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 Chemical Oceanography and Biogeochemistry
This program immerses you in the study of the chemical processes that govern the oceans and their interaction with global biogeochemical cycles. Learn to analyze the chemical composition of seawater, sediments, and marine…
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Chemical Oceanography and Biogeochemistry?
The Master in Chemical Oceanography and Biogeochemistry
This program immerses you in the study of the chemical processes that govern the oceans and their interaction with global biogeochemical cycles. Learn to analyze the chemical composition of seawater, sediments, and marine organisms, and to model the behavior of pollutants and nutrients. This program prepares you to address current environmental challenges, such as climate change, ocean acidification, and marine pollution.
Differential Advantages
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Integrates chemistry, biology, geology, and modeling for a holistic understanding of the oceans.
- Cutting-Edge Research: Participates in leading research projects on the effects of global change on marine ecosystems.
- Advanced Technology: Uses state-of-the-art instrumentation for chemical and biogeochemical analysis in laboratories and aboard oceanographic vessels.
- International Collaboration: Interact with experts and research centers worldwide to expand your professional network.
- Career Opportunities: Access job opportunities in environmental management, consulting, academic research, and public administration.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Comprehensive Ocean Analysis: Master the tools and techniques for studying marine chemical and biological processes.
- Cutting-Edge Research: Participate in innovative projects on the carbon cycle, marine pollution, and climate change.
- Modeling and Simulation: Learn to predict the behavior of ocean systems and their impact on the planet.
- Field Trips and Specialized Laboratories: Hands-on experience in real marine environments and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Career Opportunities: Expand your career horizons in research, environmental management, consulting, and teaching.
- Prepare to lead ocean research and sustainable management.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Basics of Chemical Oceanography
- Fundamental principles of chemical oceanography and its relationship with global ocean processes
- Chemical composition of seawater and main dissolved elements
- Physicochemical properties of marine water: temperature, salinity, density and pressure
- Chemical balances in the oceanic environment
- Alkalinity, pH and ocean carbonate system
- Dissolved gases in seawater and atmosphere-ocean exchange processes
- Biogeochemical cycles as the basis for the functioning of the oceanic system
- Spatial and vertical distribution of marine chemical components
- Interactions between physical, chemical and biological processes in the ocean
- Conceptual bases for the chemical analysis of the marine environment
02
Seawater chemistry and ocean processes
- Molecular structure of water and chemical behaviour in marine environments
- Majority and minority ions present in the ocean
- Salinity, conductivity and methods of chemical determination
- Processes of mixing, transport and distribution of chemical species
- Acid-base reactions in the marine environment
- Precipitation and dissolution balances of marine minerals
- Chemical complexation and availability of trace elements
- Redox processes in ocean environments
- Interaction between sediments, water column and chemical processes
- Integrated analysis of chemical processes in marine systems
03
Marine biogeochemical cycles
- Concept of biogeochemical cycle and operation of the oceanic system
- Carbon cycle in oceans and seas
- Nitrogen cycle and nitrogenous compound transformation
- Phosphorus cycle and nutrient limitation in marine ecosystems
- Silicon cycle and its relationship with planktonic organisms
- Sulfur cycle in marine environments
- Iron, manganese and other essential trace elements
- Influence of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles
- Anthropogenic alterations of oceanic natural cycles
- Conceptual modelling of marine biogeochemical cycles
04
Ocean carbon, acidification and climate change
- Role of the ocean in the global carbon cycle
- Carbon capture and storage in marine environments
- Biological Pump and Physical Ocean Carbon Pump
- Carbonate system and marine pH regulation
- Chemical processes associated with ocean acidification
- Effects of acidification on calcifying organisms
- Interaction between climate change and ocean chemistry
- Temporary variability of ocean carbon
- Measuring methods of marine organic and organic carbon
- Assessment of the role of the ocean in climate mitigation
05
Nutrients, productivity and marine chemical ecology
- Essential Nutrients for Marine Productivity
- Vertical and horizontal distribution of nutrients in the ocean
- Relationship between nutrients and primary marine production
- Limitation by nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and other micronutrients
- Natural fertilization processes and artificial enrichment
- Eutrophication and chemical alterations in coastal ecosystems
- Interaction between phytoplankton and oceanic chemical cycles
- Chemistry of areas of high biological productivity
- Analytical Methods for Determination of Marine Nutrients
- Chemical evaluation of the productivity and health of ocean ecosystems
06
Marine Pollutants and Ocean Environmental Chemistry
- Principles of marine chemical contamination
- Natural and Anthropogenic Sources of Ocean Contaminants
- Heavy metals and potentially toxic elements in marine environments
- Hydrocarbons and contaminants derived from petroleum
- Persistent organic contaminants and emerging compounds
- Microplastics and their interaction with chemical contaminants
- Transport, transformation and accumulation of contaminants
- Bioaccumulation and biomagnification in marine trophic networks
- Marine chemical pollution assessment techniques
- Ocean pollution monitoring and management strategies
07
