Diploma in Marine Fauna and Flora Studies
Why this certificate program?
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.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Diplomado
- Hours: 800 H
- Start date: 15-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- 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 in understanding marine population dynamics for sustainable resource management.
- Science educators and communicators seeking up-to-date tools and knowledge for teaching and communicating marine biodiversity.
- Marine protected area managers and environmental policymakers who need accurate data and scientific analysis for informed decision-making.
Study flexibility
Adapted for professionals and students: online format with downloadable resources, discussion forums, and personalized tutoring.
Objectives and competencies
Assess and mitigate marine environmental impacts:
“Implement ballast unloading and management protocols, monitoring its origin and composition, complying with current regulations and minimizing the introduction of invasive species.”
Identify and classify key marine species:
“Use identification guides, dichotomous keys, and online databases to determine the species and assess its ecological role in the ecosystem.”
Design and implement marine conservation strategies:
“To assess the ecological and socioeconomic viability of marine protected areas and fisheries management plans, involving local communities and stakeholders in decision-making.”
Sustainably manage living marine resources:
Implement responsible fishing practices, respecting quotas and closed seasons, and using selective fishing gear to minimize the impact on the marine ecosystem.
Monitoring and analyzing the health of marine ecosystems:
“Use remote sensing and data analysis tools to detect changes in water quality, biodiversity, and the presence of pollutants.”
Advising on marine policy decision-making:
Evaluate the environmental and socioeconomic impact of the proposed policies, considering long-term sustainability and compliance with current legislation.
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Marine Biodiversity: Key Concepts and Their Importance
- Marine Ecosystems: Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Seagrass Meadows, and Deep Oceans
- Biodiversity in Danger: Global and Local Threats to Marine Life
- Marine Pollution: Sources, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies
- Climate Change and Oceans: Acidification, Temperature Increase, and Their Effects
- Sustainable Fishing: Fisheries Resource Management and Responsible Practices
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Design, Management, and Conservation Effectiveness
- Marine Environmental Legislation and Policies: International and National Agreements
- Marine Ecosystem Restoration: Successful Techniques and Projects
- Marine Environmental Education and Citizen Participation: Promoting Conservation Through Knowledge
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- Introduction to Marine Biodiversity: Key Concepts and Their Importance
- Coastal Marine Ecosystems: Estuaries, Mangroves, Coral Reefs, and Seagrass Meadows – Structure, Function, and Threats
- Deep Ocean Biodiversity: Adaptations, Communities, and Conservation Challenges
- Key and Threatened Species: Identification, Ecology, and Protection Strategies
- Impacts of Marine Pollution: Plastics, Toxic Spills, Eutrophication, and Their Effects on Biodiversity
- Climate Change and Ocean Acidification: Consequences for Marine Life and Possible Solutions
- Sustainable Fishing: Methods, Regulations, and Certifications for the Conservation of Fish Stocks
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Design, management, and effectiveness in biodiversity conservation
- Marine Conservation Legislation and Policies: International and national legal framework for ocean protection
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management: Planning, community participation, and sustainable development
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- Introduction to Marine Biodiversity: Levels of Organization and Taxonomic Diversity
- Marine Taxonomy and Systematics: Principles, Methods, and Identification Tools
- Molecular Phylogeny: Applications in Reconstructing Marine Evolutionary History
- Marine Microbial Diversity: Bacteria, Archaea, and Viruses in Ocean Ecosystems
- Marine Invertebrates: Diversity, Adaptations, and Key Ecological Roles
- Marine Fishes: Classification, Biology, and Conservation of Threatened Groups
- Marine Mammals: Adaptations, Behavior, and Conservation Strategies
- Ecology of Benthic Communities: Interactions, Structure, and Functioning
- Ecology of Pelagic Ecosystems: Food Webs, Productivity, and Biogeochemical Cycles
- Impacts of Climate Change on Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Strategies
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- Introduction to Marine Biodiversity: Key Concepts and Scales of Study
- Taxonomy of Marine Organisms I: Principles of Classification, Nomenclature, and Phylogeny (Prokaryotes, Protists)
- Taxonomy of Marine Organisms II: Marine Invertebrates (Porifera, Cnidaria, Mollusca, Annelida, Arthropoda, Echinodermata)
- Taxonomy of Marine Organisms III: Marine Vertebrates (Fish, Reptiles, Birds, Mammals)
- Marine Ecology I: Abiotic Factors, Primary Productivity, Food Webs
- Marine Ecology II: Benthic Communities (Rocky, Sedimentary)
- Marine Ecology III: Pelagic Communities (Neritic, Oceanic)
Threats to Marine Biodiversity I: Pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction
Threats to Marine Biodiversity II: Climate change, ocean acidification, invasive species
Marine Conservation: Protected areas, sustainable fisheries management, ecological restoration
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- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Marine Biodiversity: Concepts, importance, and challenges.
