterinary science, agricultural engineering or a related field, or proven professional experience in aquaculture or fishing, is recommended, together with basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, genetics and statistics.
Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
Technical resources: a computer with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection and software to view documents and take part in video conferences.
Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.

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