Master in Biology UiT The Arctic University of Norway

The unique geographical location makes the UiT The Arctic University of Norway an ideal place to study the arctic environment. Specialize in a biological field that interests you, and acquire knowledge that gives you special skills in your future work. Our general focus of research and teaching is adaptions to life at high latitudes, therein dealing with mechanisms at all levels of the organization, from molecules and cells via organisms to ecosystems, in terrestrial as well as marine environments.

Program description

• Duration: 2 years
• Credits (ECTS): 120
• Admission requirements: Bachelor's degree with a major in biology (min 80 ECTS)
• Degree Name: Master's of Science in Biology
• Application code:
  • Norwegian and Nordic applicants: 6001
  • International applicants: 2004

Several Master`s disciplines are offered which reflect the UiT The Arctic University of Norway`s unique geographic location in the high north. They provide opportunities to explore an array of fascinating questions within modern biology and emphasize some of society`s challenges: with regard to the management of natural resources and biodiversity.

Each discipline is connected to ongoing and relevant research in different fields. They will provide the relevant theoretical background, training in the state of the art laboratory and field methods as well as training in presentation and knowledge transfer proficiency.

Program structure

The course BIO-3503/HEL-6320 is compulsory for students who carry out experiments on living animals. Please note that there is an own application deadline for HEL-6320. The amount of compulsory and elective courses will vary depending on the Master's Discipline. The course portfolio taken by individual students will be decided upon by consultation with project supervisors. You may start on work for a 60 ECTS thesis in the second or third term, depending on your own preferences and the character of the project.

Teaching and assessment

Several teaching and assessment methods are employed, including lectures, seminars, laboratory work, computer lab, and field courses. These will vary from course to course.

Course examinations may be oral or written examinations, 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 co-operation with an external supervisor.

Access to further studies

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

Exchange

Students can apply for exchange studies or fieldwork abroad according to the available cooperation agreements within scholarship programs such as Erasmus, Nordplus, Barentsplus, or North2North. Please consult the program study adviser for more information. Students can also undertake periods of studying at The University Centre at Svalbard, UNIS.

Learning outcomes

A Master's candidate is expected to have advanced and comprehensive knowledge of biological methodology, theories, concepts, and scientific approaches. The candidates who complete the program are expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined by general proficiency, knowledge, and skills:

Knowledge

Students will have advanced knowledge in biology and in one of the following disciplines offered:

• Arctic animal physiology
• Freshwater ecology
• Marine ecology and resource biology
• Molecular environmental biology
• Northern populations and ecosystem

Skills

Students will have the ability to:

• Formulate relevant research questions in an independent manner, and apply theories, concepts, and methods pursuant to the scientific and ethical standards in the field.
• To search for and evaluate recent biological research in a critical manner, and to make assessments using scientific knowledge in the field.
• To present biological knowledge and ideas in an instructive manner to researchers, policymakers, and the general public.

General proficiency

• Have acquired specialized expertise in one of the disciplines offered.
• Have the competence to analyze biological problems that require skills at a high level.
• Apply their knowledge and skills in biological theory and methods in new areas relevant to society.
• Have sufficient competence to participate in and to evaluate research projects or to advance to doctoral studies.

Job prospectives

A Master`s of Science degree in Biology will prepare students for a wide range of jobs, in both public and private sectors, including; research, administration, consulting, and the teaching profession.

Many Master`s students in Biology are connected to common projects involving the Department of Arctic and Marine Biology (AMB) and other institutes in Tromsø that carry out biological research and consultation work, e.g. Norwegian Polar Institute, Institute of Marine Research, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Bioforsk, Akvaplan-Niva, and Nofima.