Marine Sciences

MSc. Degree in Marine Sciences is a 2-year joint degree program offered by the University of Milano-Bicocca in partnership with Maldives National University. The Faculty is made up of experts from the Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, the Maldives National University, as well as other non-Italian universities and research organizations.After completion of the first common teachings (environmental chemistry, marine biology and ecology, physical geography, physical oceanography, law of the sea and marine environmental protection) students can choose among three different tracks:ENVIRONMENT The Environment track embraces the study of abiotic and biotic components of marine and coastal ecosystems, focusing on the interplays between physical processes and marine organisms, with emphasis on climate changes. It includes a broad range of topics, such as marine geology/geomorphology, geobiology, applied geomorphology and sediment dynamics, palaeoecology, chemical and physical oceanography, offshore and coastal resource management, GIS, seafloor and habitat mapping.BIO-ECOLOGY The Bio-Ecology track embraces the study of life in the oceans and includes a broad range of topics, from biogeography to biodiversity, marine botany, molecular ecology, biological systematics, population ecology, management of aquatic resources, and fisheries.HUMAN GEOGRAPHY The Human Geography track embraces the study of cultural aspects and their interplay with tourism, environmental conflicts, social resilience, population and gender issues, geographical representations of the sea. This track tackles human activities, their specific social organizations and their consequences in coastal and island environments, and on maritime life, and combines different subjects such as law, sociology, tourism studies, cultural and political geography, spatial analysis and cartography.Career opportunities for Master’s Degree graduates include positions in the public or private sectors as marine environment analysis and management experts, marine biologists and ecologists, marine and coastal resources experts, marine and coastal environmental policy experts, and human relations experts in maritime activities. The program also provides a solid foundation to pursue doctoral studies and a career in the academic sector.