Biology and Ecology of the marine Environment and Sustainable Use of Marine Resources

Course description

The course exploits the teaching potential and scientific competency of Federico II University's Biology Department and of the Zoological Station, an international research centre for biology and marine ecology. The initiative is also set in the wider framework of environmental policy strategies for the sea. The EU Blue Growth strategy, while highlighting the fragile state of the Mediterranean sea and its coasts, has identified a strong potential for economic growth in these areas that should be tapped using co-ordinated, sustainable policies. The course will teach graduates how to devise strategies to protect the marine environment through protocols directed at the integrated management of coastal areas, particularly Mediterranean areas, and to develop and expand the adoption of an ecosystemic approach, where coastal and maritime activities are assessed for their environmental impact.

Students will have a privileged access to international networks in which the Federico II University and the Zoological Station participate. This will enable students to benefit from periods of training at universities and research centers abroad.

Our mission is to train highly specialized marine biologists capable of planning and executing marine ecosystem management and conservation strategies.

The course curriculum, all in English, is a stimulating mix of formal lectures, lab work and field trips.

1st and 2nd year subjects include:
- Monitoring and conservation of animal, plant and microbial biodiversity
- Survival strategies of marine organisms and mechanisms underpinning trophic network structure and dynamics
- Analysis of marine organism eco-physiological responses
- Evaluation of physicochemical, climatic and geological dynamics of the marine environment
- Biomonitoring methods including field work (e.g. scuba diving and activities aboard the Zoological Station mother ship)
- Biomolecular applications of marine organisms (algae, animals, micro-organisms and viruses) in pharmacology and biomedicine
- Informatics and bioinformatics tools for data management and modelling to assess ecosystem biodiversity and dynamics

The curriculum of the Master's Degree has been conceived to provide a broad range of professional skills and competencies. Our graduates will be at home both in basic science labs and in jobs involving scientific and technological research and innovation for the management and sustainable exploitation of marine resources.

Job Prospects include work with:
- Public and private research bodies;
- Public and private bodies involved in marine resource protection and management (regional, provincial and municipal bodies, ARPA);
- Public bodies involved in the management and protection of coastal areas and in recovery of polluted sites;
- Environmental services and consulting companies;
- Biomedical and pharmacological industries;
- Popularization

A typical weekly timetable

  • - the Master's Degree course is open to students with a first-cycle degree in: Biology, Biological Sciences, Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geological Sciences
1st year  
Courses
  • Chemical and Physical Oceanography - 6 credits - prof. Maurizio Ribera D'Alcalà - (evluation Exam)
  • Biodiversity and Marine biomonitoring - 12 credits, 2 modules - Integrated Course - (evluation Exam)
    • Marine Vegetal Biodiversity - 6 credits - prof. Maria Cristina Buia
    • Marine Animal Biodiversity and Biomonitoring - 6 credits - prof. Di Cosmo Anna
  • Marine Microbial Biodiversity - 6 credits - prof. Ezio Ricca - (evluation Exam)
  • Marine Ecology and Pathology - 12 credits, 2 modules - Integrated Course
    • Marine Ecology - 6 credits - prof. Olga Mangoni
    • Pathology of Marine Organisms - 6 credits - prof. Francesca Carella
  • Reproductive and Developmental Biology of Marine Vertebrates - 6 credits - prof. Teresa Capriglione - (evluation Exam)
  • Scientific English - 4 credits - (evluation Interview)
  • Compulsory module including the MasterThesis preparatory activity - 4 credits
    • Management of Marine Resources
 

2nd year  
Courses
  • Physiology of Marine Organisms - 6 credits - prof. Claudio Agnisola - (evluation Exam)
  • Biochemical adaptations to the Marine Environment and methods for Bioremediation - 6 credits - prof. M.Rosaria Faraone Mennella - (evluation Exam)
  • Marine Conservation Genetics and Genomics - 12 credits, 2 modules - Integrated Course - (evluation Exam)
    • Marine Conservation Genetics - 6 credits - prof. Serena Aceto
    • Marine Genomics - 6 credits - prof. Aldo Donizetti
  • Algae Biology - 6 credits - prof. Marina Montresor - Optional Course
  • Marine Biogeochemical Cycles - 6 credits - prof. Christophe Brunet - Optional Course
  • Scuba Diving with patent - 6 credits - prof. Lucia Porzio - Optional Course
  • Managment of Marine Resources - 6 credits - prof. Valerio Zupo - Optional Course
 

Tuition fee

EU students €200/year (university fees) + €140/year regional tax (compulsory)+ €16.00 legal stamp (compulsory)
Non EU students €140/year regional tax (compulsory)+ €16.00 legal stamp (compulsory)

Planning and advising

Students are encouraged to explore their potential interests in "Biology and Ecology of the Marine Environment and Sustainable Use of Marine Resources" by sending an e-mail to Prof. Anna Di Cosmo dicosmo@unina.it

For Further information

mare.unina.it