Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Marine Fauna and Flora Studies
Immerse yourself in oceanic biodiversity, exploring everything from planktonic microorganisms to large marine mammals. Learn about coastal and oceanic ecosystems, the interactions between species, and the conservation challenges…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Marine Fauna and Flora Studies?
The Diploma in Marine Fauna and Flora Studies
Immerse yourself in oceanic biodiversity, exploring everything from planktonic microorganisms to large marine mammals. Learn about coastal and oceanic ecosystems, the interactions between species, and the conservation challenges they face. This program provides you with a solid foundation in marine biology, ecology, and research techniques, preparing you for a career in the protection and management of our oceans.
Differential Advantages
- In-depth Exploration: Detailed study of the main groups of marine organisms and their adaptations.
- Practical Approach: Sampling methodologies, data analysis, and species identification techniques.
- Marine Conservation: Sustainable management strategies and measures for the protection of vulnerable ecosystems.
- Applied Research: Design and implementation of research projects in marine environments.
- Connection with Experts: Masterclasses and seminars with leading professionals in the field of marine biology.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
27-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Master Marine Biodiversity: Learn about the identification, ecology, and conservation of the fauna and flora that inhabit our oceans.
- Advanced Study Techniques: Apply cutting-edge research methodologies for the analysis of marine ecosystems.
- Conservation and Sustainable Management: Develop strategies for the protection and responsible use of marine resources.
- Hands-on Field Experience: Participate in field trips and real-world projects to apply your knowledge.
- Professional Certification: Earn a recognized diploma that will boost your career in the marine sector.
- Boost your professional future and contribute to the preservation of our oceans.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Marine Biology, Ecological Oceanography and Bases for the Integrated Study of Marine Ecosystems
- Introduction to marine biology: levels of biological organisation, biodiversity and functional structure of marine ecosystems
- Applied physical and chemical oceanography: temperature, salinity, currents, nutrients and its influence on marine fauna and flora
- Ecological zones of the ocean: coastal, neritic, pelagic, benthic, deep and associated environmental gradients
- Primary productivity and marine food networks: phytoplankton, macroalgae, seagrass and energy transfer
- Limiting ecological factors: light, oxygen, pH, turbidity, pressure and seasonal variability
- Principles of marine ecological sampling: representativeness, spatial-temporal scale and field campaign design
- Scientific ethics, biosecurity and good practices: responsible handling of organisms, records and traceability of data
- Main marine ecosystems and environmental factors that condition them
02
Taxonomy, Systematics and Identification of Marine Fauna with Focus on Ecological and Applied Interest Groups
- Fundamentals of Taxonomy and Systematics: Nomenclature, Taxonomic Hierarchies and Biological Classification Criteria
- Marine invertebrates I: poriferous, cnidarian, annelids and their ecological relevance in coastal and reef habitats
- Marine invertebrates II: molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms; Diagnostic traits and trophic and fishing importance
- Marine vertebrates I: bone and cartilaginous fish; Functional morphology, habitats and behaviour patterns
- Marine vertebrates II: reptiles, birds and marine mammals; Ecology, Migration and Conservation
- Identification tools: taxonomic keys, field guides, reference collections and digital support
- Recording and validation of observations: species tokens, photographic evidence, georeferencing and taxonomic quality control
- Dichotomous keys and species identification guides
03
Marine botany, phytobants and plant communities of the marine and coastal environment
- Fundamentals of marine flora: microalgae, macroalgae, marine phanerogams and their role in ecosystem productivity
- Marine phytoplankton: main groups, population dynamics, blooms and water quality relationship
- Marine algae: green, brown and red algae; Morphology, ecology and distribution by substrate and depth
- Seagrass and submarine grasslands - structure, ecosystem services, vulnerability and recovery
- Phytobenthic communities in hard and soft substrates: ecological succession, competition and facilitation
- Sampling and identification methods of marine flora: quadrants, transects, biomass, coverage and basic labouratory
- Environmental status indicators: sensitive/tolerant species, bioindication and ecological monitoring
- Macroalgae, marine phanerogams and phytoplankton
04
Field and labouratory methods for the study of marine fauna and flora with focus on data quality
- Design of sampling campaigns: objectives, hypotheses, variables, stations, frequencies and operational logistics
- Marine fauna sampling techniques: visual censuses, networks, traps, remote observation and passive records
- Marine flora sampling techniques: scrapings, quadrants, transects, photo quadrants and coverage estimate/biomass
- Associated environmental instrumentation: CTD, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, salinity and control of sampling conditions
- Labouratory sample processing: conservation, labelling, separation, identification and chain of custody
- Ecological Data Management: Field Sheets, Databases, Metadatas, Error Validation and Control
- Safety in marine field work: coastal/boat risks, PPE, emergency protocols and operating permits
- Data sampling and quality control protocols
05
Ecology of marine communities, biotic interactions and dynamics of coastal and oceanic habitats
- Ecology of marine populations: abundance, distribution, recruitment, mortality and connectivity
