Second Level degree in Marine Biology
Coorte 2024/2025
President Prof. Emanuela Fanelli- tel. 071 2204335 - email: e.fanelli@univpm.it
Quality Manager Prof. Giorgia Gioacchini- tel. 071 2204693 - email: giorgia.gioacchini@univpm.it
This course has a duration of two years.
A three year Degree, or an equivalent academic qualification from a foreign university is required for enrolment on the Second Level degree in Marine Biology and Ecology.
Presentation
The Master's Degree (LM) in Marine Biology, established in the 2003/2004 academic year, offers an up-to-date and dynamic course of study aimed at developing specialized skills in the study, conservation, management and protection of marine natural resources. Key objectives include the protection of marine ecosystems and the promotion of sustainable use of marine species of economic importance. Since the academic year 2017-2018, the Course of Study in Marine Biology, with a view to internationalization and ensuring up-to-date and innovative scientific and methodological approaches, includes English courses as part of the International Master's Degree in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea: https://www.imbrsea.eu/), in which UNIVPM participates together with other European universities (Ghent, Bergen, Sorbonne, Algarve, Western Brittany, Atlantic Technological, Gotheborg, Cote Azur, Oviedo, University of Basque Country). In this context, students, coming from Italy and from more than 30 countries around the world, acquire their knowledge by attending courses in a real international context, with practical courses, laboratory exercises and activities at sea, with the possibility of following integrative seminars held by international scientists. By virtue of this path of internalization, the course has reorganized its curriculum, introducing several courses in English, and also in order to provide greater flexibility eleven elective courses (of which students can choose from two to four, for a total of 12 ECTS) are available, always maintaining a focus on the subject areas of Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning, Sustainability, Ecosystem Protection and Ecological Restoration. The teaching of Fisheries Biology was also introduced to strengthen students' preparation in the professional field, making employment outlets clearer. The degree program is distinguished by its innovative and transversal approach, shifting the focus from the descriptive analysis of marine systems to the study of biological processes that influence the evolution, conservation and management of marine ecosystems and fostering the development of tools useful for ecosystem conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The educational offerings are unique in the national panorama, embracing current issues, and combining a theoretical approach with laboratory and field activities. Indeed, ample space is reserved for hands-on workshops and field activities, including two field practices courses (Census of marine communities and Marine monitoring) unique for their practical approach. From the academic year 2025-2026, the course is delivered entirely in English.
Master's degree graduates in Marine Biology acquire:
- a robust cultural background in the disciplines of marine biology and ecology, including molecular, cellular, population and ecosystem aspects, with attention to evolutionary processes, adaptations and complexity of marine ecosystems;
- in-depth skills in sustainable management of marine natural resources, with specific knowledge in environmental legislation and sea-related economic policies;
- knowledge of field sampling analytical protocols, and technologies, including software such as R and GIS, essential for data processing and statistical analyses and their representation;
- ability to use the scientific method and manage projects independently;
- language skills in the technical and scientific lexicon of English.
The graduate marine biologist can work nationally and internationally in various fields: monitoring and management of marine ecosystem resources, scientific research, conservation, and sustainable use of resources. Job opportunities include public and private entities, companies, consortia, and research centers engaged in the study and enhancement of marine ecosystems.
Master's graduates in Marine Biology can register, after passing the state exam, in the National Register of Biologists, Section A.
After graduation, students will also can acquire further specialization degrees such as:
- International Master's Degree in Marine Biology FUNIBER-UNIVPM (one-year duration);
- Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Ecology;
- Specialization courses activated on specific topics.
Students thus can take advantage of a comprehensive and excellent training system to be initiated into the profession of Marine Biologist and have the necessary skills to be competitive in the world of research and work.
- Role in a work context
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A graduate in Marine Biology fits within the professional profile of a biologist engaged in coordinating activities in fundamental research. They specialize in the conservation and management of marine biological resources, the monitoring of marine biodiversity, environmental impact assessment, and the management of marine parks and reserves.
