Course on the Effects of Climate Change on Oceans
Why this course?
This course, “Effects of Climate Change on the Oceans,”
It provides you with a deep understanding of how rising temperatures, acidification, and other factors related to climate change are transforming marine ecosystems. You will learn about the impacts on biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal communities, and explore the adaptation solutions and strategies being implemented globally.
What will you learn?
- Scientific basis: Understanding the causes and mechanisms of climate change in the oceans.
- Ecological impact: Analyzing the effects on coral reefs, fish populations, and other marine species.
- Socioeconomic consequences: Evaluating the implications for food security, tourism, and the coastal economy.
- Mitigation and adaptation measures: Discovering strategies to reduce emissions and protect marine ecosystems.
- Active participation: Inspiration and tools to contribute to ocean conservation.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Oceanographers, marine biologists, and climatologists interested in understanding the direct impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems.
- Coastal zone managers and urban planners seeking to develop adaptation and mitigation strategies in the face of sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
- Fisheries and aquaculture professionals who need tools to manage the risks arising from ocean acidification and species displacement.
- Science educators and communicators who wish to update their knowledge and effectively communicate the challenges of climate change in the oceans.
- Environmental science students and related fields seeking a in-depth understanding of the processes Oceanic factors and their relationship to the global climate.
Learning Flexibility
Access content at your own pace: videos, readings, and discussion forums available 24/7, complemented by live virtual sessions to answer questions and delve deeper into the topics.
Objectives and competencies

Identify and mitigate coastal risks:
“To assess the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure and propose adaptation solutions based on the best available scientific evidence.”

Understanding and communicating ocean acidification:
“Explain causes, consequences, and solutions, adapting the message to different audiences (scientists, politicians, the general public).”

Assess and project sea level rise:
“Analyze historical data, climate models, and geographical factors to predict coastal impacts and develop adaptation strategies.”

Promote the sustainable management of marine resources:
Implement responsible fishing and traceability protocols, minimizing the impact on vulnerable ecosystems and complying with international regulations on catch quotas.

Analyze and model the impact on marine biodiversity:
Evaluate and mitigate noise and light pollution, considering sensitive species and breeding areas.

