Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1600 h · 11 modules
Master's in Fish Farming and Marine Genetics
The Master in Aquaculture and Marine GeneticsThis program prepares you to lead the sustainable aquaculture of the future. Learn to optimize the production of marine species through applied genetics, advanced nutrition, and comp
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Fish Farming and Marine Genetics?
The Master in Aquaculture and Marine Genetics
This program prepares you to lead the sustainable aquaculture of the future. Learn to optimize the production of marine species through applied genetics, advanced nutrition, and comprehensive health management. Master intensive and extensive farming techniques, aquaculture facility design, and strategies to minimize environmental impact. This program provides you with the tools to drive innovation in a constantly growing sector with global demand.
Differential Advantages
- Cutting-edge Genetics: Marker-assisted selection, genetic improvement, and conservation of marine biodiversity.
- Nutrition and Feeding: Formulation of optimized diets, use of alternative ingredients, and efficient feed management.
- Animal Health and Welfare: Disease prevention and control, biosecurity, and stress management in aquaculture.
- Sustainability and Environmental Management: Environmental impact assessment, certification, and good aquaculture practices.
- Hands-on Experience: Visits to aquaculture facilities, research projects, and opportunities for professional internships.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Start date
26-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Cutting-edge genetics: Master the most innovative techniques in selection and genetic improvement of aquatic species.
- Sustainable fish farming: Learn to optimize production with responsible practices and by minimizing environmental impact.
- Nutrition and feeding: Delve into diet formulation for maximum fish performance and health.
- Aquaculture health: Identify and control diseases to guarantee the biosecurity and profitability of your farms.
- Innovation and technology: Apply the latest technologies and recirculation systems for efficient aquaculture.
- Boost your career in a sector in Experience the boom with a master's degree that gives you the tools to lead the aquaculture of the future.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Genetic analysis of aquaculture populations and applications in the fishing industry: Strategies for success in the breeding and sustainable production of marine fish.
- Fundamentals of molecular genetics applied to marine species: DNA, RNA, proteins and processes of gene expression
- Advanced tools and techniques in genetic analysis: genomic sequencing, microsatellites, SNPs and PCR in fish farming
- Population structure studies: genetic flow, genetic drift, and differentiation between aquaculture populations
- Statistical and bioinformatic models for the analysis of genetic data: specialised software, analysis of heterozygosity and inbreeding
- Genetic Selection and Improvement in Marine Fish: Crossover Strategies, Quantitative Genetics, and Phenotype Feature Analysis
- Identification and management of genetic variability to prevent loss of diversity in captive populations
- Application of genetic analysis in traceability and certification of aquaculture species - tools to combat fraud and illegal trade
- Implications of genetics in disease resistance and productivity improvement in modern aquaculture
- Integration of molecular genetics with sustainable management practices for the conservation of marine genetic resources
- Case studies and practical applications: successful projects of applied genetics in the global fishing industry and attention to future challenges
02
Molecular genetics applied to the genetic improvement and resistance of marine species in advanced aquaculture systems
- Fundamentals of molecular genetics in aquatic organisms: structure of DNA, replication, transcription and translation in marine species
- Advanced Genomic Sequencing Techniques: NGS (Next Generation Sequencing), RAD-Seq, Whole Genome Sequencing Applied to the Genetic Characterization of Fisheries Populations
- Molecular markers in fish farming: microsatellites, SNPs and their application in the identification, traceability and management of gene banks
- CRISPR-CAS9 genomic editing and emerging technologies: design, implementation and ethical considerations in the genetic improvement of marine species
- Biotechnology applied to resistance against viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases in intensive aquaculture systems
- Functional and transcriptomic genomics: gene expression analysis under conditions of environmental stress and pathogens for the development of resilient strains
- Computational and bioinformatic models for prediction of markers and assisted selection by markers in genetic improvement programmes
- Legal, regulatory and biosecurity aspects in the genetic manipulation of aquatic organisms in commercial aquaculture
- Design and management of genetic improvement programmes: selection, controlled crossings and genetic evaluation in advanced fish farms
- Success stories and applied studies in genetic improvement of commercial species: salmonids, tilapias, shrimp and other relevant marine species
03
