What will you study The Master's Degree in Marine Biology and Ecology lasts 2 years (120 CFU, divided into 66 CFU in the first year and 54 CFU in the second) and is divided into two phases: the first phase, theoretical-practical (characterizing and affinity teachings divided between the first and second year) aims to provide students with knowledge i) on the abiotic and biotic aspects of the marine environment, both coastal and oceanic, ii) on marine biodiversity at all levels of organization (from the genetic to the ecosystem level) and over a large time scale, iii) on the evolution and adaptations of marine organisms to natural and anthropogenic contraints (e.g. warming, acidification, pollution, plastic, fishing), iv) on the structure of marine habitats and the zonation of biocenoses, v) on the evaluation of the molecular and physiological responses of organisms to environmental variables, both natural and anthropogenic (with particular regard to the action of emerging contaminants such as drugs and endocrine disruptors), vi) on the use of bioindicators for biomonitoring, vii) on the statistical analysis of environmental datasets, viii) on the planning of marine biodiversity study and monitoring activities with an overview of the fundamentals of conservation, ix) on the valorisation of biological resources through biotechnologies, and x) on the management of marine territory and its resources (with an eye also to regulations). The second specialisation phase (elective teachings in the second year) deepens knowledge of specific groups of bioindicator organisms (e.g., cetaceans, large pelagics), charismatic marine environments (marine protected areas, tropical and polar environments), and historical, ethological, and paleontological aspects. This phase also deals with highly professionalizing topics such as sustainable aquaculture and restoration, GIS applications for marine environment management, advanced monitoring techniques (including those in the biological, biomolecular, geological and forensic fields), environmental accounting applied to marine environments, marine ecotoxicology, pharmacological applications in the marine environment and aquarium design. These phases are also combined with a teaching in scientific English, a multidisciplinary field research experience (Marine Biology and Ecology Campaign) and an internship preparatory to the final exam (thesis). After graduation The Master's degree student in Marine Biology and Ecology has an interdisciplinary background, enabling him/her to work independently in the field of the study, management, monitoring and conservation of marine biodiversity and ecosystems in relation to abiotic forcing and human activities. He can enrol, after passing the state licensing examination, in the Professional Register of Biologists section A. The graduate in Marine Biology and Ecology Who is he? He can become: environmental quality assessor planner of monitoring programmes environmental analysis laboratory manager quality manager of companies related to marine products biologist in fishing cooperatives, trade associations, certification companies fisheries scientific observer teacher of technical-scientific subjects researcher in public and private organisations aquacologist and aquaculturist environmental, snorkelling, diving, museum guide marine tourism guide (TuMa) marine mammal observer (MMO) manager of Marine Protected Areas Scientific Divulgator What does he do? evaluates the responses of organisms to fluctuations in the physical and chemical parameters of the marine environment, at different levels of biological organisation determines the effects on marine organisms and the mechanisms of action of pollutants, in particular emerging contaminants, and interprets biological data for proper exposure risk assessment deals with the valorisation, management and sustainable exploitation of marine resources has expertise in the analysis and management of environmental resources and natural and man-made marine ecosystems has expertise in the sustainable exploitation of marine-derived biomass, active ingredients or new marine-derived materials for biomedicine and cosmetics realise and evaluate environmental impact studies and environmental plans geared towards sustainable development in the marine environment designs and manages biomonitoring and monitoring programmes in the marine environment performs environmental impact analyses of installations in the sea performs professional and project work in public and private research institutes organises and directs science museums, aquariums, Marine Protected Areas, analytical and research laboratories for the assessment of the quality of marine environments, with particular reference to the biotic component is involved in communication and dissemination on biological and environmental topics, with particular reference to the marine environment. Where does he work? Municipalities, Provinces, Regions, Marine Protected Areas, instrumental bodies such as Environmental Protection Agencies, Public Utility Companies, Technological Parks public and private research laboratories and cooperative societies involved in the study of marine biodiversity, its conservation and marine pollution, fisheries and aquaculture management, environmental impact assessment, etc industrial production departments in the sector Ministries and Non-Governmental Agencies; Consultancy Companies; Educational and Research Institutes and Environmental Education Bodies Companies and entities dedicated to scientific and environmental education educational institutions navigation companies
