Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Introduction to Marine Biology Course

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to marine biology: how ocean ecosystems work, the diversity of marine life from microbes and plankton to fish, seabirds and whales, and how organisms adapt to salinity, pressure, low oxygen and life in the water column. You will also learn the essential oceanography every biologist needs and the impacts of pollution, fishing, climate change and invasive species, together with the main tools for protecting the ocean.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
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About the program

What is the Introduction to Marine Biology Course?

This short course gives you a solid foundation in the science of life in the sea. You will study what marine biology investigates and the principles of marine ecology, the abiotic factors and biogeochemical cycles that govern the ocean, the properties of seawater, light, currents, nutrients and oxygen, the main groups of marine organisms and their identification features, the physiological and behavioral adaptations that allow them to survive, and the human pressures and conservation tools that shape the future of marine ecosystems.

What sets this course apart: an ecosystem-based approach that connects biology with the physical and chemical ocean; a dedicated module of essential oceanography for biologists; a tour of marine biodiversity from microbes to large vertebrates; a module on physiological adaptations such as osmoregulation, pressure tolerance and diving; and an integrating observation and diagnosis project that brings together impacts and conservation tools, including citizen science.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Ecological foundations: niche, interactions, productivity and marine connectivity.
  • Essential oceanography: seawater, light, currents, nutrients and oxygen.
  • Marine biodiversity: from microbes and plankton to reptiles, seabirds and mammals.
  • Adaptations: osmoregulation, pressure, hypoxia, feeding and reproduction.
  • Human impacts: pollution, fishing, climate change and invasive species.
  • Integrating project: observation and diagnosis of a marine ecosystem.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Introduction to Marine Biology Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Foundations of marine biology, natural history of the ocean and the ecosystem approach

  • 1.1. What marine biology studies: levels of organization, spatial and temporal scales and key questions
  • 1.2. Principles of marine ecology: niche, habitat, competition, predation and mutualism in the sea
  • 1.3. Determining abiotic factors: salinity, temperature, pressure, light, oxygen and nutrients
  • 1.4. Productivity and biogeochemical cycles: carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and the role of the ocean in the climate
  • 1.5. Marine connectivity: larval dispersal, currents, metapopulations and recruitment
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Essential oceanography for biologists: water, light, circulation and the structure of the water column

  • 2.1. Properties of seawater: density, stratification, thermocline and halocline and vertical mixing
  • 2.2. Light and the photic zone: attenuation, PAR, photoadaptation and limits on photosynthetic production
  • 2.3. Currents, tides and waves: transport, upwelling, fronts and effects on marine life
  • 2.4. Nutrients and primary production: limitation, seasonality, blooms and trophic efficiency
  • 2.5. Oxygen and hypoxic zones: respiration, ocean ventilation and ecological consequences
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Marine biodiversity and taxonomy: main groups and identification features

  • 3.1. Marine microbes: bacteria, archaea and viruses as drivers of cycles and microbial networks
  • 3.2. Phytoplankton and zooplankton: groups, functions, life cycles and trophic dynamics
  • 3.3. Benthic invertebrates: sponges, cnidarians, molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms
  • 3.4. Bony and cartilaginous fish: functional anatomy, reproductive strategies and niches
  • 3.5. Marine reptiles, birds and mammals: adaptations, migrations and the ecology of large vertebrates
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Adaptations to marine life: physiology, behavior and survival strategies

  • 4.1. Osmoregulation and water balance: salinity challenges and physiological solutions
  • 4.2. Adaptation to pressure and depth: buoyancy, barotrauma and metabolic limits
  • 4.3. Respiration and hypoxia tolerance: gills, diving, myoglobin and energy strategies
  • 4.4. Feeding and food webs: filter feeding, herbivory, predation and detritivory
  • 4.5. Reproduction and development: larvae, settlement, parental care and recruitment
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Human impacts, marine conservation and integrating observation and diagnosis project

  • 5.1. Marine pollution: plastics, chemicals, eutrophication and effects on organisms and habitats
  • 5.2. Fishing and resource exploitation: overfishing, bycatch, fishing gear, traceability and basic management
  • 5.3. Ocean climate change: warming, acidification, deoxygenation and species redistribution
  • 5.4. Invasive species and biosecurity: vectors, early detection and response
  • 5.5. Conservation tools: marine protected areas, restoration, monitoring, indicators and citizen science
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Introduction to Marine Biology Course

It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
6
months to finish
25 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.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)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 FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Introduction to Marine Biology Course

01Understand marine biodiversity, key species and vulnerable habitats.
02Identify and classify common marine organisms using field guides, dichotomous keys and online resources.
03Analyze trophic and symbiotic relationships and their role in the structure and function of ecosystems.
04Explain how salinity, temperature and pressure affect water density and ocean circulation.
05Assess the impact of pollution and other human pressures on marine life.
06Apply conservation principles, such as sustainable fishing practices, to protect marine ecosystems.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Introduction to Marine Biology Course

01Marine laboratory techniciansample analysis, culture of organisms and equipment maintenance.
02Marine environmental educatoreducational programs, interpretation centers and science outreach.
03Marine research assistantsupport for research projects, data collection and basic analysis.
04Aquaristcare of marine aquariums, feeding of organisms and water quality control.
05Marine tourism guideboat, snorkelling and diving excursions with interpretation of the marine ecosystem.
06Marine wildlife rescue center techniciancare, rehabilitation and release of injured or stranded animals.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Introduction to Marine Biology Course

It studies life in the oceans: marine organisms, their adaptations and their interactions with each other and with the environment.

No. This is an introductory course; basic notions of general biology and ecology are helpful but not essential.

Because marine life depends on seawater properties, light, currents, nutrients and oxygen; understanding them is essential to understanding marine ecosystems.

From marine microbes and plankton to benthic invertebrates, fish, marine reptiles, seabirds and marine mammals.

You carry out an observation and diagnosis of a marine ecosystem, identifying its main pressures and the conservation tools that could be applied.

Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded, discussion forums, downloadable materials and tutorials with the teaching staff.

The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an integrating project. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.

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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 students of biology, environmental sciences and related fields who want a solid basis in ocean life, fisheries and aquaculture professionals interested in the biology of the species they work with, divers, naturalists and sea lovers, environmental educators and science communicators, and anyone curious about marine biodiversity; secondary-level science studies or a demonstrated interest in marine life are sufficient, and basic notions of general biology and ecology are recommended.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $176 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

Any questions?

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Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.

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