The Degree Course in “Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies” (MarBioTech) is included in the Degree Class L-13 (BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES) based on Ministerial Decree 270/04 and subsequent amendments. It will last three years for a total of 180 University Credits (ECTS). Each year of the course is divided into two semesters and will be taught entirely in English.
The course will be open to an unlimited number of students and will be open to all who have:
-secondary school diploma or other equivalent qualification obtained abroad, recognized by the competent bodies of the University;
-Knowledge of English as a native speaker or adequate certification or certificate of proficiency in English at least at B2 level within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) certified by public bodies/ private facilities as indicated by the MUR (https///piattaformaenticert.pubblica.istruzione.it/pocl-piattaforma-enti-cert-web/elenco-enti-accreditati).
The “MarBioTech” Study Course covers a wide range of topics relating to marine sciences, sustainable use of marine resources, marine biological and ecological processes, emerging pathologies, biotechnological potential of marine resources, relating environmental studies to marine environmental policy issues.
The MarBioTech graduate will be a Junior Biologist (Section B of the professional register), trained in all aspects of Biology (and related disciplines) linked to the marine environment, to face the global challenges of the near future, reaching the same qualifying training objectives envisaged for any other course of study within the class L-13 (BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES).
Both in the public and private sectors, but also as a freelancer, the MarBioTech graduate will be able to find employment opportunities in various fields of application, such as laboratory production and technological activities (ecological-marine, environmental, bio-sanitary, industrial-biotechnological, veterinary , research bodies and services), analysis, control and management services; classification, management and use of biological material; environmental monitoring, conservation, environmental restoration and protection of biodiversity; in industries and companies operating in the transformation and production of food products, both taking care of the technical analytical aspect and consultancy on the topic of safety and quality control of products.
Furthermore, the MarBioTech graduate will receive basic preparation and training skills adequate to guarantee access to subsequent study courses, such as the Master's Degree Courses already present in the University (Biology and ecology of the coastal marine environment), and subsequently access to Research Doctorate programmes, such as the Ph.D. Course in Applied Biology and Experimental Medicine (Curriculum: biological and environmental sciences), the Ph.D. Course in Chemical Sciences and the Ph.D. Course in Veterinary Sciences.
From an educational point of view, graduates will have adequate basic knowledge of the different sectors of biological sciences, as a natural consequence of Class L-13 (BIO-CHIM-MAT-FIS). Other disciplines provided within GEO/04, GEO/12, IUS/13, VET/03 will have the aim of providing students with holistic training on the marine environment, giving the course of study a strong interdisciplinary character.
The study course will be divided into a common two-year period, while the third year will be divided into two curricula, "Physical and Natural Sciences", which will be dedicated to the knowledge, protection of the marine and coastal environment, and "Marine resources and sustainability", which will focus on the eco-sustainable exploitation and management of marine resources. Please refer to the teaching plan for details.
Anyway, the training project still allows the student the possibility of personalizing the study path based on their interests by choosing related disciplines from a broad and differentiated training offer.
The course includes, in addition to theoretical courses aimed at building basic knowledge, a suitable number of credits dedicated to laboratory activities and numerical exercises absolutely in line with the experimental nature of the discipline covered by the course of study. The course includes a compulsory experimental internship to be carried out at external affiliated locations (public or private bodies, research laboratories, industries), under the guidance of a university tutor. The internship includes non-original experimental activities through which it is possible to get to know and learn to use marine biology methods. The interaction with the tutor during the experimental activities will be continuous. During the internship the student also refines their ability to work in a team, to operate with defined degrees of autonomy and to fit readily into work environments.
The skills acquired will allow the graduate to adapt to the evolution of marine biology and marine sciences, to interact with culturally related professionals and to continue his studies, if he so chooses, in subsequent courses of study.
The study course in "Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies" is already by vocation aimed at internationalization and intercultural exchange, given that it will be delivered entirely in English and will be aimed at European and non-European students. Great attention will be paid to internationalization and encouraging student participation in mobility programs within the framework of international agreements (for example Erasmus programmes).