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Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course in Artificial Reefs and Ecological Structures
The Course in Artificial Reefs and Ecological Structures Prepares you to design and evaluate artificial reefs and structures that support marine life, from fisheries protection modules to ecological engineering solutions built int
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course in Artificial Reefs and Ecological Structures?
The Course in Artificial Reefs and Ecological Structures
Prepares you to design and evaluate artificial reefs and structures that support marine life, from fisheries protection modules to ecological engineering solutions built into breakwaters and harbours. You will study what these structures are for, the materials and designs available, siting criteria, the applicable regulations and the monitoring needed to check that they do their job without creating new impacts.
Key advantages
- Applied focus: From the ecological objective to the structure’s design.
- Materials and design: Concretes, textures, shapes and habitat complexity.
- Greener infrastructure: Ecological enhancement of breakwaters, harbours and rock armour.
- A critical eye: Risks, limitations and poor practices to avoid.
- Case study: A reef or structure design for a specific location.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Programme highlights
- Define the objective: Distinguish between protection, production and restoration.
- Design the structure: Choose suitable materials and forms.
- Site it wisely: Analyse seabed, currents and uses.
- Evaluate results: Apply biological and structural monitoring.
- Broaden your profile: Useful for consultancy, coastal engineering and fisheries management.
- Train to make structures at sea add biodiversity rather than take it away.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Foundations of Artificial Reefs
- History and types of artificial reef
- Objectives: protection, production and recreation
- Attraction versus biomass production
- Colonisation of artificial substrates
- Limitations and criticisms
02
Materials and Design
- Concrete and low-footprint materials
- Textures and microhabitats
- Structural complexity
- Stability against waves
- Materials to avoid
03
Ecological Engineering in Infrastructure
- Breakwaters and rock armour with ecological value
- Textured units and artificial rock pools
- Integration into harbours and quays
- Structures in offshore wind farms
- Assessing the ecological benefit
04
Siting, Regulation and Deployment
- Seabed and current surveys
- Compatibility with other uses
- International guidelines on artificial reefs
- Consents and environmental assessment
- Placing and deploying modules
05
Monitoring and Case Study
- Designing the monitoring
- Biological colonisation
- Fish and associated species
- Condition and stability of the structure
- Case study: designing an artificial reef
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
Biologists and marine science graduates: who want to apply ecology to structural design Civil and harbour engineers: who want to build ecological criteria into their schemes Fisheries management officers: who work with protection reefs Environmental consultants: who propose ecological enhancement measures Coastal authority staff: who consent and oversee structures at sea
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
- 01Know the types of artificial reef
- 02Select materials and designs
- 03Choose the location
- 04Apply ecological engineering
- 05Understand the regulations
- 06Design monitoring
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Artificial reef officer: Designing and monitoring structures in the marine environment.
02Ecological engineering consultant: Ecological enhancement of coastal works.
03Fisheries management officer: Protection and production reefs.
04Environmental monitoring officer: Assessing submerged structures.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Not necessarily. It may concentrate fish without increasing production; that is why the course stresses clear objectives and measuring results.
No. Placing materials in the sea is regulated, and many materials are discouraged because of their environmental risks.
Yes. It covers building ecological criteria into breakwaters, harbours and other infrastructure.
No. The course does not replace the qualifications required to sign off engineering designs.
Designing an artificial reef or ecological structure for a specific location, with its monitoring plan.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 300 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 Course in Artificial Reefs and Ecological Structures 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 university degree or vocational qualification in biology, marine science, environmental science or engineering; or experience in the maritime or environmental sector. 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.