Marine Biotechnology and Algae Cultivation Course
This course introduces you to one of the sectors with the greatest potential in the blue economy: marine biotechnology and algae cultivation. You will study the species, the cultivation systems at sea and on land, the products obtained from algae (food, feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, bioplastics and biofuels) and their role in carbon capture.
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 Marine Biotechnology and Algae Cultivation Course?
This short course introduces you to the opportunities of blue biotechnology. You will learn what marine biotechnology is and how it fits into the blue economy and the bioeconomy, the differences between macroalgae and microalgae, the global algae market, how seaweed is grown on longlines at sea and in multi-trophic aquaculture, how microalgae are grown in open ponds and photobioreactors, how algae are harvested, processed, extracted and scaled up, and which bioproducts they yield for human food, feed, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, materials, biofuels and biofertilisers.
What sets this course apart: a focus on an emerging sector with strong demand for new sustainable products; a complete journey from cultivation to product, covering production, processing and marketing; a sustainability perspective on algae for carbon capture and the circular economy; an entrepreneurial angle with business ideas and funding routes; and a concise format of five applied modules that ends with your own blue business idea.
Program highlights
- Emerging sector: strong demand for new sustainable products.
- From cultivation to product: production, processing and marketing.
- Macroalgae and microalgae: each covered in its own module.
- Sustainability: algae for carbon capture and the circular economy.
- Entrepreneurship: business ideas, regulation and funding routes.
- Concise format: five applied modules ending with a business idea.
Syllabus of the Marine Biotechnology and Algae Cultivation Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Introduction to blue biotechnology
- 1.1. The concept of marine biotechnology
- 1.2. The blue economy and the bioeconomy
- 1.3. Macroalgae and microalgae
- 1.4. The global algae market
- 1.5. Trends and opportunities
Macroalgae cultivation
- 2.1. Species of interest
- 2.2. Longline cultivation at sea
- 2.3. Multi-trophic aquaculture
- 2.4. Harvesting and processing
- 2.5. Challenges of open-sea cultivation
Microalgae cultivation
- 3.1. Species of interest
- 3.2. Open ponds
- 3.3. Photobioreactors
- 3.4. Harvesting and extraction
- 3.5. Industrial scale-up
Bioproducts and applications
- 4.1. Human food and animal feed
- 4.2. Cosmetics and nutraceuticals
- 4.3. Pharmaceutical compounds
- 4.4. Bioplastics and materials
- 4.5. Biofuels and biofertilisers
Sustainability, regulation and business
- 5.1. Carbon capture with algae
- 5.2. Regulation of novel foods
- 5.3. Certifications
- 5.4. Funding and entrepreneurship
- 5.5. Practical case: business idea
Duration and format of the Marine Biotechnology and Algae Cultivation 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 Marine Biotechnology and Algae Cultivation Course
Career opportunities after the Marine Biotechnology and Algae Cultivation Course
Questions about the Marine Biotechnology and Algae Cultivation Course
Food, feed, cosmetics, pharmaceutical compounds, bioplastics, biofertilisers and biofuels, among others.
It is not essential, although a scientific background helps.
Yes, each in its own module.
Yes. The final module covers funding, regulation and the development of a business idea.
You develop your own business idea in blue biotechnology.
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 Biology and conservation
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at biologists and marine scientists interested in industrial applications, aquaculture professionals looking to diversify, entrepreneurs interested in the blue economy, food and cosmetics technicians looking for marine ingredients and students with an interest in sustainability; a background in science, biology, marine sciences, chemistry or food, or a professional interest in the blue economy, is 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.