Biosciences

Doing 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 living organisms in the marine, terrestrial and anthropogenic environments. The importance of sustainability in a wide context is highlighted in all specialisations.  This study programme aims to give the students advanced knowledge in biosciences within specializations available in the following five fields: aquaculture, genomics, marine ecology, terrestrial ecology, and livestock science. A Master of Biosciences will give you a competitive edge in the job market, and will give you the flexibility to choose from a range of profiles, depending on your career goals.

Master of Biosciences has five specializations: 

• Specialization in Aquaculture
• Specialization in Genomics
• Specialization in Marine Ecology
• Specialization in Terrestrial Ecology and Nature Management
• Specialisation in Livestock Science

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.

Specialisation in Livestock Science: offer scientific and professional training that will provide the knowledge and skills required to pursue a top career within livestock industries, scientific research and education, or consultancy services. Satisfying future demands of food quality and quantity can be solved by the development and implementation of innovative concepts and ideas by well-qualified postgraduates, who can drive these developments in livestock science. Specifically, animal welfare, climate footprint, biodiversity, OneHealth, and rapidly developing high-tech and robotization are all areas that the livestock sector must relate to. In the master's specialization in Livestock Science, you will work with such issues and learn more about both opportunities and challenges for the livestock industry in the future.