- Marine Ecosystems: Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, and ocean floors.
- Keystone Species: Identification, ecological role, and conservation status.
- Threats to Marine Biodiversity: Pollution, overfishing, climate change, and invasive species.
- International and National Legislation: Conventions, treaties, and laws for marine protection.
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Design, management, and effectiveness.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Methodologies and application in coastal and marine projects.
- Sustainable Fisheries Management: Quotas, selective fishing gear, closed seasons.
- Restoration of Marine Ecosystems: Techniques and success stories in reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows.
- Environmental Education and Citizen Participation: Strategies for awareness and action.
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Career opportunities
- Marine Conservation Technician: Participation in conservation and recovery projects for marine species and their habitats.
- Marine Environmental Educator: Design and implementation of educational programs on marine fauna and flora for diverse audiences.
- Marine Nature Guide: Leading excursions and ecotourism activities focused on the observation and interpretation of marine life.
- Researcher/Research Assistant: Collaboration on scientific projects related to marine biology, marine ecology, and conservation.
- Marine Laboratory Technician: Analysis of biological and environmental samples in specialized laboratories.
- Environmental Consultant: Environmental impact assessment of coastal and marine projects, and proposal of mitigation measures.
- Marine Protected Area Manager: Planning and management of protected areas Protected marine areas to guarantee the conservation of biodiversity.
Aquarist: Care and maintenance of fauna and flora in public or private aquariums.
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Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
Documentation:
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- 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.
Testimonials
This diploma program exceeded my expectations. I gained a solid understanding of the identification, classification, and ecology of marine flora and fauna, reinforced by field work that allowed us to apply the research methodologies we learned. Thanks to the training I received, I secured an internship at a marine research center where I am contributing to the monitoring of coastal biodiversity.
The Diploma in Marine Biology & Conservation exceeded my expectations. I acquired solid theoretical and practical knowledge, from species identification to the design of conservation strategies. The field trips were crucial for applying what I learned and understanding the complexity of marine ecosystems. Thanks to this training, I was able to join a research project on ocean acidification, contributing directly to the protection of our ocean.
The Diploma in Marine Fauna and Flora Studies exceeded my expectations. I gained a solid understanding of marine biodiversity, from species identification to the comprehension of complex ecosystems. The field work was invaluable, allowing me to apply what I learned in a real-world setting and develop crucial skills for my current research on coral reef conservation.
This diploma program exceeded my expectations. I gained a solid understanding of the identification, classification, and ecology of marine flora and fauna, applying research methodologies in a final project that allowed me to assess the impact of plastic pollution on a population of sea turtles. The hands-on experience and the quality of the faculty were exceptional, propelling my career toward marine conservation.
Frequently asked questions
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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to marine biodiversity: Definition, importance, and global distribution.
- Key marine ecosystems: Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, estuaries, and deep oceans.
- Biodiversity in marine ecosystems: Flora, fauna, microorganisms, and their interactions.
- Threats to marine biodiversity: Pollution, overfishing, climate change, invasive species, and habitat destruction.
- Marine conservation: Marine protected areas, legislation, international agreements, and management strategies.
- Management of marine resources: Sustainable fishing, responsible aquaculture, and ecotourism.
- Restoration of marine ecosystems: Techniques for rehabilitating reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows.
- Monitoring and assessment of marine biodiversity: Sampling methods, data analysis, and ecosystem health indicators.
- Governance and community participation: In marine resource management and biodiversity conservation.
- Climate change and marine biodiversity: Impacts, adaptation, and mitigation.
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Request information
Complete the Application Form.
Attach your CV/degree certificate (if you have it to hand).
Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you would like the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
An academic advisor will contact you within 24–48 hours to guide you through the admission process, scholarships, and compatibility with your professional schedule.
Faculty
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.