Biology

Admission to the master’s program in Biology requires a bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent qualification, including a specialization in biological topics [i.e., biodiversity (zoology/botany), ecology, cell- and molecular biology, microbiology, physiology (animal/plant), biochemistry and bioinformatics] corresponding to a minimum of 80 ECTS.

Applicants must have a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (3,0) in the ECTS scale. The average grade is calcualted from the entire bachelore´s degree.

Applicants with education from non-Nordic countries must document English language proficiency. You will find more information of English language requirements here.

Applicants with a degree in Agricultural, Fisheries and Aquaculture studies, Biomedical laboratory sciences ("Bioingeniør"), or Bachelor of Pharmacy, Medicine or Dentistry do not fulfil the admission requirements.

One of the specializations in the Biology - Master’s program have additional qualification requirements

• Molecular Environmental Biology: Applicants must have completed courses in basic and practical molecular biology corresponding to a minimum of 10 ECTS (BIO-2018 or equivalent) or can document hands-on molecular lab experience through a bachelor thesis.

How to apply for admission to UiT? Read more here

Non-EU students must be prepared to pay tuition fees, more information here

Program description

The Biology - Master´s program provides opportunities to explore an array of pressing questions within modern biology and emphasize some of society`s challenges regarding management of natural resources and biodiversity. Each of the specializations is strongly linked to ongoing research in our research groups, providing the relevant theoretical background, training in state-of-the-art laboratory and field methods, innovative and critical thinking for problem solving, thesis and publication writing as well as training of presentation and knowledge transfer proficiency. Thus, students will be given the opportunity, and is expected, to actively participate as part of the research collegiate in the research group, the department and with relevant external institutions depending on master thesis and master specialization activity.

It is possible to conduct part of the master project in collaboration with external organizations such as Fram Centre Institutes (e.g., Norwegian Polar Institute, Institute of Marine Research, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Akvaplan-niva, Nofima) and the University centre in Svalbard (UNIS), or other organizations in Norway and abroad. In this case, an internal supervisor at our department of Arctic and Marine Biology, in addition to the external supervisor at the host Institution will be affiliated with the project.

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Learning outcomes

A candidate who has completed the Biology - Master´s program is expected to gain the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The candidate

• has advanced knowledge of biological processes and ecosystems in Arctic and sub-Arctic environments, with a specialized insight according to the individual study specialization.
• can find and critically analyze scientific literature and have knowledge about current research trends in Arctic biology.
• can formulate structured scholarly arguments based on academic problems, and apply this knowledge to new areas within the academic field.

Skills

The candidate

• can plan and carry out an independent, limited research project in Arctic Biology, including formulating hypotheses, collecting data, and analyze their results under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics.
• can apply relevant research methodologies, tools, and technologies used in Arctic biological studies, including fieldwork techniques and laboratory analyses in an independent manner.
• can evaluate own academic work and give constructive peer feedback to others’ academic work.
• can acquire theoretical, technical and methodological competence in his/her field of specialization.
• can use AI-tools ethically and according to good scientific conduct.

General competence

The candidate

• can work professionally and ethically in collaboration with others towards a common goal.
• can apply gained knowledge and skills in new areas to carry out advanced assignments and projects.
• can communicate academic issues, analysis and conclusions effectively, both orally and in writing, to the scientific community, policy makers and general public.
• can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes within the framework of sustainable regulations and solutions.
• can conduct independent work in the field or in a laboratory in accordance with general and work-type specific safety regulations.
• can adopt the foundations of the scientific process and critical reflection of research ethics in his/her work, including ethics in animal research, integrity, and transparency.

Job prospectives

The Master’s degree in Biology will allow you to qualify for different career paths and prepare you to step into a professional role or to apply for a PhD.

A Master of Science degree in Biology will prepare you for a wide range of jobs, in both public and private sectors, including research, resource and nature management, administration, consulting and the teaching profession.

The master thesis can play an important role to establish your domain of expertise and to showcase acquired technical and soft skills. Also, it can be very important in building scientific and professional network, that will be a support in your future job search.

Access to further studies

On successful completion of the degree programme, students may be qualified for admission to a PhD-programme in Biology at UiT or elsewhere.

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Related professions

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Study plan

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Language of instruction

Language of instruction is English, and all of the syllabus material is in English. Examination questions are given in English but may be answered either in English or a Scandinavian language.

The Master`s thesis must be written in English.

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Teaching and assessment

The program is a fulltime study at UiT The Arctic University of Norway´s campus in Tromsø, Norway at 69 degrees north.

Different teaching methods are employed, including lectures, seminars, laboratory work, computer lab and field courses. Course examinations may be oral or written, assessments of project work/lab reports/field reports, often in combination. Supervision of the project work that leads to the writing of the master’s thesis will be given by faculty staff, sometimes in collaboration with an external supervisor.