The subject of the Thesis will have be within the scope of basic or applied research about the aquatic environment and its organisms. These advanced studies can consist of the most diverse approaches, from molecular biology to ecosystems, involving any group of aquatic organisms, including technological development related with production or exploitation of aquatic natural products. In any of the these themes students will have to develop capacities that allow them to become autonomous to conduct advanced scientific research. The bibliographic search on the specific subject of the thesis implies the acquisition of advanced knowledge on aquatic organisms and their environment.

The programme leading to the degree of doctor in Aquatic Sciences has a duration of four years (eight semesters) and consists of a scientific thesis, original and especially made for to this purpose, corresponding to a total of 240 ECTS credits. To obtain the degree of doctor in Aquatic Sciences the candidates must be approved by a jury in a public session.

Students must develop the necessary skills to carry out high level research, fundamental or applied, acquiring advanced knowledge on specific subjects about of the aquatic environment and their organisms, deepening the previous university studies of 1st and 2nd cycles (BSc and MSc). To obtain the degree of doctor in Aquatic Sciences, the student must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out experimental work, laboratory or field studies, be able to analyze the results obtained, and based on those results be able to write scientific papers with quality for publication in journals of recognized merit in the subject.

Development of original high level research on basic or applied sciences related with aquatic ecosystems (marine, estuarine or freshwater) and its organisms. Within this scope, the thesis can be focus on the following subjects: cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, histology, physiology, ecology, ecotoxicology, physical oceanography, chemistry of natural products, technological developments in aquaculture, food quality and exploitation of natural products.