MAMN-BIOMAR Marine Biology

The specialization Marine Biology aims to educate marine biologists with a general overview and knowledge about: key processes and typical patterns in the marine ecosystem, flora and fauna characteristics to marine habitats, marine organisms - their biology and ecology, and the most common research methods within field-based, experimental and theoretical oriented research of marine ecosystems.

The independent research project (master's project) combined with specialization courses and special curricula will give a specialized and deep knowledge of selected research topics and methods. Relevant topics for research projects are: marine ecology, marine organismal biology, biogeography, invasion biology, population genetics, biosystematics and general evolutionary themes based on the study of marine organisms.

Master's students also develop general skills in defining, planning and conducting an independent research project, and to learn to document and discuss scientific results through a written dissertation.

Required Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

Explain key concepts and terminology in Biology/Marine Biology

Describe typical marine habitats and associated flora and fauna

Familiarity with oceanographic forcing of marine systems

Understand interactions between marine organisms and the environment, and adaptations of marine organisms

Understand the dynamics and structural processes in marine populations and communities

Apply marine research methods and understanding their limitations and sources of error

Apply knowledge to illuminate and / or solve management problems

Skills

Use basic methods in marine biology

Perform an independent, limited research project under supervision, but with a high degree of independence and own initiative, and in line with research ethics standards

Handle, and present quantitative data, and evaluate confidence to conclusions by use of basic statistical principles

Analyze marine biological topics and discuss ways to explore these applying relevant theory and method

Retrieve, evaluate and apply new knowledge within the field

Analyze, interpret and discuss own data in a professional and critical manner, in light of data and theories within their subject

General knowledge

Be able to follow scientific discurse in general and evaluate approaches and techniques for solving problems

Give good written and oral presentations of scientific topics and research results

Be able to communicate professional topics and findings in marine biology, both to specialists and the general public

Be able to reflect on key ethical and scientific issues in their own and others' work

Show understanding and respect for scientific values such as remaining accurate, open, honest, objective, factual and distinguish between knowledge and opinions

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for the Master Programme in Biology, you need a bachelor degree in biology or related field. You must hold a minimum of:

80 ECTS in biology, which must cover the following fields: zoology, botany, microbiology, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, physiology, evolution and ecology

20 ECTS in chemistry, whereof 10 ECTS must include lab work

10 ECTS in statistics

10 ECTS in mathematics (excluded in GPA calculation)

Bachelor degrees from UiB that qualify:

Bachelor degree in Biology

Bachelor's degree in Sustainable Aquaculture

Bachelor's degree in Environment and Resources (Natural Sciences specialisation, Biology track)