The Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies (MarBioTech) belongs to Degree Class L-13 (Biological Sciences), in accordance with Ministerial Decree 270/04 and subsequent amendments. It is a three-year programme worth 180 ECTS. Each academic year is divided into two semesters, and the programme is taught entirely in English. The programme has open admission and is open to applicants who hold a secondary school diploma, or an equivalent qualification obtained abroad and recognised as valid by the University’s competent bodies, and who demonstrate proficiency in English either as native speakers or through appropriate certification or attestation of English language proficiency at a minimum B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), certified by public bodies or private institutions in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) (https://piattaformaenticert.pubblica.istruzione.it/pocl-piattaforma-enti-cert-web/elenco-enti-accreditati).
The MarBioTech degree programme covers a broad range of topics related to marine sciences, the sustainable use of marine resources, marine biological and ecological processes, emerging diseases, and the biotechnological potential of marine resources, linking environmental studies with issues of marine environmental policy.
Graduates of the MarBioTech programme qualify as Junior Biologists (Section B of the professional register) and are trained in all aspects of biology and related disciplines pertaining to the marine environment. This enables them to address the global challenges of the near future while achieving the same qualifying educational objectives as those set for any other degree programme in Degree Class L-13 (Biological Sciences). Whether in the public or private sector, or as freelance professionals, MarBioTech graduates will find career opportunities in a wide range of fields, including laboratory-based production and technological activities (marine ecology, environmental, bio-health, industrial biotechnology, veterinary science, research institutions, and services); analytical, monitoring, and management services; classification, management, and use of biological material; environmental monitoring, conservation, environmental restoration, and biodiversity protection; and in industries and companies involved in food processing and production, dealing both with technical and analytical aspects and with consultancy on food safety and product quality control.
In addition, MarBioTech graduates receive a solid foundation and appropriate training to ensure progression to subsequent degree programmes, such as the Master’s degree programmes already offered by the University (Biology and Ecology of the Coastal Marine Environment), and subsequently to PhD programmes, such as the PhD in Applied Biology and Experimental Medicine (Curriculum: Biological and Environmental Sciences), the PhD in Chemical Sciences, and the PhD in Veterinary Sciences.
From an educational perspective, graduates acquire a solid grounding in the various fields of the biological sciences, as a natural outcome of Degree Class L-13 (BIO-CHIM-MAT-FIS). Other courses offered within the GEO/04, GEO/12, IUS/13, and VET/03 sectors aim to provide students with a broad and integrated education on the marine environment, giving the programme a strong interdisciplinary focus. The degree programme consists of a two-year core phase, while the third year is divided into two pathways: “Physical and Natural Sciences”, which focuses on the understanding, protection, and conservation of the marine and coastal environment, and “Marine Resources and Sustainability”, which places greater emphasis on the eco-sustainable use and management of marine resources. Please refer to the curriculum for details.
The programme also allows students to personalise their pathway according to their interests by choosing related disciplines from a broad and varied range of courses.
In addition to theoretical courses aimed at building foundational knowledge, the programme includes an appropriate number of credits dedicated to laboratory activities and numerical exercises, fully aligned with the experimental nature of the discipline covered by the programme.
The programme includes a compulsory experimental internship to be carried out at external partner institutions (public or private bodies, research laboratories, and industry), under the guidance of a university tutor. The internship involves supervised experimental activities through which students can learn about and apply marine biology methodologies. There is continuous interaction with the tutor during these experimental activities. During the internship, students also strengthen their ability to work in teams, operate with increasing autonomy, and adapt quickly to professional working environments.
The skills acquired enable graduates to respond to developments in marine biology and marine sciences, to collaborate with professionals in related fields, and to pursue further study, should they so wish, in subsequent degree programmes.
The degree programme in Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies is strongly oriented towards internationalisation and intercultural exchange, as it is taught entirely in English and is designed for both European and non-European students. Particular attention is given to internationalisation and to encouraging student participation in mobility programmes under international agreements, including Erasmus.