Master in Marine Biology University of Padova

The Master’s degree aims to train marine biologists with the skills needed for understanding key processes and patterns in marine and coastal ecosystems, for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, and for the development of methods and technologies for the breeding of economically relevant commercial species.

The knowledge of Biology acquired during the Bachelor will be deepened with course units on evolutionary processes; reproductive strategies; adaptation, morphological and functional plasticity; genetics; molecular biology; marine ecology and conservation; climate changes and other anthropogenic impacts on the environment; experimental design and data analysis.

1st Year: Experimental design and statistical analysis; Marine biodiversity; Marine ecology: patterns and processes; Molecular methods for management and aquaculture; Ecology and physiology of global changes; Life cycles and adaptations of marine organisms; Marine conservation: principles and applications; Pharmacology, Toxicology, and welfare in aquaculture; Practical marine ecology; Seafood sustainability, production, and control.

2nd Year: Biodiversity and behavior; Marine ecotoxicology; Farming and feeding of aquatic species; Fish reproduction in aquaculture; Marine microbiology; Pathology of aquatic organisms.

Graduates reach leadership roles in public and private institutions devoted to the protection and sustainable development of the coastal and marine environment, in laboratories of marine ecotoxicology and quality control of seafood, and in aquaculture facilities. In addition, it is possible to be employed in research institutions and to work in the field of education and outreach. After completion of the Master's, students can sustain the State qualification test for being a professional biologist in Italy.

The University of Padua is among the top 250 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 for Earth and Marine Sciences.

It is also among the top 250 in the Times Higher Education's World University Rankings 2022 for Marine Sciences.