Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1500 h · 11 modules
Master's in Marine Biomimicry and Ocean-Inspired Design
The Master's in Marine Biomimicry and Ocean-Inspired Design Prepares you to translate the solutions evolved by marine organisms into useful products, materials and structures. You will study the functional biology of marine organi
Duration1500 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Marine Biomimicry and Ocean-Inspired Design?
The Master's in Marine Biomimicry and Ocean-Inspired Design
Prepares you to translate the solutions evolved by marine organisms into useful products, materials and structures. You will study the functional biology of marine organisms, materials science, the mechanics of natural structures and bio-inspired hydrodynamics, and learn to apply a rigorous biomimetic design methodology, from the initial design question to the prototype, with sustainability and industrial feasibility built in from the start.
Key advantages
- Interdisciplinary approach: Marine biology, materials engineering and design in one programme.
- Proven methodology: Internationally recognised biomimetic design tools and frameworks.
- From organism to prototype: Learn to abstract biological principles and turn them into technical solutions.
- Industry focus: Applications in marine, construction, energy, health and product design.
- Your own project: A complete biomimetic development based on a real challenge.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,500 hours
Modules
11
Programme highlights
- Observe nature: Analyse the functional strategies of marine organisms.
- Abstract principles: Turn biology into practical design principles.
- Design and simulate: Use modelling, simulation and digital fabrication.
- Assess sustainability: Apply life cycle assessment to your proposals.
- Boost your career: Open doors to R&D departments, design studios and technology centres.
- Train to design with the intelligence of the ocean and create more efficient, sustainable solutions.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Foundations of Biomimicry
- History and concepts of biomimicry
- Biomimicry, bio-inspiration and biodesign
- Life’s principles as a design guide
- Levels of emulation: form, process and system
- Biomimicry and sustainability
- The ocean as a source of innovation
- Classic examples of bio-inspired design
- Limitations and common mistakes
- ISO standards on biomimetics
- Current research landscape
02
Functional Biology of Marine Organisms
- Adaptations to the aquatic environment
- Diversity of marine body plans
- Locomotion in water
- Adhesion strategies
- Protection and defence
- Perception and sensory organs
- Thermal and osmotic regulation
- Bioluminescence and structural colour
- Deep-sea organisms
- Symbiosis and collective strategies
03
Biomimetic Design Methodology
- Defining the design challenge
- Functional translation of the question
- Searching for biological models
- Databases and strategy repositories
- Abstracting biological principles
- From principle to technical concept
- Evaluating and selecting concepts
- Working in interdisciplinary teams
- Ideation tools
- Documenting the process
04
Materials Science for Biomimicry
- Structure and properties of materials
- Natural composite materials
- Structural proteins and polysaccharides
- Biominerals: calcium carbonate and silica
- Structural hierarchy
- Structure-property relationships
- Basic mechanical testing
- Microscopic characterisation techniques
- Bio-inspired synthetic materials
- Materials selection
05
Bio-Inspired Structures and Mechanics
- Shells and carapaces as structures
- Sponge and diatom skeletons
- Lightweight and cellular architectures
- Toughness and fracture control
- Flexible and articulated structures
- Bio-inspired topology optimisation
- Deployable and folding structures
- Applications in architecture and engineering
- Joint design
- Structural case studies
06
Bio-Inspired Hydrodynamics and Surfaces
- Fundamentals of fluid mechanics
- Hydrodynamic shapes of fish and cetaceans
- Sharkskin and drag reduction
- Fins, tubercles and flow control
- Undulatory and oscillatory propulsion
- Antifouling surfaces
- Hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces
- Functional textures
- Flow simulation
- Marine and energy applications
07
Bio-Inspired Sensors, Robotics and Systems
- Lateral line and flow sensors
- Echolocation and biological sonar
- Vision in the marine environment
- Fish- and cephalopod-inspired robots
- Marine soft robotics
- Bio-inspired actuators
- Collective behaviour and swarms
- Control and autonomy
- Sensor integration
- Limitations of current systems
08
Modelling, Simulation and Digital Fabrication
- Computer-aided design
- Parametric and generative design
- Scanning and digitising organisms
- Finite element simulation
- Computational fluid dynamics
- Additive manufacturing
- Multi-material printing
- Rapid prototyping
- Prototype testing
- Design iteration
09
Sustainability and Life Cycle
- Circular design
- Life cycle assessment
- Bio-based materials
- Ecodesign and impact reduction
- Toxicity and biodegradability
- Product carbon footprint
- Responsible bioprospecting
- Access to genetic resources and the Nagoya Protocol
- Ethics of biomimicry
- Communicating sustainability
10
Innovation, Intellectual Property and Markets
- Innovation management
- Technology transfer
- Patents and registered designs
- Technology watch
- Bio-inspired business models
- Funding innovation
- Industrial scale-up
- Product standards and certification
- University-industry collaboration
- Successes and failures
11
Master's Final Project: Developing a Marine Biomimetic Solution
- Defining the challenge
- Biological research
- Selecting marine strategies
- Abstracting principles
- Generating concepts
- Detailed design
- Simulation or prototype
- Sustainability assessment
- Writing the dissertation
- Defence before a panel
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1500 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 engineering, industrial design or architecture: who want to bring biomimicry into their practice Biologists and marine science graduates: who want to apply their knowledge to innovation Industry R&D professionals: who need new sources of technical solutions Product designers: working to sustainability criteria Researchers and lecturers: who want to specialise in bio-inspir
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 functional marine biology
- 02Master the biomimetic methodology
- 03Relate structure to function
- 04Design bio-inspired solutions
- 05Prototype and validate
- 06Assess feasibility and sustainability
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Biomimicry specialist: Developing bio-inspired solutions in companies and institutions.
02R&D engineer: Innovation in materials, surfaces and products.
03Bio-inspired product designer: Design studios and development departments.
04Sustainable innovation consultant: Advising companies on ecodesign and biomimicry.
05Researcher: Projects at universities and technology centres.
06Technology transfer manager: Commercialising research results.
Questions
Entry Requirements
No. The programme includes a functional biology module designed for technical and design profiles.
It suits you too: the materials, mechanics and fabrication modules give you the technical grounding you need.
Yes. You work with parametric design, simulation and digital fabrication tools, with open-source alternatives.
Marine, energy, construction, health, textiles and product design, among others.
A complete biomimetic solution, from defining the challenge to a concept validated by simulation or prototype.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 1500 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 Master's in Marine Biomimicry and Ocean-Inspired Design 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
Academic/professional profile: A degree in engineering, industrial design, architecture, biology, marine science, chemistry, physics or a related field; or proven professional experience in design or R&D. 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
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