Master's in Marine Biomimetics and Ocean-Inspired Design
This master's prepares you to transfer the solutions developed by marine organisms into useful products, materials and structures. You will study the functional biology of marine organisms, materials science, the mechanics of natural structures and bioinspired hydrodynamics, and learn to apply a rigorous biomimetic design methodology, from the design question to the prototype, with criteria of sustainability and industrial viability.
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.
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What is the Master's in Marine Biomimetics and Ocean-Inspired Design?
This master's prepares you to transfer the solutions developed by marine organisms into useful products, materials and structures. You will analyze the functional strategies of marine organisms, turn biology into applicable design principles, use modeling, simulation and digital fabrication, and apply life cycle assessment to your proposals, opening the door to R&D departments, design studios and technology centers.
What sets this master's apart: an interdisciplinary approach that brings marine biology, materials engineering and design together in a single program; a proven methodology based on internationally recognized biomimetic design tools and frameworks; a path from organism to prototype, in which you learn to abstract biological principles and turn them into technical solutions; an industrial perspective, with applications in the nautical sector, construction, energy, health and product design; and a Final Project in which you carry out a complete biomimetic development based on a real challenge.
Program highlights
- Interdisciplinary approach: marine biology, materials engineering and design in one program.
- Proven methodology: internationally recognized biomimetic design tools and frameworks.
- From organism to prototype: abstracting biological principles into technical solutions.
- Industrial perspective: applications in the nautical sector, construction, energy, health and products.
- Digital tools: parametric design, simulation and additive manufacturing.
- Final Project: a complete biomimetic development based on a real challenge.
Syllabus of the Master's in Marine Biomimetics and Ocean-Inspired Design
11 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Fundamentals of Biomimetics
- 1.1. History and concepts of biomimetics
- 1.2. Biomimetics, bioinspiration and biodesign
- 1.3. Life's principles as a design guide
- 1.4. Levels of emulation: form, process and system
- 1.5. Biomimetics and sustainability
- 1.6. The ocean as a source of innovation
- 1.7. Classic examples of bioinspired design
- 1.8. Limitations and common mistakes
- 1.9. The ISO framework for biomimetics
- 1.10. Current research landscape
Functional Biology of Marine Organisms
- 2.1. Adaptations to the aquatic environment
- 2.2. Diversity of marine body plans
- 2.3. Locomotion in water
- 2.4. Adhesion strategies
- 2.5. Protection and defense
- 2.6. Perception and sensory organs
- 2.7. Thermal and osmotic regulation
- 2.8. Bioluminescence and structural color
- 2.9. Deep-sea organisms
- 2.10. Symbiosis and collective strategies
Biomimetic Design Methodology
- 3.1. Defining the design challenge
- 3.2. Functional translation of the question
- 3.3. Searching for biological models
- 3.4. Databases and repositories of strategies
- 3.5. Abstracting biological principles
- 3.6. From principle to technical concept
- 3.7. Evaluating and selecting concepts
- 3.8. Working in interdisciplinary teams
- 3.9. Ideation tools
- 3.10. Documenting the process
Materials Science for Biomimetics
- 4.1. Structure and properties of materials
- 4.2. Natural composite materials
- 4.3. Structural proteins and polysaccharides
- 4.4. Biominerals: calcium carbonate and silica
- 4.5. Structural hierarchy
- 4.6. Structure-property relationship
- 4.7. Basic mechanical testing
- 4.8. Microscopic characterization techniques
- 4.9. Bioinspired synthetic materials
- 4.10. Materials selection
Bioinspired Structures and Mechanics
- 5.1. Shells and carapaces as structures
- 5.2. Skeletons of sponges and diatoms
- 5.3. Lightweight and cellular architectures
- 5.4. Toughness and fracture control
- 5.5. Flexible and articulated structures
- 5.6. Bioinspired topology optimization
- 5.7. Folding structures
- 5.8. Applications in architecture and engineering
- 5.9. Joint design
- 5.10. Structural case studies
Bioinspired Hydrodynamics and Surfaces
- 6.1. Fundamentals of fluid mechanics
- 6.2. Hydrodynamic shape of fish and cetaceans
- 6.3. Shark skin and drag reduction
- 6.4. Fins, tubercles and flow control
- 6.5. Undulatory and oscillatory propulsion
- 6.6. Antifouling surfaces
- 6.7. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces
- 6.8. Functional textures
- 6.9. Flow simulation
- 6.10. Naval and energy applications
Bioinspired Sensors, Robotics and Systems
- 7.1. The lateral line and flow sensors
- 7.2. Echolocation and biological sonar
- 7.3. Vision in the marine environment
- 7.4. Robots inspired by fish and cephalopods
- 7.5. Marine soft robotics
- 7.6. Bioinspired actuators
- 7.7. Collective behavior and swarms
- 7.8. Control and autonomy
- 7.9. Sensor integration
- 7.10. Limitations of current systems
Modeling, Simulation and Digital Fabrication
- 8.1. Computer-aided design
- 8.2. Parametric and generative design
- 8.3. Scanning and digitising organisms
- 8.4. Finite element simulation
- 8.5. Computational fluid dynamics
- 8.6. Additive manufacturing
- 8.7. Multi-material printing
- 8.8. Rapid prototyping
- 8.9. Prototype testing
- 8.10. Design iteration
Sustainability and Life Cycle
- 9.1. Circular design
- 9.2. Life cycle assessment
- 9.3. Bio-based materials
- 9.4. Ecodesign and impact reduction
- 9.5. Toxicity and biodegradability
- 9.6. Product carbon footprint
- 9.7. Responsible bioprospecting
- 9.8. Access to genetic resources and the Nagoya Protocol
- 9.9. Ethics of biomimetics
- 9.10. Communicating sustainability
Innovation, Industrial Property and Market
- 10.1. Innovation management
- 10.2. Technology transfer
- 10.3. Patents and industrial designs
- 10.4. Technology watch
- 10.5. Bioinspired business models
- 10.6. Financing innovation
- 10.7. Industrial scale-up
- 10.8. Product standardization and certification
- 10.9. Academia-industry collaboration
- 10.10. Cases of success and failure
Final Project
- 11.1. Defining the challenge
- 11.2. Biological research
- 11.3. Selecting marine strategies
- 11.4. Abstracting principles
- 11.5. Generating concepts
- 11.6. Detailed design
- 11.7. Simulation or prototype
- 11.8. Sustainability assessment
- 11.9. Writing the project report
- 11.10. Presentation to an assessment panel
Duration and format of the Master's in Marine Biomimetics and Ocean-Inspired Design
It is 1,500 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 Master's in Marine Biomimetics and Ocean-Inspired Design
Career opportunities after the Master's in Marine Biomimetics and Ocean-Inspired Design
Questions about the Master's in Marine Biomimetics and Ocean-Inspired Design
No. The program includes a functional biology module designed for technical and design profiles.
It is also suitable: the materials, mechanics and fabrication modules give you the technical foundation you need.
Yes. You use parametric design, simulation and digital fabrication tools, with open-source alternatives.
The nautical sector, energy, construction, health, textiles and product design, among others.
You develop a complete biomimetic solution, from defining the challenge to a concept validated by simulation or a prototype.
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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Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at graduates in engineering, industrial design or architecture who want to bring biomimetics into their practice, biologists and marine science graduates seeking to apply their knowledge to innovation, industry R&D professionals who need new sources of technical solutions, product designers who work with sustainability criteria, and researchers and teachers who want to specialize in bioinspired design. A degree in engineering, industrial design, architecture, biology, marine sciences, chemistry, physics or a related field, or proven professional experience in design or R&D, 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.