Develop adaptation strategies for coastal communities:
“Implement early warning systems and evacuation plans for extreme weather events, considering the socioeconomic characteristics of each community.”
Curriculum - Modules
1.1. Introduction to the global climate system and the regulatory role of the oceans
1.2. Radiative balance, greenhouse effect, and heat storage in the ocean
1.3. Fundamentals of physical oceanography: stratification, water masses, and general circulation
1.4. The carbon cycle and major marine biogeochemical cycles
1.5. Natural climate variability (ENSO, NAO, AMO) and its influence on the oceans
1.6. Climate change scenarios (IPCC) and specific projections for the marine environment
2.1. Evidence of ocean warming: observations, time series, and trends
2.2. Changes in ocean circulation: surface currents, thermohaline circulation, and gyres
2.3. Stratification, vertical mixing, and consequences for nutrients and primary productivity
2.4. Sea level rise: thermal expansion, ice melt, and continental inputs
2.5. Extreme ocean events: marine heatwaves, storms, and wave changes
2.6. Implications of ocean physical changes for regional climate and coastlines
3.1. CO₂ uptake by the ocean: physical pump, biological pump, and blue carbon
3.2. Fundamentals of ocean acidification: pH, alkalinity, and the carbonate system
3.3. Ocean deoxygenation: causes, oxygen minimum zones, and expansion of hypoxic areas
3.4. Impacts of acidification on calcifying organisms (corals, mollusks, plankton)
3.5. Combined effects of acidification, warming, and deoxygenation on food webs
3.6. Methods for monitoring and modeling ocean chemistry and its trends
4.1. Vulnerability of coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves to climate change
4.2. Response of fish and macroinvertebrate populations: displacements, collapses, and phenological changes
4.3. Effects on plankton, primary productivity, and the base of marine food webs
4.4. Interaction between climate change, overfishing, and pollution in marine ecosystems
4.5. Alteration of ecosystem services: food provision, coastal protection, and climate regulation
4.6. Regional case studies: Mediterranean, Atlantic, Pacific, and polar regions
5.1. Impacts on the fisheries and aquaculture sector: productivity, species distribution, and profitability
5.2. Climate change and coastal tourism: beach erosion, loss of attractions, and climate risks
5.3. Vulnerability of coastal communities: exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity
5.4. Food security and risks to the blue economy in the context of climate change
5.5. Coastal risk analysis tools: sea-level rise scenarios and extreme events
5.6. Case studies of coastal communities in transition: examples of success and failure in adaptation
6.1. Mitigation strategies related to the oceans: emissions reduction and blue carbon
6.2. Adaptation measures in fisheries, aquaculture, and the management of marine protected areas
6.3. Integrated coastal zone planning and management in the face of climate change
6.4. International framework of climate policies and agreements related to the oceans
6.5. Economic and governance instruments for the protection of the marine environment
6.6. Citizen participation, environmental education, and communication of ocean climate risk
Plan de estudio - Módulos
1.1. Introduction to the global climate system and the regulatory role of the oceans
1.2. Radiative balance, greenhouse effect, and heat storage in the ocean
1.3. Fundamentals of physical oceanography: stratification, water masses, and general circulation
1.4. The carbon cycle and major marine biogeochemical cycles
1.5. Natural climate variability (ENSO, NAO, AMO) and its influence on the oceans
1.6. Climate change scenarios (IPCC) and specific projections for the marine environment
2.1. Evidence of ocean warming: observations, time series, and trends
2.2. Changes in ocean circulation: surface currents, thermohaline circulation, and gyres
2.3. Stratification, vertical mixing, and consequences for nutrients and primary productivity
2.4. Sea level rise: thermal expansion, ice melt, and continental inputs
2.5. Extreme ocean events: marine heatwaves, storms, and wave changes
2.6. Implications of ocean physical changes for regional climate and coastlines
3.1. CO₂ uptake by the ocean: physical pump, biological pump, and blue carbon
3.2. Fundamentals of ocean acidification: pH, alkalinity, and the carbonate system
3.3. Ocean deoxygenation: causes, oxygen minimum zones, and expansion of hypoxic areas
3.4. Impacts of acidification on calcifying organisms (corals, mollusks, plankton)
3.5. Combined effects of acidification, warming, and deoxygenation on food webs
3.6. Methods for monitoring and modeling ocean chemistry and its trends
4.1. Vulnerability of coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves to climate change
4.2. Response of fish and macroinvertebrate populations: displacements, collapses, and phenological changes
4.3. Effects on plankton, primary productivity, and the base of marine food webs
4.4. Interaction between climate change, overfishing, and pollution in marine ecosystems
4.5. Alteration of ecosystem services: food provision, coastal protection, and climate regulation
4.6. Regional case studies: Mediterranean, Atlantic, Pacific, and polar regions
5.1. Impacts on the fisheries and aquaculture sector: productivity, species distribution, and profitability
5.2. Climate change and coastal tourism: beach erosion, loss of attractions, and climate risks
5.3. Vulnerability of coastal communities: exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity
5.4. Food security and risks to the blue economy in the context of climate change
5.5. Coastal risk analysis tools: sea-level rise scenarios and extreme events
5.6. Case studies of coastal communities in transition: examples of success and failure in adaptation
6.1. Mitigation strategies related to the oceans: emissions reduction and blue carbon
6.2. Adaptation measures in fisheries, aquaculture, and the management of marine protected areas
6.3. Integrated coastal zone planning and management in the face of climate change
6.4. International framework of climate policies and agreements related to the oceans
6.5. Economic and governance instruments for the protection of the marine environment
6.6. Citizen participation, environmental education, and communication of ocean climate risk
7.1. Oceanographic and climatic data sources: satellites, buoys, reanalysis, and models
7.2. Introduction to time series analysis and mapping of ocean variables
7.3. Carbon footprint assessment, impact indicators, and marine vulnerability metrics
7.4. Designing a case study: region selection, problem identification, and methodological approach
7.5. Developing an applied mitigation/adaptation project in a marine or coastal environment
7.6. Presenting, critically discussing, and communicating results to diverse audiences
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Career opportunities
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Admission requirements

Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.

Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.

5. Induction
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.

Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates

1. Online
application
(form + documents).

2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).

3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).

4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.

5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Understand: the causes and mechanisms of climate change that directly impact the oceans.
- Analyze: the effects of rising temperatures, acidification, and deoxygenation on marine ecosystems.
- Evaluate: the impact on biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal communities.
- Develop: mitigation and adaptation strategies to protect our oceans.
- Participate: in an informed debate on the solutions and policies needed for a sustainable future.
Testimonials
During my training on the effects of climate change on the oceans, I gained a deep understanding of the complex interactions between the climate and marine systems. I was able to analyze scientific data on acidification, deoxygenation, and sea-level rise, and apply that knowledge to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies. This knowledge enabled me to lead a research project on the vulnerability of coastal communities to sea-level rise, which resulted in the publication of a scientific article and the presentation of our findings at an international conference.
I applied the knowledge I acquired about oceanographic data analysis to develop a predictive model of harmful algal blooms, which was implemented by a local NGO, significantly improving its response capacity and mitigating the environmental and economic impact in the region.
During my training on the effects of climate change on the oceans, I gained a deep understanding of ocean acidification and its consequences for marine ecosystems. I applied this knowledge to develop a predictive model of coral distribution in the Caribbean under different emissions scenarios, which was praised for its accuracy and potential to inform conservation strategies.
During training on the effects of climate change on the oceans, I applied the knowledge I gained to develop a predictive model of ocean acidification in a specific region. This model, which integrated data on temperature, salinity, and CO2 emissions, allowed me to identify areas of high vulnerability for key species and was fundamental in proposing mitigation measures that were subsequently implemented by a local NGO. Preliminary results show a reduction in the predicted impact in these areas, confirming the effectiveness of the training and its practical application.
Frequently asked questions
Acidification.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Ocean acidification
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
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Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor