The programme combines a broad foundation in natural sciences with state-of-the-art knowledge and advanced experimental methodology within biology.
From the evolution of life on Earth to climate change
Biology covers a large spectrum of subjects, from molecules to ecosystems and from early life forms on Earth to climate changes on land and in the sea. As a graduate in Biology from SDU, you will gain a broad education which can be used in many different contexts; in the private business sector, in research, in teaching or in public administration.
Work is primarily experimental, in laboratories on campus in Odense, at the Marine Biological Research Centre in Kerteminde, and the Svanninge Bjerge Research Station in southern Funen, as well as different locations around the country and the rest of the world.
You can piece your own profile together within the research areas covered by the Department of Biology.
Research at the Department of Biology
The Department of Biology at SDU focuses its research in experimental biology within four different areas. In these areas, the research is cutting edge and as a student, you get to be where that research is developed. However, teaching in the biological courses is broad and includes all basic biological disciplines.
Application procedure
Applications for the programme are carried through the new online application portal, which is a common application system for all Danish Universities. You need to complete the form, upload all required enclosures (please note that enclosures sent by regular mail are not accepted) and submit it. Please use Firefox as browser when entering the application portal. You are required to upload the following documents:
- Copy of bachelor diploma in English
- Copy of official grade transcript in English
- Explanation of the grading scale used in bachelor diploma and grade transcript
- Documentation of English skills
- Letter of Attorney
- Copy of passport or identification card
- Curriculum Vitae
More information about the application procedure is available on the 'How to Apply' webpage of the University. Non-EU/EEA citizens are required to pay an application fee of 100€ when applying for admission to a full master degree. The application will not be processed until you have paid the application fee. The fee will be deducted later from your first tuition fee payment if you gain admission.
Grant opportunities
More information about funding opportunities is available on the 'Scholarships' section, on the website of the University.
Learning outcomes
- A graduate with a Master's degree in Biology has in-depth and detailed knowledge of fundamental theoretical concepts and experimental methods in the field of biology.
- The graduate has detailed knowledge of the topics of the research carried out by the staff at the Institute of Biology and other similar research institutions. The graduate has expert knowledge of a well-defined area of research within the field of biology.
- The graduate has specific skills in conceptualizing problems relating to the central disciplines of biology by applying biological thinking, reasoning, and technical terms, as well as planning and carrying out advanced biological laboratory and field work.
- The graduate's competences entail that he/she is able to contribute to the generation of new scientific insights or to the innovation of new applications of results from research in biology.
- The graduate can put professional and academic insights into perspective and evaluate the interaction between biology and development of history, culture, and technology.
Career opportunities. Graduates in Biology from SDU are among those biologists in Denmark who have the highest employment rates. The Biology programme at SDU is versatile and can be pieced together in many different ways. Therefore, you can follow several different career paths as a biologist, depending on your professional interests, both in Denmark and abroad.
Science communication. Information officers at science museums, zoos, aquariums and nature centres often work with teaching special classes or leading tours and hikes, as well as designing exhibits. If you have excellent writing and communication skills, other potential career opportunities exist with media specializing in science.
Prerequisites
Entry requirements for the Master's programme in Biology
- Bachelor's degree or other degree based on at least three years of higher education after the high school level.
- Qualifications in biology corresponding to at least 60 ECTS, including the following subject areas:
- The structures and functions of biomolecules and cells.
- The systematics, structures, development and functions of organisms.
- The interaction between organisms and their environment.
- The evolution of life.
- Fundamental knowledge of mathematics, chemistry and statistics.
Students will be qualified for admission after an individual assessment by the Study Board.
Admission limitations. There is restricted admission to this programme. If your application is to be considered, it is important that your application and relevant supporting documents are received before the application deadline. There are 40 seats available for this programme in 2016. Selection criteria for admission to the Master's programme take effect if, due to reasons of capacity, the university cannot admit all qualified applicants to a graduate programme. The students will be selected based on the Grade Point Average from the applicants' qualifying exams.
Legal claim. Applicants who have completed a BSc in Biology at SDU have the right to admission to this master programme immediately after completion of the bachelor programme. Please be aware of that any legal claim for admittance, will cease to exist, if the applicant applies after the application deadline.
Language requirements. Applicants will need to document English proficiency at the Danish B level, corresponding to the C1 level on the Common European Framework of reference for languages.
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