Analytical Methods and Instrumentation in Chemical Oceanography
- Chemical Oceanographic Campaign Design
- Water sampling techniques, sediments and marine organisms
- Conservation and preparation of oceanographic samples
- Spectroscopic methods applied to marine analysis
- Chromatography and analysis of marine organic compounds
- Mass spectrometry applied to elements and contaminants
- Chemical sensors and autonomous ocean measurement systems
- Quality control and validation of analytical results
- Statistical treatment of chemical oceanographic data
- Development of analytical protocols for marine research
08
Biogeochemistry of marine ecosystems
- Relationships between marine organisms and oceanic chemical processes
- Plankton biogeochemistry and marine microorganisms
- Biogeochemical processes in coastal ecosystems
- Biogeochemistry of deep oceans and extreme environments
- Exchange of matter between sediments and water column
- Marine organic matter: production, transformation and degradation
- Microbial processes in carbon, nitrogen and sulphur cycles
- Hypoxic zones and associated biogeochemical processes
- Human impact on marine biogeochemical processes
- Integrated evaluation of the biogeochemical functioning of ocean ecosystems
09
Modelling, ocean data and innovation
- Introduction to Oceanic Biogeochemical Modelling
- Numerical models of chemical transport and biogeochemical cycles
- Satellite data integration and on-site observations
- Oceanographic databases and management of large volumes of information
- Artificial intelligence applied to marine biogeochemical analysis
- Prediction of chemical changes in ocean ecosystems
- Digital twins applied to ocean systems
- Autonomous monitoring by buoys, submarine vehicles and intelligent sensors
- New Technologies for Chemical Oceanographic Research
- Development of advanced biogeochemical observation and prediction systems
10
Marine geochemistry, isotopes and paleoceanography
- Geochemistry of marine sediments
- Stable isotopes in oceanography
- Radioactive isotopes and tracers
- Hydrothermal and chemical sources of the background
- Trace metals and their cycle
- Paleoceanography and climate records
- Foraminifera and geochemical proxies
- Sediment dating
- Reconstruction of past climates
- Geochemical Research Project
11
Master’s Final Project in Chemical Oceanography and Biogeochemistry
- Definition of the study area and scientific objectives of the project
- Design of a chemical oceanographic sampling campaign
- Selection of chemical and biogeochemical parametres to be analysed
- Application of analytical techniques and sample processing
- Analysis of biogeochemical cycles in the selected area
- Evaluation of contamination processes or chemical alteration
- Integration of experimental data, models and digital tools
- Scientific interpretation of oceanographic results
- Preparation of conclusions and proposals for marine environmental management
- Presentation and defence of the integral project of Chemical Oceanography and Applied Biogeochemistry.
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
Graduates in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Geology, or related fields who wish to specialize in marine chemical and biological processes.Marine and environmental professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of ocean management and conservation.Marine laboratory researchers and technicians interested in deepening their knowledge of chemical and biogeochemical analysis techniques
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 marine biogeochemical models
- 02Assess the impact of pollution on marine ecosystems
- 03Analyze biogeochemical cycles in different ocean environments
- 04Design and apply advanced methodologies for ocean chemical analysis
- 05Interpreting oceanographic data to understand global biogeochemical processes
- 06Lead oceanographic research projects with a chemical and biogeochemical focus
Careers
Career Opportunities
01```html
02Research Scientist: Design and execution of research projects in chemical oceanography and biogeochemistry, data analysis, and publication of results.
03Marine Environmental Project Manager: Assessment of the environmental impact of human activities on the ocean, development of marine management and conservation plans.
04Environmental Consultant: Advising companies and public bodies on issues related to water quality, marine pollution, and coastal resource management.
05Oceanographic Data Analyst: Processing and interpretation of oceanographic data for the modeling and prediction of marine phenomena.
06Marine Chemical Analysis Laboratory Technician: Performing chemical analyses of water, sediment, and marine organism samples.
07Environmental Educator: Scientific outreach and raising awareness about the importance of conservation. Ocean.
08Fisheries Resource Manager: Assessment of the status of fish stocks and other marine resources, and development of sustainable management plans.
09Climate Change and Ocean Specialist: Research and modeling of the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Chemical oceanography.
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.
Chemical oceanography focuses on the chemical composition of the ocean and its influence on physical and biological processes, while marine biogeochemistry explores the interactions between living organisms and the ocean's chemical environment, including the cycling of elements and the impact of biological processes on the ocean's chemical composition. This master's program integrates both disciplines to understand how they interact.
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 Profile:Degree in Marine Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences, Geology, or a related field.Recommended Knowledge:Basic knowledge of chemistry, biology, oceanography, statistics, and data management.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree certificate, academic transcript, letter of motivation, letters of recommendation (optional).Language Proficiency:Accredited or demonstrable English level B1/B2 (or higher), as some of the material and bibliography will be in English. English.```
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.