Professional Diploma in Applied Marine Microbiology
This professional diploma prepares you to work with marine microorganisms and harness their potential across different industrial sectors. You will learn culturing, analytical and molecular methods, with applications in biotechnology, aquaculture and biofouling.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme 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 programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Professional Diploma in Applied Marine Microbiology?
This professional diploma prepares you to work with marine microorganisms and harness their potential across different sectors. It covers the diversity and ecology of marine bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses and microalgae, and teaches isolation, culturing and identification techniques alongside current molecular tools. Applications span aquaculture, seafood safety, biotechnology and environmental management, with a practical approach focused on solving real problems.
What sets the programme apart: a practical approach, working with protocols and cases applied to real problems in the sector; current techniques, combining classical culturing with molecular tools; several sectors, covering aquaculture, food, health, biotechnology and the environment; biosafety, including good laboratory practice and quality control; and a case study consisting of a microbiological investigation applied to a specific situation.
Programme highlights
- Study of the marine microbiome.
- Isolation, culturing and identification of microorganisms.
- Use of PCR and sequencing.
- Application of microbiology to aquaculture and quality control.
- Career paths in laboratories, aquaculture companies and research centres.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Applied Marine Microbiology
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Marine Microbial Diversity and Ecology
- 1.1. Marine bacteria and archaea
- 1.2. Marine viruses
- 1.3. Marine fungi
- 1.4. Protists and microalgae
- 1.5. The microbial loop
- 1.6. Biogeochemical cycles
- 1.7. Marine biofilms
- 1.8. Symbiotic microorganisms
Isolation and Culture Techniques
- 2.1. Sample collection and preservation
- 2.2. Marine culture media
- 2.3. Inoculation and isolation
- 2.4. Culture of anaerobes
- 2.5. Culture of microalgae
- 2.6. Microbial counts
- 2.7. Strain preservation
- 2.8. Difficult-to-culture microorganisms
Identification and Molecular Techniques
- 3.1. Microscopy and staining
- 3.2. Biochemical tests
- 3.3. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry
- 3.4. DNA extraction
- 3.5. PCR and quantitative PCR
- 3.6. 16S gene sequencing
- 3.7. Metabarcoding
- 3.8. Interpretation of results
Aquaculture Microbiology
- 4.1. Microbiota of fish and molluscs
- 4.2. Bacterial pathogens
- 4.3. Viral diseases
- 4.4. Disease diagnosis
- 4.5. Responsible use of antibiotics
- 4.6. Probiotics in aquaculture
- 4.7. Vaccines in aquaculture
- 4.8. Microbiological water quality
Seafood Safety
- 5.1. Microbiota of fishery products
- 5.2. Vibrio and other pathogens
- 5.3. Norovirus in molluscs
- 5.4. Histamine and spoilage
- 5.5. Control of bivalve molluscs
- 5.6. HACCP systems
- 5.7. Microbiological criteria
- 5.8. Shelf life
Marine Environmental Microbiology
- 6.1. Faecal contamination indicators
- 6.2. Bathing water quality
- 6.3. Biodegradation of pollutants
- 6.4. Biocorrosion and fouling
- 6.5. Harmful algal blooms
- 6.6. Sediment microbiology
- 6.7. Antimicrobial resistance in the environment
- 6.8. Environmental monitoring
Biotechnological Applications and Biosafety
- 7.1. Microbial enzymes
- 7.2. Antimicrobial compounds
- 7.3. Biosurfactants
- 7.4. Microorganisms for bioprocesses
- 7.5. Laboratory biosafety
- 7.6. Biological waste management
- 7.7. Quality control
- 7.8. ISO 17025 laboratory standards
Case Study: Applied Microbiological Study
- 8.1. Definition of the problem
- 8.2. Sampling design
- 8.3. Selection of techniques
- 8.4. Data analysis
- 8.5. Interpretation of results
- 8.6. Proposed measures
- 8.7. Report writing
- 8.8. Presentation of the case
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Applied Marine Microbiology
It is 800 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 instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. 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
Dra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Professional Diploma in Applied Marine Microbiology
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Applied Marine Microbiology
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Applied Marine Microbiology
It helps, but it is not essential: the techniques are explained from first principles with protocols and videos.
Yes. PCR, 16S gene sequencing and metabarcoding, with interpretation of results.
Yes. There is a module dedicated to pathogens, diagnosis, probiotics and the responsible use of antibiotics.
No. It is specialist training and does not replace official qualifications or accreditations.
A complete microbiological study applied to a specific problem in the sector.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme has a workload of 110 hours. You can progress at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, which appears on this page and is confirmed by the admissions team when you request information.
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Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- A degree or higher vocational qualification in a related field (biology, marine sciences, biotechnology, veterinary science, food science or laboratory work), or professional laboratory experience.
- A sufficient command of the language of instruction; basic technical English is recommended.
- A computer, a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera.
- Admission process: online application, profile review and a short interview.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose 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 enrol
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.