Biosciences
See study programmeDoing a master in Biosciences 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.
Natural resources are of great value to humankind and must be maintained for future generations. Master's students will gain knowledge on the living organism in the marine and terrestrial environment. The importance of sustainability in a wide context. The study programme aims to give the students advanced knowledge in biosciences within specializations available in the four fields: aquaculture, genomic, marine or terrestrial ecology. A Master of Biosciences gives you a competitive edge in the job market, and we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of profiles, depending on your career goals.
Master of Biosciences has four specializations:
- Specializations in Aquaculture
- Specializations in Genomic
- Specializations in Marine Ecology
- Specializations in Terrestrial Ecology and Nature Management
Specialisation in Aquaculture:
Aquaculture refers to the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of plants and animals in all types of aquatic environments. Aquaculture is probably the fastest growing food-producing sector globally, currently supplying almost 50 percent of the fish consumed worldwide. The specialisation in aquaculture aims to give students a deeper knowledge in selected areas of aquaculture. In this program, you will be part of our research team studying different aspects within aquaculture such as aquaculture nutrition, physiology, health, welfare and fillet quality. The master project can make use of the University's research station at campus Bodø or in close cooperation with the regional industry. This program prepares you for a career in research, consulting or industry.
Specialisation in Marine ecology:
The study of the functioning of ecosystems and how organisms interact within marine environments, becomes increasingly important as human activity continues to exploit and affect marine ecosystems. The life under water is fascinating, but challenging to study. In this program, you will be part of our research teams studying different marine environments from various perspectives: evolutionary processes using molecular techniques, dynamics of diversity and communities and modelling of hydrodynamical regimes. The understanding of such processes is essential to sustainably manage marine resources in the future and, therefore, this program prepares you for a career in research, consulting, industry or environmental authorities.
Specialisation in genomics:
Genomics, defined as the study of structure, function and evolution of genomes, is at the forefront of modern biology. Technological breakthroughs over the past decade have revolutionised genomics and all related fields of biosciences. Master projects in genomics target a range of organisation levels in biology, from the molecular level to that of populations, via cells and organisms. Exiting research questions that were previously intractable can now be addressed. You will gain knowledge on how to collect, analyse and interpret large data sets using bioinformatics. Projects in the field of genomics are often interdisciplinary, and relate to a wide range of biological disciplines, such as ecology, reproduction, development, physiology, evolutionary biology, toxicology, and ethology. A specialisation in genomics prepares for career opportunities in biotechnology, medicine, management, or academia.
Specialisation in Terrestrial Ecology and Nature Management
Sustainable use of nature is a challenge and critical to ensure the human population in the future. It includes a use of nature resources and land areas of the earth that secures biodiversity and healthy ecosystems ¿ as recognized by the Brundtland Commision some 25 years ago. To meet the challenges we need people with knowledge and skills in this field of scientific research and management who are able to communicate and find management solutions. This program prepares you for a career in nature management and research by a deep insight and knowledge about the tools available to secure a sustainable us of nature resources.
Knowledge
The candidate
- has advanced knowledge within the field of biology (aquaculture, genomic, marine ecology or ecology) depending on the master's specialization
- have a thorough knowledge of relevant scientific methods used in biological research
Skills
The candidate
- can analyze and critically relate to various information sources and apply them to structure and formulate questions in biology
- can analyze existing theories, methods and research strategies within the field
- can use relevant methods in an independent way to collect, analyse, interpret and understand biological data
- can carry out an independent, limited research project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics
General competence
The candidate
- can analyze relevant biological and ethical issues
- can apply his/her knowledge and skills to participate in scientific research and professional research related to the master's specialization
- can perform advanced tasks and projects within its field
- can communicate extensive independent work and masters language and terminology of the academic field
- can communicate about academic biological problems to a scientific environment and the general public
- can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes
- Higher education entrance qualification
- Documented proficiency in English language
- Bachelor's degree within a biological field with an average grade of C or better. Students need a minimum of 60 ECTS in biosciences courses and must have basic knowledge of mathematics, statistics and chemistry at university level.
Ever thought of spending part of your degree in another part of the world? Our cooperations with universities in Europe and other parts of the world can offer you exciting opportunities to study one or two semesters abroad.
A study abroad complements your degree studies well. We are flexibel and will do our best to help you with your stay abroad. The world is yours to explore.
Below you will find an overview of our partner universities which offer subjects within Biosciences at master's level:
AUSTRALIA
James Cook University
Charles Darwin University
INDIA
Department of Aquaculture, Karntaka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, College of Fisheries, Mangalore
JAPAN
Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
CANADA
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Lakehead University
University of Saskatchewan
USA
Humboldt State University
University of New England
EUROPE
Netherlands:
University of Groningen
University of Wageningen
Russia:
St. Petersburg University
Murmansk State Technical University (MSTU)
Russian State Hydrometeorological University (RSHU)
Germany:
University of Bremen
Leuphana University Lüneburg
Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg
Spain:
University of Barcelona
University of Alicante
Denmark:
Roskilde University
Sweden:
Gothenburg University
Iceland:
University of Akureyri
Holar University College
Portugal:
University of Algarve
France:
Université Jean Monnet Saint-Étienne, IUT St.-Étienne
Université de Bourgogne, IUT Dijon
Université Francois-Rabelais, TOURS
Hungary:
Szent Istvan University
Italy:
University of Sapienza
In addition to the semester fee and syllabus literature, students are expected to have a laptop with microphone and camera. Students must purchase their own laboratory coat for use in courses with laboratory exercises.
Fees could apply for elective courses, maximum NOK 3000.
After submission of the Master thesis, the student defends his/her thesis in a public lecture. After the lecture, there will be an oral examination.
The master thesis and courses on master level are evaluated by internal and external sensor.