The BSc in Marine Biotechnology and Aquatic Ecosystems, offered at the decentralized campus in Oristano, aims to train biotechnologists specializing in exploiting the opportunities provided by biological resources from the sea, inland waters, and transitional ecosystems. The program follows a structured learning path, beginning with foundational skills in the core sciences (mathematics, physics, and chemistry), complemented by methodological and applied studies in biochemistry. This initial phase also introduces students to the different levels of biological organization (from cells to tissues to species) in both animal and plant domains.

Students are then equipped with theoretical and practical expertise in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and bioreactor operations. The curriculum concludes with advanced studies in water chemistry and hygiene, reproduction and developmental biology of marine organisms, marine bio- and eco-technologies, environmental toxicology and ecotoxicology, bioeconomics, and aspects of European biotechnology law. Language and IT skills, electives, internships, and a final thesis complete the program.

The program is unique in its focus on marine biotechnology and offers internships with local and national biotechnology companies, as well as public research institutions. It is designed to meet the scientific and market needs of the region and the country, while maintaining an international perspective.

Aquatic environments, the most important reservoirs of biodiversity on the planet, represent a vast source of bioactive molecules for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes. Many pharmacologically and nutraceutically relevant molecules, already widely used in the market, are derived from aquatic organisms, and marine bioprospecting has become a standard practice for many biotech companies. At the same time, aquatic ecosystems are facing increasing degradation due to anthropogenic activities and global changes, including climate change. These challenges have spurred the development of environmentally friendly, circular resource extraction techniques and ecological restoration methods for the oceans.

This context aligns with the spirit, ambitions, and goals of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and Ecosystem Restoration, the European Green Deal, and the Ecological Transition. It also emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to the sustainable use of aquatic biological resources, in line with the principles of the circular economy and environmental sustainability.

The program aims to train a new generation of biotechnologists with expertise in utilizing aquatic biological resources (from molecules to species, communities, and habitats) to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of ecosystem services provided by seas, oceans, inland waters, and transitional ecosystems for human well-being.

Graduates of this program will be eligible to pursue Master's degrees offered by the University of Cagliari, such as Advanced Biotechnology (class LM-9), Molecular and Cellular Biology, Marine Bioecology, or Neuropsychobiology (class LM-6), and Food Science and Nutrition (class LM-61), as well as other Master's programs in Biotechnology within classes LM-7 and LM-8.