Master's Degree Programme in Biology

The Norwegian College of Fishery Science offers five different specialised fields of study in Biology which lead to the Master's Degree in Biology. The following specialised fields of study are available: Freshwater Ecology, Marine Ecology, Fisheries Biology/Fisheries Technology, Aquatic Ecophysiology and Marine Biotechnology. The different fields of study serve to qualify for a wide range of employment in both public and private enterprise. The Master's Degree Programmes are completed in two years and comprise a total of 120 credits, of which the various courses comprise a total of 60 or 90 credits, and the Master's Thesis accounts for 30 or 60 credits. The Master's Thesis may be orientated towards various approaches related to fieldwork, laboratory work or literary studies (often in combination).

Study Programme Objectives
Upon having completed the Master's Degree Programme in Biology, the candidate will have good qualifications within a sharply defined subject area in Biology.

Admission Requirements
In order to be admitted in the Master's Degree Programme in Biology, it is required that applicants hold a Bachelor's Degree in Biology (or equivalent degree) as well as specialisation in relevant Biology courses from the 2000 level. A more detailed overview of the current 2000-level courses for the different fields of study will be available by following the specialisation links below. In general, 60 credits in classic Biology courses from the 1000 level and 30 credits from Biology courses on the 2000 level are required.

Programme Structure Diagram
The table below gives a description of the general structure of the Master's Degree Programme in Biology at the Norwegian College of Fishery Science. The different fields of study for specialisation contain specific courses required for the various fields of study.

Sem 1	BIO course	BIO course	BIO course
Sem 2	Elective course/Study abroad	Elective course/Study abroad	Elective course/Study abroad
Sem 3	Master's Thesis
Sem 4	Master's Thesis

By following the links below, the course plans for the different fields of study for specialisation may be examined more closely.

Master's Degree Programme in Biology - Specialisation in Freshwater Ecology

Master's Degree Programme in Biology - Specialisation in Marine Ecology

Master's Degree Programme in Biology - Specialisation in Marine Biotechnology

Master's Degree Programme in Biology - Specialisation in Fisheries Biology/Fisheries Technology

Master's Degree Programme in Biology - Specialisation in Aquatic Ecophysiology
Student Exchange Programmes
One of the semesters during the Master's Degree Programme period may be spent at a foreign university. The University of Tromsø and the Norwegian College of Fishery Science offer a number of student exchange programmes in collaboration with foreign universities. Students interested in the student exchange programme should contact the Department of Biology or the Norwegian College of Fishery Science Administration for further information.

Qualification awarded
The completed Master's Degree Programme qualifies for the academic degree of Master in Biology.

Professional Prospects
A Master's Degree in Biology serves to qualify candidates for a wide range of employment in both private and public enterprise. Examples of fields of employment include research, administration, counselling and teaching.

Access to further studies
Candidates with a good grade in their Master's Degree in Biology may apply for admission in a Ph.D. programme in order to pursue a career in research.

Programme Coordination
The Norwegian College of Fishery Science is in charge of the Master's Degree Programme and the specialisation courses therein. Supervision responsibility is shared between the Department of Aquatic Biology (Freshwater Ecology, Marine Ecology, Aquatic Ecophysiology, and Fisheries Biology/Technology) and the Department of Marine Biotechnology (for the specialisation in Marine Biotechnology).