Circular Bioeconomy
See study programmeThe bachelor's degree programme in circular bioeconomy is multidisciplinary and provides basic knowledge in biology and business administration as a basis for developing action competence in circular bioeconomy and bio-based value creation. The aim of the programme is to gain broad knowledge and expertise in bioeconomy to enable you to work in a future-oriented manner to create value from renewable resources and have a good foundation for further studies in bioeconomic fields.
As a basic premise, we adopt the Government's definition of bioeconomy: Sustainable, efficient and profitable production, utilization and processing of renewable biological resources for food, feed, ingredients, health products, energy, materials, chemicals, fibre and other products. The use of enabling technologies, such as biotechnology and industrial process technology, is central to the development of a modern bioeconomy.
Circular bioeconomy is a large area that is rapidly developing. It is about understanding biological renewable resources, modern technology, business economics and social development
Bio- and circular economic thinking is generally accepted as a necessary attitude in future societal development. Increased use of renewable resources and more recycling of materials contribute to sustainable societies and profitable businesses by minimizing the severity and impact of the climate change.
By studying circular bioeconomy, you become part of a field that will be important and constantly evolving in the future. A future that requires professional competence, willingness to change and, not least, interdisciplinary approaches.
Knowledge in circular bioeconomy will yield many future employment opportunities. We see some of these today, in the fields of analysis, testing and business development. Most of the jobs and opportunities have not yet been created, however, and will emerge as a result of the societal interest growth in bioeconomy. This is a rapidly moving development.
The content of the programme provides broad knowledge of the basic disciplines biology and economics, with a general focus on how these basic disciplines together (interdisciplinary) are necessary to meet the challenges and tasks of the future in circular bioeconomy.
The majority of the courses are taught in Norwegian, but parts of the teaching might be given in English.
The programme provides candidates with broad knowledge and expertise in sustainable and profitable value creation of bioresources (circular bioeconomy). This means understanding biology (living organisms) as a resource, and to produce and value-manage (the economy) renewable bioresources within logics such as sustainability, circular thinking, biotechnology and digital transformation.
After graduation, the candidate will have obtained the following learing outcomes:
Knowledge
Broad knowledge and understanding of
- biological resources and processes
- value management of bioresources (circular bioeconomy) both as a basis for sustainable resource management and efficient/profitable operations and business development
- restructuring processes and change work
- A good understanding of the social development trends and their importance to and impact on the management of renewable resources
- Knowledge of research and development work in circular bioeconomy
Skills
able to apply knowledge and execute:
- bioresource analyses and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- reports, profitability assessments and economic analyses
- innovation and development processes
- able to translate knowledge into practice in business and administration through reasoned choices
- analytical skills and the ability to critically think and reflect on their own practice based on research/facts
- able to use knowledge to update their own expertise in bio- and circular economy
General competence
- a multidisciplinary perspective on biology, economics and technology.
- the ability to understand and reflect on the scope and complexity of the bio- and circular economy in terms of technology, sustainability, ethics and ecosystem logic (circularity).
- the ability to identify knowledge needs and organize and carry out interdisciplinary problem-solving/work together with others.
- the ability to carry out an independent, limited investigation with guidance.
Admission to the programme of study requires Higher Education Entrance Qualifications.
Applicants who do not have higher education entrance qualification and are 25 years of age or older may apply for admission on the basis of prior learning and work experience. In addition to the general requirements regarding prior learning and work experience at Nord University, the following subject-specific requirements for admission based on prior learning and work experience apply: Mathematics and English on a par with general study competence.
Students can continue studies in Nord University's master's degree programmes: Nordic master's degree in sustainable production and utilization of marine bioresources and Master of Science in global management.
The programme's options regarding specialization subjects, elective courses, internships, exchanges and bachelor's degree theses provide the opportunity to adapt the content to specific admission requirements for various master's degree programmes.
There are increasingly more advanced study opportunities (master's and doctoral degrees) in bioeconomy in Norway and abroad, where the programme provides a good foundation for applicant, and can be adapted to special admission requirements through conscious choices of specialization subjects/bachelor's thesis and internships.
Ever thought of spending part of your degree in another part of the world?
To promote international competence, it is recommended that candidates will spend at least 3 months, during your 5th semester, with our collaborating universities in Europe and other parts of the world. These institutions offer you exciting opportunities to study for one semester abroad, allowing a broader scope and diversity of topics than can be offered by a single university alone.
We are flexible and have dedicated staff who will do their best to help you with your stay abroad. A study abroad complements your degree studies best in the third academic year.
For more information on the process, you can contact Jose de Pool, advisor for study exchange.
The world is yours to explore!
Students will encounter different (final) forms of assessment throughout the programme. The assessments shall ensure a continuous two-faceted process throughout the course of study: to promote learning and to document the student's competence in accordance with the learning outcome descriptions.
Most compulsory work requirements are assessed as pass/fail. Other exams normally have a six-point grading scale. Exams and compulsory work requirements shall primarily ensure progress in the course of study and acquisition of the study outcomes.
Completion and assessment of exams and compulsory work requirements are carried out in accordance with the currently applicable rules in the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges and the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at Nord University.
The individual course’s forms of assessment are described in the course descriptions.