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Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course in Scientific Biodiversity Monitoring
The Course in Scientific Biodiversity Monitoring Prepares you to design and run marine biodiversity monitoring programmes that produce reliable, comparable data. You will study survey design, classic census methods, new technologi
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course in Scientific Biodiversity Monitoring?
The Course in Scientific Biodiversity Monitoring
Prepares you to design and run marine biodiversity monitoring programmes that produce reliable, comparable data. You will study survey design, classic census methods, new technologies such as environmental DNA, photogrammetry and passive acoustics, and the statistical analysis of the data, so that you can answer specific, practical questions about the state of marine ecosystems and the real effectiveness of management measures over time.
Key advantages
- Design first: Clear questions, replicates and controls before going to sea.
- Combined methods: Classic techniques and new technologies in one programme.
- Useful data: Quality, standards and open databases.
- Applied analysis: Statistics to detect real change.
- Case study: A monitoring programme for a specific marine area.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Programme highlights
- Design the survey: Apply BACI designs and suitable replication.
- Choose the method: Compare censuses, imagery and environmental DNA.
- Manage the data: Use standards and open databases.
- Analyse change: Detect trends with statistical rigour.
- Broaden your profile: Useful for consultancy, research and environmental management.
- Train to measure marine biodiversity with data that supports decisions.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Designing Monitoring Programmes
- Monitoring questions and hypotheses
- Biodiversity indicators
- BACI designs and controls
- Replication and statistical power
- Essential ocean variables for biodiversity
02
Classic Sampling Methods
- Diver-based visual censuses
- Transects and quadrats
- Soft-sediment sampling
- Plankton sampling
- Taxonomic identification
03
New Observation Technologies
- Environmental DNA and metabarcoding
- Photogrammetry and mosaics
- Baited underwater video
- Passive acoustics
- Remote sensing and drones
04
Data Management and Analysis
- Biodiversity data standards
- Quality control
- Open databases such as OBIS and GBIF
- Diversity and composition analysis
- Detecting trends
05
Communication and Case Study
- Reporting for management
- Visualising results
- Citizen science in monitoring
- Costs and logistics
- Case study: designing a monitoring programme
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Biologists and marine science graduates: who want to strengthen their technical profile Marine protected area staff: who coordinate monitoring programmes Environmental consultants: who carry out environmental monitoring of projects Early-career researchers: who need to design robust surveys NGO staff: who manage conservation data
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Design monitoring programmes
- 02Apply census methods
- 03Use new technologies
- 04Manage data
- 05Analyse results
- 06Communicate results
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Biodiversity monitoring officer: Designing and running monitoring programmes.
02Ecological data analyst: Managing and analysing biodiversity data.
03Environmental monitoring officer: Monitoring projects in the marine environment.
04Environmental DNA laboratory technician: Sampling and processing samples.
Questions
Entry Requirements
It is not essential. The course includes the fundamentals needed to analyse monitoring data.
No. They are complementary; the course shows when each method is appropriate and how to combine them.
Yes. You use data from open marine biodiversity databases.
No. Diver censuses are covered from a design and methodology perspective, without replacing a diving qualification.
Designing a complete monitoring programme for a specific marine area.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 300 hours of study. You can work at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by our admissions team when you enquire.
On completing the programme you receive the Course in Scientific Biodiversity Monitoring qualification awarded by Navalis Magna Institute.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Entry profile: A university degree or vocational qualification in biology, marine science or environmental science; or experience in research or environmental management. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.