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
Introduction to Oceanography Course
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the oceans and discover the physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes that govern them. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in oceanography, exploring…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Introduction to Oceanography Course?
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the oceans and discover the physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes that govern them. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in oceanography, exploring everything from ocean currents and tides to marine life and coastal ecosystems. You will learn about the impact of climate change on the oceans and the importance of marine conservation.
Differential Advantages
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Integrates concepts from physics, chemistry, biology, and geology for a comprehensive understanding.
- Real-World Data: Works with current oceanographic data and models to analyze ocean phenomena.
- Practical Applications: Learn about marine resource management, climate prediction, and natural disaster mitigation.
- Subject Matter Experts: Receive instruction from oceanographers with extensive research and field experience.
- Flexibility: Online format with access to interactive resources and discussion forums.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Oceanographic Fundamentals: Explore the physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes that shape the oceans.
- Ocean Circulation: Understand ocean currents, their impact on global climate, and nutrient distribution.
- Marine Ecosystems: Discover ocean biodiversity and the interactions between organisms and their environment.
- Observation and Measurement: Learn about the tools and techniques for studying the ocean, from buoys to satellites.
- Climate Change and the Ocean: Analyze the effects of global warming, acidification, and sea-level rise.
- Boost your understanding of the ocean and its crucial role on the planet.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
History of sea science and geology of ocean basins
- Historical Evolution of Marine Exploration: From Antiquity Expeditions to Modern Challenger Oceanography.
- Plate tectonic theory and its fundamental role in the formation and expansion of global ocean basins.
- Seabed morphology: Detailed study of continental shelves, slopes, abyssal plains and ocean pits.
- Composition and classification of marine sediments: terrigenous, biogenic, hydrogenic origin and its paleoclimatic record.
- Formation of central-oceanic ridges and the process of creating a new oceanic cortex through underwater volcanism.
02
Physical Oceanography: Dynamics of Water Masses and Climate Processes
- Physical properties of seawater: analysis of density, temperature and propagation of light and sound in the medium.
- The vertical structure of the ocean: study of thermocline, halocline and pycnocline in the stratification of water masses.
- Dynamics of the surface circulation: the Coriolis effect and the formation of the great oceanic turns and currents of contour.
- Global thermohaline circulation: the operation of the "oceanic conveyor belt" and its critical influence on the global climate.
- The theory of waves and tides: Mechanisms of generation, propagation and the impact of astronomical forces at sea level.
03
Chemical oceanography: composition, biogeochemical cycles and dissolved gases
- Chemical composition of seawater: study of the majority constituents, minorities and essential trace elements.
- The carbon cycle in the ocean: CO2 absorption processes, the biological pump and the balance of marine carbonates.
- Distribution and cycle of limiting nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and silica) and their relationship with biological productivity.
- Dissolved gas dynamics: solubility of oxygen and nitrogen and the formation of zones of minimum oxygen (ZMO).
- The phenomenon of ocean acidification: Chemical impact of anthropogenic emissions on pH and aragonite saturation.
04
Biological Oceanography: Ecology of Marine Ecosystems and Trophic Networks
- Primary production in the ocean: Phytoplankton physiology and limiting factors of photosynthesis in the marine environment.
- Zooplankton and Pelagic Trophic Networks: Energy transfer from primary producers to higher consumers.
- Ecology of benthic communities: adaptations of organisms to life on the seabed, from the coast to the abyss.
- Biodiversity in critical ecosystems: study of coral reefs, mangroves, phanerogamous meadows and kelpo forests.
- Biological adaptations to extreme conditions: bioluminescence, abyssal gigantism and resistance to high hydrostatic pressures.
05
Oceanographic technology, remote sensing and global environmental challenges
- Modern oceanographic instrumentation: Use of autonomous buoys, submarine gliders and remotely operated vehicles (ROV).
- Satellite remote sensing applied to the sea: measurement of surface temperature, chlorophyll and altimetry from space.
- Oceanic numeric modelling: Use of supercomputing for predicting currents, storms and future climate changes.
- The challenge of plastic waste and emerging pollutants: distribution and persistence of pollutants in the open sea.
- International Strategies for Ocean Conservation: The High Seas Treaty and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 14).
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
Environmental science, marine biology, and civil engineering students seeking a solid foundation in ocean processes.Maritime and fisheries professionals interested in understanding the impact of oceanography on their operations.Science educators and communicators wishing to update their knowledge and resources for teaching about the ocean.Decision-makers and coastal resource managers needing
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
- 01Understanding the physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern the oceans
- 02Interpreting and analyzing oceanographic data for informed decision-making
- 03Assess the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems
- 04Use oceanographic tools and technologies for marine research and monitoring
- 05Develop a comprehensive understanding of the importance of the oceans to the global climate and the water cycle
- 06Identify and classify the main geological features of the ocean floor
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Oceanographic Laboratory Technician: Analysis of water, sediment, and marine organism samples.
02Oceanographic Research Assistant: Support in data collection, processing, and analysis.
03Coastal Management Project Support Technician: Collaboration in environmental impact studies and coastal land-use planning.
04Environmental Educator: Dissemination of oceanographic knowledge in schools, museums, or aquariums.
05Junior Environmental Consultant: Support in the evaluation of projects with an impact on the marine environment.
06Marine Cartographer: Creation of maps and nautical charts from oceanographic data.
07Aquaculture Technician: Monitoring of environmental parameters and support in the management of marine farms.
08Support staff in non-governmental organizations (NGOs): participation in marine conservation and environmental awareness projects.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
The ocean, its components, processes, and its interaction with the atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
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.
The ocean.
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:High School Diploma; or Advanced Vocational Training in science fields (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Environmental Sciences) preferred; or demonstrable experience in activities related to the sea.Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, and biology is recommended.Documentation:Completed application form, copy of ID/Passport, copy of academic degree (if applicable), brief letter of interest (optional).Skills:Analytical and synthesis skills, interest in research, aptitude for teamwork.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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