Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course on Coastal and Oceanic Ecosystems
courseImmerse yourself in the fascinating marine world, exploring the biodiversity, ecological functions, and challenges that these valuable environments face. Learn about coral reefs, mangroves, estuaries, and open ocean…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts14 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Course on Coastal and Oceanic Ecosystems?
The Coastal and Oceanic Ecosystems
course
Immerse yourself in the fascinating marine world, exploring the biodiversity, ecological functions, and challenges that these valuable environments face. Learn about coral reefs, mangroves, estuaries, and open ocean areas, understanding their importance to life on Earth and human well-being. This program offers a comprehensive view of marine conservation, sustainable management, and innovative solutions to protect our oceans.
Coastal and Oceanic Ecosystems
Differential Advantages
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Biology, ecology, oceanography, politics, and economics intertwine for a comprehensive understanding.
- Real-World Case Studies: Analysis of successful projects and challenges in marine ecosystem management at a global level.
- Management Tools: Learn to apply GIS, ecological modeling, and environmental impact assessment.
- International Experts: Leading professors and professionals in marine research and conservation.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with other professionals passionate about ocean protection.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Discover the richness: Explore the biodiversity and vital importance of coastal and ocean ecosystems.
- Understand the challenges: Analyze current threats, from pollution to climate change, and their impact on these environments.
- Learn how to protect them: Acquire tools and strategies for the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources.
- Get involved: Train to contribute to research, environmental education, and informed decision-making.
- Become an expert: Gain a comprehensive understanding to drive innovative solutions and protect the future of our oceans.
- Gain key knowledge and contribute to the sustainability of marine ecosystems.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Structure and functioning of marine ecosystems - energy, matter and trophic organisation
- Key concepts of marine ecology: habitat, niche, resilience, stability and ecological thresholds
- Marine trophic networks: productivity, energy transfer, efficiency and control top-down/bottom-up
- Biogeochemical cycles in the ocean: carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and biological pumping
- Ecological connectivity: larval dispersion, metapopulations, corridors and dynamics source-sink
- Spatio-temporal scales: daily/seasonal/year-on-year variability and effects on communities
02
Physical and oceanographic processes that model life: currents, tides, waves and stratification
- Properties of seawater: density, salinity, temperature and water column stratification
- Ocean circulation: turns, coastal currents, fronts and transport of mass and nutrients
- Tides and coastal dynamics: amplitude, tidal currents, mixing and intertidal ecological effects
- Waves and energy in the coast: zone of break, coastal drift, resuspension and morphodynamics
- Emergences and Downwelling: Mechanisms, Productivity, Blooms and Trophic Regional Consequences
03
High productivity coastal ecosystems: estuaries, marshes, lagoons and intertidal zones
- Estuarine gradients: salinity, turbidity, oxygen and zonation of communities
- Coastal marshes and wetlands: filtration, carbon sequestration and coastal protection functions
- Coastal gaps - exchange with open sea, eutrophication, hypoxia and adaptive management
- Rocky and sandy intertidal: zonation, environmental stress and tolerance strategies
- Functioning as nurseries: Recruitment, shelter, trophic availability and connectivity with fishing
04
Structural and habitat ecosystems: reefs, sea grasslands, rocky and benthic bottoms
- Reefs and communities of hard substratum: complexity, refuge, spatial competition and unrest
- Marine prairie meadows - ecosystem services, health indicators and basic restoration
- Macroalgae forests: seasonal dynamics, herbivory, phase changes and resilience
- Soft funds: infauna, bioturbation, sediment stability and redox processes
- Deep Bentos: Energy limitation, “Marine Snow”, diversity and functional adaptations
05
Human impacts, climate change and conservation of coastal and ocean ecosystems
- Oceanic climate change: warming, acidification, deoxygenation and redistribution of species
- Pollution and cumulative pressures - plastics, chemicals, eutrophication and underwater noise
- Fishing and exploitation: overfishing, bycatch, habitat alteration and ecosystem-based management
- Invasive species and diseases: vectors, early detection and management response
- Conservation tools: Marine protected areas, restoration, monitoring and indicators
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
Students and recent graduates in marine biology, oceanography, and environmental sciences seeking a solid foundation in the ecology of marine ecosystems.Professionals in the fishing and aquaculture sectors who wish to understand the impact of their activities and promote sustainable practices.Environmental consultants and public administration technicians interested in the management and conse
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
- 01Assessing the health of coastal and ocean ecosystems
- 02Implement effective marine conservation strategies
- 03Develop predictive models for the sustainable management of marine resources
- 04Promoting community participation in ocean protection
- 05Promote responsible and sustainable fishing practices
- 06Restoring degraded marine habitats using innovative techniques
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Coastal Natural Resource Manager: Sustainable planning and management of coastal areas, environmental impact assessment.
02Marine Environmental Consultant: Advising on coastal development projects, marine environmental risk assessment.
03Scientific Researcher: Studies on marine biodiversity, climate change, and its effects on ocean ecosystems.
04Marine Laboratory Technician: Analysis of water and sediment samples, marine environmental quality control.
05Environmental Educator: Design and delivery of awareness and education programs on marine ecosystems.
06Aquaculturist: Sustainable production of marine species in aquaculture systems.
07Oceanographer: Modeling and study of ocean processes, ocean currents, and ocean climate.
08Marine Protected Area Manager: Conservation and management of marine protected natural areas.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Oceans and freshwater bodies.
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.
A mangrove
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
Academic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Marine Sciences, Marine Biology, Environmental Engineering, or a related field; or demonstrable professional experience in the management or research of coastal and oceanic ecosystems.Specific Knowledge:Basic knowledge of marine ecology, oceanography, environmental legislation, and natural resource management.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree or work experience certificate, ID/Passport, letter of interest describing the motivation for participating in the training.Desirable Skills:Data analysis skills, tea
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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