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Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course in Hydrothermal Vents: Science and Resources
Introduces you to the study of submarine hydrothermal vents, one of the most remarkable environments on the planet. You will learn about their geological origin and fluid chemistry, ecosystems based on chemosynthesis and their…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course in Hydrothermal Vents: Science and Resources?
The Course in Hydrothermal Vents: Science and Resources
Introduces you to the study of submarine hydrothermal vents, one of the most remarkable environments on the planet. You will learn about their geological origin and fluid chemistry, ecosystems based on chemosynthesis and their importance for biology and the origin of life, massive sulphide deposits and the international debate on whether they should be mined, examined rigorously and with attention to protecting unique and still poorly understood habitats.
Key advantages
- Frontier science: The geology, chemistry and biology of an extreme environment.
- A live debate: Mineral resources versus conservation, without bias.
- International framework: The role of the International Seabed Authority.
- Flexible format: Focused, practical content.
- Case study: Analysing a hydrothermal field and its management options.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Programme highlights
- Understand their origin: Learn about hydrothermal circulation in the oceanic crust.
- Analyse the fluids: Interpret vent fluid chemistry.
- Discover the life: Study chemosynthetic ecosystems.
- Weigh up the resources: Analyse massive sulphides and their governance.
- Broaden your profile: Complement your training in marine science or geology.
- Discover the oases of life and minerals on the ocean floor.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Geology of Hydrothermal Vents
- The discovery of hydrothermal vents
- Ridges and tectonic settings
- Water circulation in the crust
- Black and white smokers
- Off-axis systems
02
Fluid Chemistry
- Water-rock interaction
- Dissolved metals and gases
- Temperature and phase separation
- Mineral precipitation
- Hydrothermal plumes in the ocean
03
Chemosynthetic Ecosystems
- Chemosynthesis versus photosynthesis
- Microbial symbioses
- Characteristic fauna
- Dispersal and connectivity
- Hydrothermal vents and the origin of life
04
Massive Sulphides and Resources
- How massive sulphides form
- Metals of interest
- Exploring deposits
- Proposed extraction technologies
- Technical and economic uncertainties
05
Governance, Impacts and Protection
- UNCLOS and the Area
- The International Seabed Authority
- Potential impacts of mining
- Protected areas and the moratorium debate
- Case study: a hydrothermal field and its management options
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
Science students and graduates: who want to specialise in the deep ocean Geologists and mining engineers: interested in marine mineral resources Marine biologists: drawn to extreme ecosystems Environmental policy specialists: following the deep-sea mining debate Science communicators and teachers: looking for a solid scientific grounding
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 how vents form
- 02Interpret fluid chemistry
- 03Know their ecosystems
- 04Analyse mineral resources
- 05Understand governance
- 06Weigh up conservation
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Marine research assistant: Supporting deep-ocean projects.
02Marine minerals analyst: Assessing deposits and their context.
03Environmental policy officer: Following seabed governance.
04Science communicator: Communicating the deep ocean.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Not commercially. There are exploration contracts and an intense debate on whether mining should be allowed.
It presents the scientific, economic and environmental arguments so you can form your own view.
It is not essential; the basic concepts of geology, chemistry and biology are explained.
Yes, from scientific expeditions and public databases.
Analysing a hydrothermal field and assessing its management and protection options.
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 Hydrothermal Vents: Science and Resources 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: Students or graduates in marine science, geology, biology, chemistry, engineering or related fields, and professionals interested in the deep ocean. 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.