Molecular genetics and population analysis for the optimisation of sustainable aquaculture production
- Fundamentals of molecular genetics applied to aquaculture: DNA, RNA, proteins and their genetic expression in marine species
- Advanced genomic sequencing tools: NGS, digital PCR and hybridization techniques for the characterisation of aquatic genomes
- Molecular markers and their application in genetic improvement: microsatellites, SNPs and RFLPs in fish and crustacean populations
- Design of selective breeding programmes: genetic, phenotypic and environmental criteria to optimise sustainable production
- Population Analysis and Genetic Structure: Estimation of Genetic Diversity, Endogamy, Genetic Flow and Population Differentiation Using Advanced Statistical Models
- Functional genomics and genetic editing CRISPR-CAS9: Potential and challenges in improving productive traits and resistance to diseases
- Bioinformatic models for the analysis of large genomic data: assembly, annotation and comparison of sequences in cultivated marine species
- Assessment of the environmental and genetic impact of multispecies aquaculture programmes: biodiversity conservation and introgressive risk mitigation
- Application of molecular genetics in traceability and certification of origin of aquaculture products for international markets
- International and ethical regulations in the genetic manipulation of aquatic organisms - regulation, biosecurity and sustainability policies
04
Comprehensive management and bioengineering of marine farms: design of cultivation systems, assisted reproduction and sustainable productive optimisation (biosecurity, precision nutrition and certification)
- Fundamentals of comprehensive management in marine farms: principles, scope and environmental and health regulatory framework.
- Design and planning of cultivation systems: site selection, hydrodynamic and geochemical evaluation, flow models and water quality for optimisation of the biophysical environment.
- Infrastructures and technologies for fish farming: analysis of floating systems, submerged cages, recirculation and biofloc, considering structural resistance and operational efficiency.
- Assisted reproduction in marine species: advanced techniques of hormonal induction, in vitro fertilization, controlled incubation and larva management with automated viability monitoring systems.
- Applications of molecular genetics in fish farming: genotypic selection, genetic improvement assisted by molecular markers and CRISPR-Cas for resistance to diseases and productive improvement.
- Biosafety and health management: Protocols for prevention, early detection and control of pathogens, as well as legal aspects and international certifications of aquaculture health.
- Precision nutrition in marine species: Formulation of diets based on metabolic profiles, digestibility of ingredients, incorporation of probiotics and monitoring by advanced sensory technology.
- Sustainable productive optimisation: Analysis of economic-productive indicators, efficient use of resources and strategies for minimising environmental impact through a circular economy in aquaculture.
- Monitoring and automation systems: integration of IoT sensors, artificial intelligence for real-time monitoring, predictive modelling of environmental conditions and biological responses of cultivated populations.
- Certification and traceability: national and international standards, protocols for obtaining quality seals such as GlobalGap, ASC, and evaluation of corporate social responsibility in the aquaculture value chain.
05
Innovation in aquaculture biotechnology: advanced genetic editing techniques and phenotypic improvement for the development of high productivity marine crops
- Fundamentals of aquaculture biotechnology: review of molecular principles applied to marine organisms and their relevance in modern fish farming.
- Advanced genetic editing techniques: CRISPR-Cas9, Talens and Zinc Finger nucleases, with specific application in aquatic species for directed genetic improvement.
- Design and development of high productivity marine crops: genotypic and phenotypic selection based on criteria for resistance to disease, accelerated growth and environmental adaptation.
- Optimisation of cultivation systems: integration of biotechnologies with recirculation aquaculture (RAS) and multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) to maximise productivity and sustainability.
- Application of functional and transcriptomic genomics in phenotypic improvement: identification of biomarkers and key metabolic routes for the development of new higher genetic lines.
- Biosecurity methodologies and environmental control in genetically modified crops: risk assessment, influence on marine ecosystems and current international regulations.
- Bioinformatics applied to fish farming: analysis of genomic and proteomic data for the prediction of phenotypic traits and efficient genetic improvement.
- Epigenetic editing tools in aquatic organisms: mechanisms, practical applications and potential for rapid adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
- Implementation of bioreactors and microfluidic systems for cellular and embryonic manipulation in marine species of commercial interest.
- Case studies and recent advances: Critical analysis of innovative projects in marine genetics and their impact on sustainable productivity and long-term profitability.