- Biotic interactions: predation, competition, mutualism, symbiosis and facilitation in marine systems
- Structure and dynamics of communities: alpha/beta diversity, dominance, succession and ecological resilience
- Key Marine Habitats: Reefs, Mangroves, Sea Meadows, Soft Bottoms, Estuaries and Rocky Areas
- Key species, engineering and bioindicators: ecological functions and effects on ecosystem stability
- Ecology of behaviour applied to marine fauna: feeding, reproduction, shelter and use of space
- Integrated ecological analysis: interpretation of community patterns and relationship with environmental variables and anthropic pressure
- Trophic networks and key species of marine ecosystems
06
Conservation of marine biodiversity, threats, ecological restoration and management of sensitive areas
- Principles of marine conservation: biodiversity, ecosystem services and precautionary approach
- Main threats to marine fauna and flora: pollution, overfishing, habitat loss, invasive and underwater noise
- Climate change and oceans: warming, acidification, deoxygenation and displacement of species
- Marine Protected Areas: Categories, Zoning, Conservation Objectives and Effectiveness Monitoring
- Marine Ecological Restoration: Recovery of Meadows, Reefs, Mangroves and Degraded Habitats
- Species and Habitat Management Plans: Prioritization, Indicators, Schedules and Adaptive Monitoring
- Community Participation and Environmental Education: Citizen Science, Local Governance and Communication for Conservation
- Red Lists and Catalogs of Protected Species
07
Analysis of marine ecological data, biodiversity mapping and technical reports
- Descriptive and exploratory statistics for marine studies: abundance, wealth, diversity and data structure
- Comparative analysis of communities: ecological indexes, similarity, conceptual ordering and interpretation
- Time series and environmental variability: seasonality, trends and detection of ecological changes
- Basic cartography of marine fauna and flora: georeferencing, distribution of species and thematic maps
- Integration of biological and environmental data: correlations, spatial patterns and ecological diagnosis
- Drafting of technical and scientific reports: structure, results, discussion, conclusions and recommendations
- Visualization of results and technical communication: tables, graphs, species sheets and presentations for stakeholders
- Biodiversity databases and statistical analysis tools
08
Capstone Marine Fauna and Flora Study Project with Monitoring, Diagnosis and Management Proposal Design
- Formulation of the project: Selection of the study area, objectives, hypotheses and technical-operational scope
- Comprehensive methodological design: fauna/flora sampling strategy, environmental variables and logistics plan
- Campaign execution and quality control: field protocols, evidence recording and traceability of samples/data
- Taxonomic identification and ecological analysis: results processing, indicators and diagnosis of the state of the ecosystem
- Conservation threats and priorities assessment: risks, habitat sensitivity and intervention criteria
- Monitoring and management proposal: indicators, frequency, conservation/restoration actions and monitoring system
- Presentation and Defence of the Capstone Project
- Presentation and defence of the final project: full technical report, data annexes and presentation before the Academic Committee
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
Marine biologists, ecologists, and environmental consultants who wish to deepen their knowledge of marine species identification and management, as well as environmental impact assessment.Laboratory technicians and advanced students seeking to specialize in marine sample analysis, including environmental DNA techniques and advanced microscopy.Fisheries and aquaculture professionals interested
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
- 01Assess and mitigate marine environmental impacts
- 02Identify and classify key marine species
- 03Design and implement marine conservation strategies
- 04Sustainably manage living marine resources
- 05Monitoring and analyzing the health of marine ecosystems
- 06Advising on marine policy decision-making
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Marine Conservation Technician: Participation in conservation and recovery projects for marine species and their habitats.
02Marine Environmental Educator: Design and implementation of educational programs on marine fauna and flora for diverse audiences.
03Marine Nature Guide: Leading excursions and ecotourism activities focused on the observation and interpretation of marine life.
04Researcher/Research Assistant: Collaboration on scientific projects related to marine biology, marine ecology, and conservation.
05Marine Laboratory Technician: Analysis of biological and environmental samples in specialized laboratories.
06Environmental Consultant: Environmental impact assessment of coastal and marine projects, and proposal of mitigation measures.
07Marine Protected Area Manager: Planning and management of protected areas Protected marine areas to guarantee the conservation of biodiversity.
08Aquarist: Care and maintenance of fauna and flora in public or private aquariums.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
The study of marine fauna and flora.
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.
It includes other marine organisms such as algae and fungi, as well as aquatic animals and plants.
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 Biology, Environmental Science, Oceanography, or a related field; or accredited professional experience in marine conservation, research, or natural resource management.Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of biology, ecology, and chemistry. Familiarity with scientific terminology.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree (if applicable), ID/Passport, letter of motivation explaining interest in marine fauna and flora.Technical requirements (for online):Computer with camera/microphone, stable internet connec
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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