The Master's Degree in Coastal and Marine Biology and Ecology (CMBE, LM-6) is a two-year programme with free (non-selective) admission, based at the Ecotekne Campus (Lecce) and taught in English. It targets students passionate about biodiversity and ecosystems seeking a high professional qualification at international level.
It delivers education in fundamental and applied marine biology and ecology, integrating eScience with traditional approaches to understand the ecological mechanisms of coastal, transitional and marine ecosystems. It offers two tracks: 'Marine Biology and Ecology' (MBE), on marine biology and ecosystems, and 'E-Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sciences' (EBES), on the foundations of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and eco-informatics. It requires at least 120 ECTS/CFU.
It is Italy's first marine biology and biodiversity course taught entirely in English and the only one offering a double degree, via the agreement with the University of Lille (MBE track); further agreements are being developed for EBES. The course is connected with the European research infrastructure LifeWatch ERIC.
Faculty involved in European projects and Erasmus+ offer mobility of up to 12 months. Career prospects include research and consultancy in public bodies and companies for the conservation and management of coastal and marine ecosystems, protected areas and environmental assessment, plus PhD programmes; practical training is supported by a research boat and equipped vehicles.