This advanced course aims to provide a thorough knowledge of the main effects of global climate changes, such as global warming, ocean acidification and enhanced frequency of extreme events, in marine systems. In particular, building on the knowledge of basic principles of ecology and marine biology obtained during the previous three years, students will be able to get an insight into the physiological mechanisms that determine the response of plant and animals to climate changes and how these translate into alterations in patterns of distribution and abundance of species, community structure and ecosystem functioning.