Graduates can pursue careers as researchers or faculty members at universities and public or private research institutes, as well as teaching positions in lower and upper secondary schools. They possess the expertise to contribute to science communication and public education. Additionally, Marine Biology graduates conduct specialized laboratory work, utilizing advanced, innovative, and experimental methodologies in biological and molecular analysis, including bioinformatics techniques. They also engage in fieldwork focused on the sampling, monitoring, and sustainable management of marine species and ecosystems. - Skills associated with the role
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Graduates in Marine Biology possess specialized expertise in marine biology and ecology, complemented by in-depth knowledge of marine genetics, bioinformatics, ecotoxicology, impact assessment, fisheries, and aquaculture biology. They have both fundamental and applied knowledge of ecological restoration techniques for degraded ecosystems. Additionally, graduates are skilled in identifying anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems and developing mitigation strategies. They are proficient in designing experiments, utilizing key laboratory techniques, and applying advanced data analysis methods. They are also capable of employing diverse sampling techniques and technologies at sea, making use of both traditional and innovative tools for monitoring marine biodiversity.
- Occupational opportunities
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Graduates in Marine Biology will acquire the professional knowledge necessary to enter the workforce within the various fields of expertise of a biologist.
They may work as independent professionals after registering with the Professional Register of Biologists and/or secure high-responsibility positions in:
Research institutions, including universities and public organizations such as the National Research Council (CNR), the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station (SZN), the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics (INOGS), the Ministry of the Environment, regional environmental agencies (ARPA), and others.
Management bodies of Marine Protected Areas.
Companies specializing in environmental studies, analyses, and marine biodiversity assessments.
Public and private aquariums.
Environmental promotion and ecotourism organizations, working as environmental guides.
Graduates in Marine Biology can also pursue careers in environmental consulting and science communication, either independently or within organizations and companies.
Additionally, those who have earned a sufficient number of credits in relevant subject areas may, as per current regulations, apply for admission to teacher training programs for secondary education. - Course-specific training objectives and course description
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The Master’s Degree in Marine Biology aims to train biologists specializing in the study of marine environments, with a particular focus on biodiversity, interactions between living organisms and their environment, the assessment, management, and enhancement of biological resources, environmental impact evaluation resulting from human activities, and the restoration of degraded marine habitats.
To acquire these competencies, the Master's Degree in Marine Biology includes:
- Educational activities designed to deepen fundamental biological knowledge and its applications, with a specific emphasis on ecological and environmental sciences.
- Training in techniques essential for understanding the functioning of marine ecosystems, sampling methodologies, and the acquisition of specialized skills (including computational tools) in marine biology, both in research and in environmental health and quality monitoring, as well as in the conservation and management of marine resources.
- Laboratory-based coursework and exercises, totaling no fewer than 30 credits, focusing on biological and ecological methodologies, marine resource assessment, the impact of human activities on marine environments, and the analysis of molecular, ecological, and environmental data.
- External activities, such as internships at public or private institutions and study periods at other Italian or foreign universities, also within the framework of international agreements.
- Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, including technical terminology relevant to the field, given the international significance of the topics covered.
An experimental thesis, aligned with the chosen curriculum, to be conducted at one of the faculty’s laboratories, other laboratories within the Polytechnic University of Marche, or—by agreement or formal partnership—at other Italian or foreign universities, public institutions, or private organizations. - Course in diving techniques
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The profession of marine biologist offers a wide range of job opportunities in the international context. Scientific diving operations are undoubtedly some of the most important skills that a marine biologist can acquire.
Students enrolled on the Second Level degree course in Marine Biology and Ecology can attend a free diving course for beginners (optional on request). In this way, students with a diving license will be able to fully exploit the opportunities offered by our training programs and take part in practical activities which apply some of the main methods of underwater sampling. It will be possible to do scuba diving to acquire expertise in various techniques, such as the observation of the morphological profiles of the seabed, sampling photography and the use of specific surveying and/or sampling tools in order to carry out investigations of various plant and animal organisms, recognition of species and visual biodiversity surveys. - Mobile laboratories Actea/Mytilus
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Students also have the opportunity to be involved (for example during internships or thesis preparation) in specific activities that include scientific expeditions at sea with research vessels.