06
Molecular genetics and advanced strategies for genetic improvement and sustainability in the production of marine species
- Fundamentals of molecular genetics applied to marine aquaculture - DNA structure, RNA, transcription mechanisms and translation in marine species Key
- Advanced genetic analysis techniques: quantitative PCR, next generation sequencing (NGS) and gene editing by CRISPR-Cas9 for the genetic characterisation of fish populations
- Functional and transcriptomic genomics: bioinformatic tools to identify genes associated with productive and adaptive traits in cultivated species
- Design and application of molecular markers (microsatelites, SNPs) for studies of genetic diversity, kinship and population structure in genetic improvement programmes
- Assisted Genetic Selection Strategies: Crossover Schemes, Estimation of Genetic Values and Statistical Models to Optimise Sustainable Genetic Improvement
- Implementation of genetic improvement programmes incorporating resistance to diseases, tolerance to adverse environmental conditions and accelerated growth
- Management of genetic diversity and prevention of inbreeding in cultivated populations: kinship analysis, methods to maintain genetic variability and genetic conservation techniques
- Integration of emerging biotechnologies in fish farming: genomic editing, transgenesis and application of omic tools to increase productivity and resilience
- Impact of molecular genetics on environmental sustainability: assessment of risks associated with the release of genetically improved organisms and biosecurity in aquaculture systems
- Pilots and Field Study: Application of Molecular Techniques in Real Programs for Genetic Improvement in Marine Commercial Species, Critical Results Analysis and Implementation Strategy
07
Innovations in molecular genetics and bioengineering for the sustainable optimisation of production in marine fish farming
- Fundamentals of molecular genetics applied to marine fish farming: DNA, RNA, and principles of genetic inheritance in aquatic species
- Advanced genomic sequencing techniques: next generation sequencing (NGS), full genome analysis and transcriptomics applied to marine species
- Genetic editing and CRISPR-Cas9: molecular mechanisms, practical applications for genetic improvement and ethical considerations in aquaculture environments
- Bioinformatics and Genomic Data Analysis: Computational Tools for Genetic Marker Identification, Phenotype Optimisation and Genetic Quality Control
- Bioengineering in farming systems: design of bioreactors and recirculation systems (RAS) integrated with biotechnologies to improve sustainable production
- Genetic evaluation of germlines: marker-assisted selection, development of genetic improvement programmes and management of genetic diversity in marine populations
- Disease resistance and genetic improvement: identification of associated genes, application of molecular techniques for immunization and biosecurity strategies
- Integration of emerging biotechnologies: epigenetics, metagenomics, and synthetic biology in the optimisation of aquaculture production
- International regulatory and regulatory aspects in the application of molecular genetics and bioengineering in marine fish farming
- Case studies and applied projects: Practical implementation of genetic and biotechnological innovations to increase efficiency and sustainability in marine fish farming systems
08
Predictive models and high-precision genomic editing for the development of adaptive marine species in intelligent aquaculture systems
- Fundamentals of predictive models in aquaculture: mathematical principles, machine learning algorithms and neural networks applied to the behaviour and development of marine species
- Big data integration in fish farming: capture of environmental, biological and operational data to feed predictive models in real time
- Development of ecophysiological models for the prediction of growth, reproduction and response to stress in marine species under variable aquaculture conditions
- Advanced application of genomic editing CRISPR-CAS9: design, delivery and evaluation of Target genes for the improvement of adaptive traits and resistance to diseases in marine organisms
- Bioinformatics tools for gene selection: genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic analysis oriented to adaptation and performance in intelligent aquaculture systems
- Predictive models for the optimisation of automated aquaculture systems: integration of IoT sensors, environmental control and genetic feedback in real time
- Genomic editing strategies for resistance to pathogens: molecular mechanisms, experimental validation and monitoring in marine populations
- Impact of genomic editing on biodiversity and biosafety: international regulations, risk assessment and containment protocols
- PILOTS cases and case studies in the development of adaptive marine species through genomic editing and predictive modelling
- Emerging Trends and Technological Prospective: Artificial Intelligence, Next-Generation Genomic Edition and Its Role in Sustainable Aquaculture
09
Advanced applications of genetic analysis and biotechnology for sustainable optimisation in marine aquaculture systems
- Fundamentals of molecular genetics applied to fish farming: DNA, RNA, genomes and their relevance in marine species
- Advanced genomic sequencing tools: NGS techniques, mass genotyping and bioinformatic analysis for aquatic resources
- Reproductive biotechnology in marine species: manipulation of gametes, in vitro fertilization and cryopreservation
- Genetic editing and its potential in the improvement of productive characters: CRISPR-CAS9 and emerging techniques in aquatic organisms
