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Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Microalgae for Human Food and Animal Feed
The Diploma in Microalgae for Human Food and Animal Feed Prepares you to work with microalgae as a source of food for people and animals. You will study key species such as spirulina, chlorella and omega-3 producers, cultivation s
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts9 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Microalgae for Human Food and Animal Feed?
The Diploma in Microalgae for Human Food and Animal Feed
Prepares you to work with microalgae as a source of food for people and animals. You will study key species such as spirulina, chlorella and omega-3 producers, cultivation systems from open ponds to photobioreactors, harvesting and processing, their nutritional value and their use in feeds for aquaculture and livestock, along with food safety requirements and what it takes to bring a product to market.
Key advantages
- From culture to product: The whole chain, from strain to finished ingredient.
- Two applications: Human food and animal nutrition in one programme.
- Scientific basis: Composition, digestibility and well-established nutritional evidence.
- Food safety: Contaminants, quality and the regulatory framework for algae ingredients.
- Case study: Designing a production line for a microalgae ingredient.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Programme highlights
- Know the species: Identify food-grade microalgae and their properties.
- Master cultivation: Compare open ponds and photobioreactors.
- Process to a high standard: Apply harvesting, drying and extraction techniques.
- Formulate foods and feeds: Build microalgae into products and diets.
- Boost your career: Open doors to producers, the food industry and feed manufacturers.
- Specialise in one of the marine ingredients with the greatest potential in the food of the future.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Microalgal Biology and Species
- What microalgae and cyanobacteria are
- Photosynthesis and metabolism
- Spirulina (Arthrospira)
- Chlorella
- Omega-3 producing microalgae
- Haematococcus and astaxanthin
- Culture collections and strain selection
- Biochemical composition
02
Cultivation Systems
- Open raceway ponds
- Tubular and flat-panel photobioreactors
- Heterotrophic culture in fermenters
- Culture media and nutrients
- Light, temperature and pH
- Contamination and culture control
- Using CO2 and wastewater
- Scaling up from lab to plant
03
Harvesting and Processing
- Harvesting techniques
- Flocculation and centrifugation
- Filtration
- Spray drying and freeze drying
- Cell disruption
- Extracting lipids and pigments
- Stability and preservation
- Ingredient formats
04
Nutritional Value and Health
- Proteins and amino acids
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Pigments and antioxidants
- Vitamins and minerals
- Digestibility and bioavailability
- Evidence on health effects
- Nutrition and health claims
- Allergens and precautions
05
Microalgae in Human Food
- Ingredients and supplements
- Bakery and pasta
- Drinks and plant-based dairy alternatives
- Meat analogues and alternative proteins
- Colour, flavour and sensory acceptance
- Product formulation
- Shelf life and packaging
- Consumer trends
06
Microalgae in Animal Feed
- Microalgae in aquaculture hatcheries
- Replacing fishmeal and fish oil
- Pigmentation in salmonids and crustaceans
- Poultry and pig feeds
- Pet food
- Feeding trials
- Cost and scalability
- Feed regulations
07
Quality, Safety and Regulation
- Microbiological hazards
- Heavy metals and contaminants
- Cyanotoxins
- HACCP systems
- EU and UK novel food frameworks
- Authorising new ingredients
- Labelling
- Organic certification
08
Case Study: Production Line for a Microalgae Ingredient
- Choosing the species and product
- Market research
- Designing the cultivation system
- Designing the processing stage
- Quality and safety plan
- Regulatory analysis
- Economic study
- Project presentation
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 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
Graduates in biology, marine science, food science or biotechnology: who want to specialise in microalgae Food industry technologists: who develop new ingredients and products Aquaculture and feed professionals: looking for alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil Entrepreneurs: who want to launch a microalgae cultivation venture Researchers and laboratory technicians: who work with algal cul
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
- 01Understand microalgal biology
- 02Design cultivation systems
- 03Apply harvesting and processing
- 04Assess nutritional value
- 05Formulate foods and feeds
- 06Ensure food safety
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Microalgae production technician: Managing cultures at plant scale.
02Food technologist: Developing products with algae ingredients.
03Aquaculture nutrition specialist: Formulating feeds and hatchery diets.
04Food quality and safety officer: Ingredient control and regulatory compliance.
05R&D technician: Innovation projects on marine ingredients.
06Entrepreneur: Launching cultivation and processing ventures.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Microalgae are single-celled organisms grown in suspension; seaweeds (macroalgae) are visible algae farmed at sea or in tanks.
No. Only certain species are authorised or have a history of consumption; the programme explains how a new ingredient is assessed and authorised.
Yes. It looks at cultivation systems, scale-up and the production costs of a plant.
Yes. A full module covers microalgae in hatcheries and in feeds for aquaculture and livestock.
You design a production line for a microalgae ingredient, from cultivation to economic analysis.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 800 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 Diploma in Microalgae for Human Food and Animal Feed 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 degree in biology, marine science, food science, biotechnology, chemistry, agricultural science or a related field; or professional experience in the food, aquaculture or feed industry. 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.