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University of Padua
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University of Padua

Marine Biology

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Award Attendance Study Duration Start Domestic fees International fees
MSc On-Campus Full-time 2 October find out €2739 per year
Course fee notes

Our tuition fees will not exceed 2700 euros per year. Scholarship and fee waivers are available for international students, for more information visit our website: Scholarships | Università di Padova (unipd.it)

About Marine Biology, MSc - at University of Padua

The Master’s degree aim 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.

Programme structure

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 behaviour; Marine ecotoxicology; Farming and feeding of aquatic species; Reproduction in aquaculture; Marine microbiology; Pathology of aquatic organisms; Ecological Modelling.

Career opportunities

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, students can sustain the State qualification test for being a professional biologist in Italy. This Master’s degree sets the basis to continue an advanced training with a Ph.D. in Italy or abroad.

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Entry requirements

Contact University of Padua to find course entry requirements.


Why study at University of Padua

1) A diverse portfolio of study programmes – a multidisciplinary university offering a cutting-edge portfolio of study programmes.

2) High-quality education – top-250 Times Higher Education university, top-160 QS Employability Ranking 2020, first in Italy for the quality of its teaching. A qualification from the University of Padua means the achievement of an ambitious objective and a recognised education.

3) World-leading research university – best Italian university for the quality of research results (ANVUR). Among the best European universities for the number of the top 10% most frequently cited publications.

4) Quality support services – 90% students satisfied with their academic career and their student life (AlmaLaurea).

5) One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe – established in 1222, the University has a glorious history and boasts among its scholars and professors Galileo Galilei and Elena L. Cornaro-Piscopia, the first ever woman to receive an academic degree from a university in 1678.

6) An international community – 2.100 international students welcomed in 2021 and a long tradition of international cooperation, participation in international networks of excellence as well as in research and education projects, welcoming students and scholars from all over the world.

7) Competitive tuition fees and scholarships – the University offers competitive tuition fees in comparison to other top-ranked European universities, plus a vast array of scholarships for students with an excellent study record.

8) A univer- city! – a unique learning environment in a university which is deeply connected to its city and urban pattern. University students represent 30% of the city population.

9) A city, unlike any otherPadua blends historical tradition, art and culture with flourishing business and service industries.

10) Strategic location – easy connections to main Italian and international cities allow you to travel for tourism or visiting home.