Biosciences

A Master in Biosciences provides you with in depth knowledge within a chosen biological field, but will also improve your critical thinking and analytical skills. During the project phase of the programme you will be a part of a local scientific research group, conducting an original piece of scientific research. Master students can investigate the marine, terrestrial, and anthropogenic environments, gaining proficiency in the use of analytical tools in areas such as statistics and genomics.

This flexible study programme provides advanced knowledge in biosciences with specialisations 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 ability to choose a range of potential career paths.

Students must have completed a safety course before they can use special rooms, special equipment or perform procedures that involve increased risk

Master of Biosciences has five specialisations:

Aquaculture

Genomics

Marine Ecology

Terrestrial Ecology and Nature Management

Livestock Science

Specialisation in Aquaculture: Aquaculture is 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. This specialisation will give students an in-depth knowledge of selected areas of aquaculture. You will be a part of a research team studying different aspects of aquaculture such as nutrition, physiology, health, and welfare. The master project can make use of the University's research station at the Bodø campus, or can be run in close cooperation with the regional industry. This specialisation prepares you for a career in research, consulting, or industry.

Specialisation in Marine ecology: Study of functioning ecosystems and how organisms interact within marine environments is becoming increasingly important as human activity continues to exploit and affect marine ecosystems. Life under water is fascinating, but challenging to study. In this specialisation, you will be part of a research team studying different marine environments from various perspectives: using molecular techniques to study evolutionary processes, molecular population ecology, conservation biology, dynamics of diversity and communities, and modelling of hydrodynamical regimes. An understanding of these areas is essential to those sustainably managing marine resources in the future and, therefore, this programme prepares you for a career in research, consulting, industry or environmental authorities.

Specialisation in Genomics: Defined as the study of structure, function and evolution of genomes, genomics is at the forefront of modern biology. Technological breakthroughs over the past decade have revolutionised the area 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. Exciting 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 genomics are often interdisciplinary, relating to a wide range of biological disciplines, such as ecology, reproduction, development, physiology, evolutionary biology, toxicology, and ethology. A specialisation in genomics prepares you for career opportunities in biotechnology, medicine, management, or academia.

Specialisation in Terrestrial Ecology and Nature Management: Sustainable, responsible use of natural resources is a challenge and critical to ensure the human population in the future. It includes use of natural resources and land areas of the Earth that secures biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, as recognised 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 innovative management solutions. This programme prepares you for a career in nature management and research through familiarisation and deep knowledge of the tools available to secure sustainable use of nature resources. This specialisation prepares you for careers in conservation biology, ecological consultancy, management policy, or academia.

Specialisation in Livestock Science: A specialisation offering scientific and professional training that provides 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, quantity and security can be solved by development and implementation of innovative concepts and ideas by well-qualified postgraduates driving developments in livestock science. Specifically, animal welfare, climate footprint, biodiversity, OneHealth, and rapidly developing high-tech and robotisation are all areas that the livestock sector must relate to. The specialisation in Livestock Science offers opportunities to work with such issues and learn more about challenges for the livestock industry in the future.