Master`s degree programme in Animal Science

Cathrine Strømø

Master's degree programme in Animal Science,
120 credits, full time study, taught in Norwegian (English on request in some courses) Contact: Dept. of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences: www.umb.no/iha

Master`s degree programme in Animal Science Foto: Håkon Sparre

Norway has a significant population of livestock that is used for different purposes. These animals must be managed in an ethically and economically responsible way while meeting the demands of consumers. The programme of study offers post-graduate education in the management of livestock for different purposes.

The degree qualifies graduates to apply for PhD education in Animal Science within the study area chosen. A graduate with a Master's degree in Animal Science is also qualified to manage livestock in different settings.

Admission requirements
A Bachelor's degree in Animal Science with courses in anatomy/physiology (15 credits), etology (10 credits), nutrition (15 credits), breeding (15 credits) and molecular genetics (5 credits), or corresponding courses. In addition, the following basic courses (or corresponding courses) are required, with 10 credits each: Scientific Theory, Chemistry, Math, Biology, Statistics plus Introduction to Animal Science (20 credits).

Internationalisation, study abroad and cooperation
The programme of study has cooperation agreements with Geno, Tine, Norsk kjøtt, Norsvin, Norsk sau og geitalslag and others. Students can take a portion of their studies at other universities upon prior approval. UMB also has exchange agreements with a number of foreign universities.

Related studies
There are no related study programmes in Norway.

Learning goals
The student will be able to manage livestock in an ethically and economically responsible manner with scientific-based knowledge within one or more of the following animal science fields: livestock breeding, livestock nutrition and livestock etology, animal technology, physiology and molecular genetics.

Graduates will have fundamental knowledge in one or more of the animal science fields. The graduate will be able to apply this knowledge to practical situations. The graduate's demeanour will show that he/she weighs and reflects the different ethical perspectives that are connected to livestock production.

Teaching and evaluation methods
A combination of methods are used including lectures, practical and independent work, seminars and student prepared lectures. Exams can be a combination of continuous evaluation, tests, oral or written final exams and semester assignments.

Programme content and structure
The student can focus on 6 different study areas:
1) General
2) Livestock breeding
3) Livestock nutrition
4) Livestock etology
5) Livestock and economics
6) Sports animals and pets

To obtain the degree, there is a requirement of 50 credits in Animal Science courses, excluding the Master’s thesis. Of these credits, a minimum of 35 credits must be at the 300 level. For the study areas Breeding, Nutrition, Etology, Sports animals and pets, 25 credits must be at the 300 level within the study area, and the Master's thesis (30 or 60 credits) must also be within the chosen study area. A 60 credit Master's thesis can only be chosen after approval by the Study Committee. The remainder of the credits are electives, at the 200 or 300 level.

Student advising
The programme has a study advisor. In addition, teachers give guidance to students in the specific courses. Email: studieveileder-husdyrfag@umb.no

Quality assurance
Approval of all changes in course descriptions and regulations takes place in the Study Committee. A mid-semester and final evaluation are given in each course. The final evaluations are dealt with by the Study Committee and Department Board.

Updated: 11.02.05
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