The 2nd cycle Degree Course in Marine Ecology aims at providing solid groundings in basic and applied marine biology, with respect, in particular, to the conservation and care of the environment and of fishing and aquaculture resources, and the assessment of environmental impacts.
The 2nd cycle degree course in Marine Biology aims at training high level experts possessing:
i) Sound groundings about the abiotic and biotic characteristics, the levels of biodiversity and operation processes of various types of marine ecosystems, on the evaluation and monitoring of the effects of anthropic pressures on marine ecosystems;
ii) good grasp of the scientific research method enabling them to work autonomously and to participate in the design and interpretation of experiments;
iii) knowledge of the English language, scientific literature and computer techniques enabling them to confront the international scientific community, the continuous scientific updating, as well as the ability to present scientific data using the most modern methods.
Such graduates are professionals of high qualification able to operate on the territory using advanced and technologically innovative methods and to perform specialized tasks in the management of marine ecosystems. In particular, they will be able to undertake activities to promote and develop scientific and technological innovation in the marine field as well as professional activities in areas related to biological disciplines in industry and public administration, with particular emphasis on environmental management, evaluation and planning. Specific tasks are in fact related to the management of marine ecosystems, environmental assessment and of the conservation status of resources, the proposition of actions and technologies for the increase of resources and environmental quality through the application of consolidated and sustainable methods.
The educational programme provides knowledge in class-specific activities with two possible options: "biomedical sector" or " nutrition sector and other applications" with the possibility to include teachings providing knowledge on issues related to the biology of organisms and the processing of environmental data or to environmental management and to the quality of marine biological resources. The presence of two options in class-specific activities and the variety of sectors envisaged in the related and integrated activities respond to the need, emerging from the comparison with the world of production, services and professions, of greater flexibility of the formative path, expanding its potential in terms of content offered. The specific objectives of the Degree Courses are achieved through teachings in the areas of marine biology and ecology and their applications, including also theoretical-practical exercises, during which, as well as through traineeships and the preparation of the thesis , students will gain experience in the design and implementation of research and environmental assessment activities.