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Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Ocean Genomics and Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Prepares you to use genomics and environmental DNA (eDNA) as tools for studying and monitoring marine life. You will learn how to design water and sediment sampling, how to keep samples free of contamination, how to apply…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts9 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Ocean Genomics and Environmental DNA (eDNA)?
The Diploma in Ocean Genomics and Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Prepares you to use genomics and environmental DNA (eDNA) as tools for studying and monitoring marine life. You will learn how to design water and sediment sampling, how to keep samples free of contamination, how to apply metabarcoding and quantitative PCR, how to process sequencing data and how to interpret the results with appropriate caution, with applications in biodiversity monitoring, detecting invasive or protected species, fisheries management and environmental assessment.
Key advantages
- From sample to data: The whole workflow: field, lab, bioinformatics and interpretation.
- A fast-growing technique: eDNA is being built into monitoring programmes around the world.
- Practical bioinformatics: Read processing and taxonomic assignment with open tools.
- A critical view: Limits, biases and good practice when interpreting results.
- Case study: Full design of a marine eDNA study.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Programme highlights
- Sample correctly: Design eDNA sampling free of contamination.
- Work in the lab: Apply extraction, PCR and sequencing.
- Process data: Use open bioinformatics tools.
- Interpret rigorously: Understand the limits and biases of the method.
- Boost your career: Open doors to consultancies, research centres and environmental agencies.
- Train to read the ocean’s biodiversity in its genetic footprint.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Marine Genomics
- DNA, genes and genomes
- Genetic markers
- Sequencing technologies
- Marine reference genomes
- Sequence databases
- DNA barcoding
- Population genomics
- Ethics and use of genetic data
02
Environmental DNA in the Ocean
- What environmental DNA is
- Origin and degradation of eDNA
- Transport of eDNA in water
- eDNA in sediments
- Environmental RNA
- Comparison with traditional methods
- Advantages and limitations
- Current state of the technique
03
Sampling Design and Fieldwork
- Study aims and questions
- Spatial and temporal design
- Water filtration
- Sediment sampling
- Automated samplers
- Field controls
- Preventing contamination
- Preservation and transport
04
Laboratory Techniques
- Organising the laboratory
- DNA extraction
- Choosing primers
- PCR and metabarcoding
- Quantitative and digital PCR
- Library preparation
- High-throughput sequencing
- Controls and replicates
05
Bioinformatics for eDNA
- Sequencing data formats
- Read quality control
- Removing errors and chimeras
- Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs)
- Taxonomic assignment
- Reference databases and their gaps
- Diversity analysis
- Reproducible workflows
06
Analysing and Interpreting Results
- Detection and non-detection
- False positives and negatives
- Occupancy models
- Relationship with abundance
- Comparing samples
- Visualising results
- Uncertainty
- Communicating results
07
Applications in Marine Management
- Biodiversity monitoring
- Early detection of invasive species
- Rare and protected species
- Fisheries management
- Monitoring marine protected areas
- Environmental impact assessment
- Surveillance in ports and ballast water
- Standardisation and protocols
08
Case Study: Marine eDNA Study
- Defining the aim
- Choosing the area
- Sampling plan
- Laboratory protocol
- Bioinformatics plan
- Data analysis
- Interpretation and recommendations
- Presenting the study
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
Graduates in biology, marine science or environmental science: who want to add genomic tools to their skills Environmental monitoring staff: looking for non-invasive sampling methods Marine protected area managers: who need to monitor species and habitats Fisheries and aquaculture professionals: interested in species identification Researchers: who want to apply eDNA in their projects
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 marine genomics
- 02Design eDNA sampling
- 03Apply laboratory techniques
- 04Process genomic data
- 05Interpret results
- 06Apply eDNA to management
Careers
Career Opportunities
01eDNA technician: Sampling and analysing environmental DNA.
02Environmental bioinformatician: Processing sequencing data.
03Biodiversity monitoring officer: Marine surveillance programmes.
04Environmental consultant: Impact assessments using genetic tools.
05Marine protected area officer: Monitoring species and habitats.
06Genomics research assistant: Scientific projects.
Questions
Entry Requirements
It is not essential. You use guided bioinformatics tools and the basic commands are explained.
Not entirely. It is a complementary tool with strengths and limits that the programme examines.
Only to a limited extent; the programme explains what can and cannot be inferred.
Yes. You analyse public sequencing datasets from marine studies.
The full design of an eDNA study, from sampling to interpretation.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 800 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 Diploma in Ocean Genomics and Environmental DNA (eDNA) 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: A degree in biology, marine science, environmental science, biotechnology or a related field; or professional experience in environmental monitoring or laboratory work. 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.