Seawater Chemistry Course
This course prepares you to understand and measure the chemistry of seawater, the foundation of oceanography, desalination and the recovery of dissolved resources. You will study its composition and salinity, the carbonate system and pH, dissolved gases, nutrients and trace elements, and learn the sampling and analysis methods used in the laboratory and in the field.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Seawater Chemistry Course?
This short course gives you a working knowledge of seawater chemistry. You will study the major, minor and trace constituents of seawater and the constancy of proportions, the definitions and measurement of salinity, CO2 equilibria, pH, total alkalinity and ocean acidification, dissolved oxygen and oxygen minimum zones, nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon cycles, metals, chemical speciation and pollutants, and the design of sampling, instrumental techniques, continuous sensors and analytical quality control.
What sets this course apart: essential knowledge for oceanography, aquaculture, desalination and environmental work; applied chemistry that links chemical equilibria to real problems in the sector; solid coverage of sampling, instrumentation and quality control; an agile format of five direct modules; and a practical case in which you interpret a real set of chemical data.
Program highlights
- Essential foundation: useful for oceanography, aquaculture, desalination and the environment.
- Applied chemistry: from chemical equilibria to real problems in the sector.
- Methods of analysis: sampling, instrumentation and quality control.
- Carbonate system: CO2, pH, alkalinity and ocean acidification.
- Pollutants: metals, organic compounds and microplastics.
- Practical case: interpretation of a real set of chemical data.
Syllabus of the Seawater Chemistry Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Composition and salinity of seawater
- 1.1. Major constituents of seawater
- 1.2. Constancy of proportions
- 1.3. Definitions of salinity
- 1.4. Measurement of conductivity and salinity
- 1.5. Salinity variations in the ocean
Carbonate system and pH
- 2.1. CO2 equilibria in seawater
- 2.2. pH and pH scales
- 2.3. Total alkalinity
- 2.4. Calcium carbonate saturation
- 2.5. Ocean acidification
Dissolved gases and nutrients
- 3.1. Dissolved oxygen and oxygen minimum zones
- 3.2. Other dissolved gases
- 3.3. Nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon
- 3.4. Nutrient cycles
- 3.5. Coastal eutrophication
Trace elements and pollutants
- 4.1. Trace elements and their distribution
- 4.2. Metals in seawater
- 4.3. Chemical speciation
- 4.4. Organic pollutants
- 4.5. Microplastic pollution
Sampling, analysis and interpretation
- 5.1. Sampling design
- 5.2. Instrumental analysis techniques
- 5.3. Continuous chemical sensors
- 5.4. Analytical quality control
- 5.5. Practical case: interpretation of chemical data
Duration and format of the Seawater Chemistry Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
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 CoordinatorObjectives of the Seawater Chemistry Course
Career opportunities after the Seawater Chemistry Course
Questions about the Seawater Chemistry Course
A grounding in general chemistry is recommended; the course reviews the concepts you need.
No. It is an online course; the methods are covered through audiovisual material, exercises and real data.
Yes, as a basis for understanding the quality of feed water and brine.
Yes. It is studied in the module on the carbonate system.
You interpret a set of seawater chemical data and write a short report.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded 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 applied practical case. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
More programs in Climate and oceanography
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at science students and graduates, laboratory technicians, desalination and aquaculture professionals, environmental consultants and teachers; studies in chemistry, biology, marine or environmental sciences or engineering, or professional experience in water analysis or management, 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.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
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.