Biology and Aquaculture (Master of Science)

Doing a master in biology and aquaculture you are not only learning in depth knowledge within a biological field, you will also improve your way of critical thinking and be a part of a scientific research environment.

The master programme is an academic programme and offers three specializations:
Aquaculture, Marine Ecology and Marine Genomic.

Specialization Aquaculture:

Aquaculture - also known as fish or shellfish farming - refers to the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of plants and animals in all types of water environments. Aquaculture is probably the fastest growing foodproducing sector in the world, now accounts for nearly 50 percent of the world's food fish. The specialization in Aquaculture aims to give students a deeper knowledge in selected areas of aquaculture. Through the choice of topics, you can delve into subjects such as aquaculture nutrition, fish physiology, fish health, quality and food safety. The master thesis are normally within themes like reproduction of fish, nutrition, fish welfare and health, and muscle quality. The practical work can becarried out in the University's research station or in close cooperation with the industry. The specialization offers both 30 and 60 credits thesis. Selecting a 30-credit thesis, you have the opportunity to take courses in for example economics and management (in Norwegian) at other faculties.

Specialization marine ecology:

Knowledge about factors and mechanisms, which determine the number and distribution of organisms also known as ecology, becomes increasingly important as human activity continues to exploit and affect nature in different ways. Field sampling, controlled experiments, modelling and advanced laboratory analyses are all common research methods in the study of ecology. As a master student within the field of marine ecology, you can choose among study topics related to benthic animals and plants to understand and predict how climate change and other anthropogenic or natural factors affect marinebenthic systems and to apply this knowledge to sustainable ecosystem management. Another possibility is to study the interactions between marine organisms and their environment on all scales from the cell level to ocean basins, or using molecular biological techniques to analyze how populations are related and adapt to the changing environments.

Specialization marine genomic:

Technological breakthroughs in DNA sequencing has quickly made new issues available and changed practices within biological research. Study provides knowledge on how to collect, analyze and interpret large data sets using bioinformatics. Genomics is the study of structure and function of the genetic material. The specialization makes it possible to immerse yourself in an exciting theme, selected from a wide range of possible issues. Relevant disciplines includes marine ecology, evolutionary biology, systematics, ethology and aquaculture. Completion the master makes it possible to work with a variety of biological disciplines within the industry, health, management and research.