Doing a master in Biosciences you are not only learning in depth knowledge within a biological field, you will also improve your way of critical thinking and be a part of a scientific research environment.
Natural resources are of great value to humankind and must be maintained for future generations. Master's students will gain knowledge on the living organism in the marine and terrestrial environment. The importance of sustainability in a wide context. The study programme aims to give the students advanced knowledge in biosciences within specializations available in the four fields: aquaculture, genomic, marine or terrestrial ecology. A Master of Biosciences gives you a competitive edge in the job market, and we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of profiles, depending on your career goals.
Master of Biosciences has four specializations:
- Specializations in Aquaculture
- Specializations in Genomic
- Specializations in Marine Ecology
- Specializations in Terrestrial Ecology and Nature Management
Specialisation in Aquaculture:
Aquaculture refers to the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of plants and animals in all types of aquatic environments. Aquaculture is probably the fastest growing food-producing sector globally, currently supplying almost 50 percent of the fish consumed worldwide. The specialisation in aquaculture aims to give students a deeper knowledge in selected areas of aquaculture. In this program, you will be part of our research team studying different aspects within aquaculture such as aquaculture nutrition, physiology, health, welfare and fillet quality. The master project can make use of the University's research station at campus Bodø or in close cooperation with the regional industry. This program prepares you for a career in research, consulting or industry.
Specialisation in Marine ecology:
The study of the functioning of ecosystems and how organisms interact within marine environments, becomes increasingly important as human activity continues to exploit and affect marine ecosystems. The life under water is fascinating, but challenging to study. In this program, you will be part of our research teams studying different marine environments from various perspectives: evolutionary processes using molecular techniques, dynamics of diversity and communities and modelling of hydrodynamical regimes. The understanding of such processes is essential to sustainably manage marine resources in the future and, therefore, this program prepares you for a career in research, consulting, industry or environmental authorities.
Specialisation in genomics:
Genomics, defined as the study of structure, function and evolution of genomes, is at the forefront of modern biology. Technological breakthroughs over the past decade have revolutionised genomics and all related fields of biosciences. Master projects in genomics target a range of organisation levels in biology, from the molecular level to that of populations, via cells and organisms. Exiting research questions that were previously intractable can now be addressed. You will gain knowledge on how to collect, analyse and interpret large data sets using bioinformatics. Projects in the field of genomics are often interdisciplinary, and relate to a wide range of biological disciplines, such as ecology, reproduction, development, physiology, evolutionary biology, toxicology, and ethology. A specialisation in genomics prepares for career opportunities in biotechnology, medicine, management, or academia.
Specialisation in Terrestrial Ecology and Nature Management
Sustainable use of nature is a challenge and critical to ensure the human population in the future. It includes a use of nature resources and land areas of the earth that secures biodiversity and healthy ecosystems ¿ as recognized by the Brundtland Commision some 25 years ago. To meet the challenges we need people with knowledge and skills in this field of scientific research and management who are able to communicate and find management solutions. This program prepares you for a career in nature management and research by a deep insight and knowledge about the tools available to secure a sustainable us of nature resources.
Application procedure
Where to submit your application:
All applications for degree and one-year study programmes taught in English must be submitted via the online applications portal (søknadsweb).
Use the link to the applications portal provided on this page or the link on the study programme page. We do not accept applications via email.
Applications for intake in autumn open on the following dates:
Non-EU/EEA: October 1
EU/EEA: January 1
Application deadlines:
December 1: Non-European Union/EEA citizens
April 1: European Union/EEA citizens
April 15: Norwegian citizens and residents
NB: We do not review qualifications or applications prior to the applicable deadlines. Applications submitted after the applicable deadlines will not be considered.
Required documentation:
After you submit your application online, you must upload your documentation in the online application portal. Special requirements apply to some countries – Please check the country overview below. If you are required to submit an English test result, please check the requirements that apply. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission.
Afghanistan, Congo DRC, Iraq, Liberia, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Yemen: Prior to applying to Nord university you must apply for recognition of foreign higher education. NOKUT`s general recognition of higher education.
1. Enclosure form (click to download)
2. Copies of your high school/secondary school diploma and transcripts
3. Copies of your final diploma and transcripts from higher education.
4. Proof of English requirements.
5. Copy of passport. We require only the pages that contains your full name, date of birth and photo identification.
6. Documentation of name change (if applicable).
Any documentation not provided in English, Swedish, Danish or Norwegian must be accompanied by an official translation. Only translations carried out by a government-authorized or otherwise accredited translator will be considered. You must include a copy of the original document. The degree programme you are applying for may stipulate additional, field-specific requirements. Check the detailed admission requirements on the study programme page.
These deadlines apply: January 2 for non-EU/EEA and May 1 for EU/EEA
Special requirements that cannot be uploaded to the online application portal and have to be sent by post.
· USA: transcripts from high school must be sent from the school directly, in a sealed envelope.
· Canada, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Philippines, Ghana, Cameroon, Macau, Nigeria, Sudan, Taiwan and USA: Official academic transcript must be sent in a sealed envelope by post directly from the college/university. Official Transcript Request Philippines[EA2] .
· Pakistan: HEC verification of all documentation related to higher education must be sent by post.
· China: documentation verified by CDGDC or CHSI must be sent by post.
· Iran: copies of translations to English of your diploma / degree certificate and transcript of academic records must be carried out by Official Translators of the Justice Administration in Iran must be sent by post.
Proofe of English profiency:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be sent by post from test center.
Send to:
Admission adress:
Nord University
PO box 1490
8049 Bodø
Norway
Visiting adress:
Nord universitet, Bodø
Universitetsalléen 11
8026 Bodø
Special documentation requirements that can be uploaded to your application:
- Russia: education taken after 2011 must be verified by Rosobrnadzor and and can be uploaded to the application. (choose Russia from the menu here to read more)
- Ukraine: documentation must be verified by the Ministry of Education and Science and can be uploaded to the application. (choose Ukraine from the menu here to read more)
- Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana and Gambia: access card/scratch card from WAEC (West African Examination Council) or NECO (National Examinations Council) must accompany the documentation and can be uploaded to the application.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
The candidate
- has advanced knowledge within the field of biology (aquaculture, genomic, marine ecology or ecology) depending on the master's specialization
- have a thorough knowledge of relevant scientific methods used in biological research
Skills
The candidate
- can analyze and critically relate to various information sources and apply them to structure and formulate questions in biology
- can analyze existing theories, methods and research strategies within the field
- can use relevant methods in an independent way to collect, analyse, interpret and understand biological data
- can carry out an independent, limited research project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics
General competence
The candidate
- can analyze relevant biological and ethical issues
- can apply his/her knowledge and skills to participate in scientific research and professional research related to the master's specialization
- can perform advanced tasks and projects within its field
- can communicate extensive independent work and masters language and terminology of the academic field
- can communicate about academic biological problems to a scientific environment and the general public
- can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes
Prerequisites
- Higher education entrance qualification
- Documented proficiency in English language
- Bachelor's degree within a biological field with an average grade of C or better. Students need a minimum of 60 ECTS in biosciences courses and must have basic knowledge of mathematics, statistics and chemistry at university level.
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