Biology

See study programme

Autumn 2025 (1. semester)

BIO1017
7.5 sp
KJE1002
7.5 sp
KJE1001
0 sp

Spring 2026 (2. semester)

BIO1013
7.5 sp

Knowledge

The student should

  • Explain central theories, methods, and research areas in biology, particularly in ecology and cell biology, in the broader context of natural sciences.
  • Understand the principles of evolution and genetics.
  • Acquire knowledge about the diversity of life forms from unicellular organisms to lower invertebrates, their ecological adaptations, and molecular and cellular processes that underlie life.
  • Have basic knowledge in chemistry, mathematics and statistics.
  • Understand the principles of scientific methods in biology and their applications to current challenges on our planet.
  • Know the context and societal importance of biology in the modern world, with emphasis on marine environment and molecular processes.

Skills

The student can

  • Investigate phenomena and solve practical and theoretical issues using knowledge gained through laboratory exercises, field courses and theory.
  • Gather and evaluate information, assess it critically, and report.
  • Perform basic procedures in chemistry and cell laboratories

General competence

The student can

  • Acquire new knowledge within biology and be updated on the sustainable development and innovation within natural sciences.
  • Perform tasks requiring biology background, both independently and working in groups.
  • Follow procedures in accordance with good health, safety, and environment (HSE) practices.

1. Higher education entrance qualification

2. English language proficiency

3. Financial capacity - non-EU/EEA applicants

4. Special requirements: Applicants for the Bachelor's programme in Biology must document previous studies in natural sciences at high school or university level:

  1. Mathematics R1/(S1+S2)
    (Mathematics advanced subsidiary level)

Plus one of the following:

- Mathematics R1+R2
(advanced level)
- Physics 1 + 2 (advanced level)
- Chemistry 1 + 2 (advanced level)
- Biology 1 + 2 (advanced level)
- Information Technology 1 + 2 (advanced level)
- Geosciences 1 + 2 (advanced level)
- Technology and research subjects
1 + 2 (advanced level)

One year programmes are for Norwegian and EU/EEA/Swiss applicants only.Applicants from outside this area can only apply for study permit to degree studies.

General admission and documentation requirements

Frequently asked questions about admission

Society has an increased focus on ecology, biodiversity and sustainable development. In combination with another education this one-year-program in biology will give you increased qualifications for work in environmental protection, laboratory work, animal husbandry and work in government agencies focusing on biology. You can also combine this one-year-program with a degree in teaching to increase your teaching qualifications and knowledge in biology. Or you could continue to build on this one-year-program with a bachelor's degree in biology at Nord University.

After completing the one-year-programme you can apply to the bachelor's degree in biology at Nord university and the one-year-programme will count for the first year of the bachelor's degree in biology.

After completing the bachelor's degree in biology you can apply for a masters programme in Biosciences at Nord university.

Master of Biosciences at Nord has the following specializations:

Aquaculture, genomics, livestock science, marine ecology and terrestrial ecology and nature management.

The study programme does not have an option to study abroad.

Costs for semester registration and course literature apply. In addition, it is assumed that students have a laptop with headset and camera. Students should expect to incur costs in the amount of NOK 4,000 in relation to field excursions.

Students must also have their own lab coat for courses with laboratory exercises. This can be purchased at the university bookstore Akademika (NOK 250–400).

Tuition fees

Students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must pay tuition fees. This study programme lists as a category E, and the fee rate is NOK 167 000 per year.

Nord University does not offer scholarships or grants. You can find more information on tuition fees, payment details and exemptions on our website.

Tuition fees for international students

Assessment consists of a written school exam and a home exam.
The programme is evaluated via student questionnaire, as well as by the programme director. The evaluations form a part of the University's quality assurance system.

Refer to "Regulations concerning studies and examinations at Nord University" and other local regulations under Rules and Regulations.