- Applications of molecular markers for genomic selection: microsatellites, SNPs and haplotypes in improvement programmes
- Genetic diversity studies and population structure for sustainable management: evaluation of variability and minimisation of inbreeding in marine crops
- Gene expression analysis and molecular biomarkers for optimisation of well-being and resistance to diseases
- Metabolic engineering and development of transgenic lines: perspectives and regulations in marine aquaculture
- Integration of biotechnology with farming systems: biosecurity, genetic monitoring and traceability in nurseries and recirculation systems
- Computational models and big data in marine genetics: prediction of phenotypes and environmental response for crop optimisation
10
Bioethics, regulation and transfer in aquaculture genetics
- Regulation of genetically modified organisms
- Genetic editing and European legal framework
- Animal welfare in aquaculture
- Bioethics of genetic improvement
- Intellectual property of genetic lines
- Germplasm banks
- Biosafety and exhausts
- Social acceptance
- Technology Transfer
- Genetic Improvement Plan
11
Master’s Final Project in Fish Farming and Marine Genetics
- Advanced Fundamentals of Marine Fish Farming: Physiology, Nutrition and Reproduction of Cultivated Species
- Principles and applications of marine genetics for genetic improvement: concepts of heritability, genetic variability and marker-assisted selection
- Genomic edition in aquatic species: CRISPR-Cas9 technologies, Talens and its adaptation for marine species of commercial interest
- Experimental design for the implementation of bioengineering techniques in fish farming - planning, execution and statistical analysis of genetic tests
- Optimisation of germplasm and biobank genomic banks: collection, conservation and advanced molecular characterisation
- Emerging biotechnologies in genetic improvement: transgenesis, directed mutagenesis and epigenetic editing in marine species
- Assessment of environmental impact and biosecurity in the controlled release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in aquatic ecosystems
- Integration of omic tools (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) for the comprehensive analysis of improved phenotypes
- Computational modelling and simulation in predicting genomic and phenotypic effects under marine farming conditions
- Strategic planning for sustainable production: Balance between productivity, genetic conservation and animal welfare
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1600 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
Marine biologists and aquaculturists seeking specialization in genetic improvement and optimization of aquaculture production.Fisheries engineers and aquaculture technicians interested in applying cutting-edge technologies for the selection and reproduction of marine species.Researchers and scientists wishing to delve deeper into genomics applied to fish farming and the conservation of marine
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
- 01Develop and implement genetic improvement programs to optimize the production and quality of farmed marine species
- 02Design and manage efficient and sustainable aquaculture facilities, optimizing resource use and minimizing environmental impact
- 03Leading applied research projects in marine aquaculture, generating innovative knowledge to solve production and health challenges
- 04Formulate aquaculture feeding and nutrition strategies to maximize fish growth, health, and welfare
- 05Diagnosing and controlling diseases in marine crops, applying preventive and therapeutic measures to guarantee the health of the stocks
- 06Market fishery and seafood products in compliance with current quality standards and regulations
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Aquaculture Farm Manager: Design, planning, and optimization of production in marine fish farms.
03Genetic Improvement Specialist: Selection and crossbreeding of marine species to improve productivity and disease resistance.
04Quality Control Technician: Analysis and evaluation of water quality and seafood products.
05Sustainable Aquaculture Consultant: Advising companies and public administrations on the implementation of environmentally friendly aquaculture practices.
06Researcher in Marine Research Centers: Development of new technologies and methodologies for aquaculture and marine genetics.
07Production Manager in Aquaculture Companies: Supervision and management of all phases of the production process.
08Sales Technician in Aquaculture product companies: sales and consulting on feed, equipment, and services for aquaculture.
09Aquaculture R&D project manager: design, management, and execution of research and development projects in the field of aquaculture.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Both fish farming and the genetics of marine organisms, with a focus on how genetics can improve fish farming.
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.
In both.
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 Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
```htmlAcademic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural Engineering or related field; or accredited professional experience in aquaculture or fishing.Specific Knowledge:Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, genetics, and statistics.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree, academic transcript, ID/Passport, cover letter.Technical Requirements (for online):Computer with camera/microphone, stable internet connection, software for viewing documents and participating in videoconferences.
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.