Malacology Malacology Malacology is the branch of invertebrate zoology that deals with the study of the Mollusca (mollusks or molluscs), the second-largest phylum of animals in terms of described species after the arthropods. Mollusks include snails and slugs, clams, octopus and squid, and numerous other kinds, many of which have shells. One division of malacology, conchology, is devoted to the study of mollusk shells. Malacology derives from Greek , "malakos", "soft"; and , "-logia". Fields within malacological research include taxonomy, ecology and evolution. Applied malacology studies medical, veterinary, and agricultural applications, for example mollusks as vectors of disease, as in schistosomiasis.
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology nominated and licensed body of the Engineering Council (UK), a member of the Science Council and has links with many other maritime organisations worldwide. The IMarEST’s international dimension is reinforced by the activities of its divisions and branches located across the globe: These branches provide a local focus to activities, networks, conferences, meetings and events, and for developing and maintaining links and partnerships with people and organisations in key regions in the marine world. The IMarEST has different categories of membership for those who are seeking professional recognition (Corporate Membership), for those who are currently studying or just starting out