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
Course in Bio-Inspired Concrete and Biocement
The Course in Bio-Inspired Concrete and Biocement Prepares you to understand how the biomineralisation of marine organisms is inspiring new construction materials. You will study microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts14 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course in Bio-Inspired Concrete and Biocement?
The Course in Bio-Inspired Concrete and Biocement
Prepares you to understand how the biomineralisation of marine organisms is inspiring new construction materials. You will study microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation, biocement for consolidating sands and soils, bio-inspired concretes and materials that encourage biological colonisation of coastal structures. You will analyse their potential to reduce the carbon footprint of construction and their current limitations in scale, control and durability.
Key advantages
- Building with biology: Microorganisms and biomineralisation applied to construction.
- Coastal focus: Sand consolidation, breakwaters and ecological structures.
- Climate perspective: Alternatives to reduce the footprint of cement.
- A critical view: Pilot results and scale-up challenges.
- Case study: Assessing a biocement solution for a coastal problem.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Programme highlights
- Understand biomineralisation: Learn how organisms produce carbonates.
- Master biocement: Explain microbially induced precipitation.
- Design ecological concretes: Apply bio-inspired criteria to marine structures.
- Assess: Analyse durability, cost and footprint.
- Boost your career: Open doors in sustainable construction and R&D.
- Train to build coastlines with materials that learn from the sea.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Biomineralisation and Construction
- Biogenic carbonates in the sea
- Reefs as natural structures
- Beachrock and natural cementation
- The carbon footprint of cement
- Bio-inspired principles
02
Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation
- Ureolytic microorganisms
- Precipitation chemistry
- Controlling factors
- By-products and their management
- Non-ureolytic alternatives
03
Biocement in Soils and Sands
- Sand consolidation
- Foundation improvement
- Coastal erosion control
- Application methods
- Geotechnical testing
04
Bio-Inspired and Ecological Concretes
- Bacterial concretes
- Low-carbon concretes
- Surfaces that encourage colonisation
- Concrete for ecological structures
- Durability in the marine environment
05
Feasibility and Application
- Scale-up and quality control
- Comparative costs
- Regulation and acceptance
- Pilot projects
- Case study: biocement for a coastal problem
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
Civil and materials engineers: interested in sustainable construction Geotechnical engineers: working on ground improvement Biologists and microbiologists: interested in construction applications Coastal and port technicians: looking for lower-impact solutions Architects: interested in bio-inspired materials
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 biomineralisation
- 02Explain biocement
- 03Apply to soils and sands
- 04Design bio-inspired concretes
- 05Assess durability
- 06Analyse feasibility
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Sustainable construction technician: Low-impact materials at contractors.
02Geotechnical technician: Ground improvement with biocement.
03Coastal technician: Lower-impact protection solutions.
04R&D technician: Construction biomaterials projects.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Not in general. It is useful for specific applications such as sand consolidation, and scale-up is still in development.
Mainly bacteria able to induce calcium carbonate precipitation; the course explains their types and conditions.
By-products and environmental effects need to be assessed; the course covers how to manage them.
No. The course explains the concepts you need.
You assess the use of biocement for a specific coastal problem.
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 Bio-Inspired Concrete and Biocement 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 or technical training in civil or materials engineering, geology, biology, marine science or a related field; or experience in construction. 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.