About the study programme

The oceans hold increasingly important resources, which we will depend upon in the future. In order to create solutions that will lead to sustainable management of these resources, there is a need for in-depth and interdisciplinary knowledge about the interactions between industrial interests, biology and environmental concerns.

The Master of Science in Marine Coastal Development programme is a two-year international multidisciplinary programme. It is especially designed to give the students a broad understanding of the complex interactions in the marine environment. NTNU has world leading research communities on these fields, as well as close contact with relevant external partners.

The programme offers specialization in four lines of study. All the specializations will include an individual research project with publication of the results according to international standards. The specializations are as follows:

• Aquaculture
• Fisheries and marine resources
• Marine biology and biochemistry
• Environmental analysis and environmental technology

Study Environment

As a student enrolled in this programme, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, computer labs, research laboratories and platforms (eg. research vessel). You will get to see and work at several of NTNU’s research facilities, including the Science building at Gløshaugen, Trondheim Biological Station, Centre for fisheries and Aquaculture, and Marine Technology Centre.

Career Prospects

A Masters degree in Marine Coastal Development will give you a solid basis for further careers, both nationally and internationally. The multidisciplinary background this programme offers is in demand by both the fisheries- and aquaculture industry, as well as administrative authorities involved in management of the coastal zone.

Aquaculture

Students will get insight in both national and international aquaculture, with a focus on sustainable development concerning resources and environment. The study will give an introduction to the biological foundation for aquaculture and the technological premises for a rational and safe production, focusing on marine juvenile technology, environmental concerns, integrated aquaculture, design and management of sea farms, and aquaculture cybernetics. There will be an emphasis on a holistic understanding of the development of an industrial marine aquaculture that is adapted to the demands and needs of the market.

The study offers further specialization within:

• Marine aquaculture
• Aquaculture technology

Fisheries and marine resources

This study is based on current challenges concerning the value chain in the fisheries and the processing of marine resources. This includes knowledge about framework conditions and environmental problems for commercial fisheries, design and development of vessels and equipment for fisheries and how the technological development in this area may affect marine resources.

This study offers the following areas of specializations:

• Processing of marine resources
• Design of fishing vessels and equipment
• Analyses of fishing fleet capacity development and environmental impacts

Marine biology and biochemistry

This study will give the students a broad understanding of the biodiversity of marine organisms, including their interaction with the abiotic environment and with other organisms in the marine ecosystem. Although there will be a great emphasis on the local environment, the oceans effect on food production and global climate will also be important areas. The students will learn about and use the latest methods within marine ecology, biodiversity, bio prospecting, fisheries biology, biochemistry and biological oceanography.

Environmental analysis and environmental technology

The study will give the students insight in- and methods for environmental analysis and environmental technology, including environmental management and -politics, resource economics, life cycle assessment and eco-efficiency. There will be a main focus on water cleaning and treatment, on both small and larger scale.

The study offers a multidisciplinary orientation with further specialization within:

• Environmental analysis, focusing on discharge and effects
• Technology in water quality and water cleansing

Formal prerequisites:

BSc/BEng degree or equivalent in areas related to marine such as:

• Marine Technology
• Marin Biology
• Marine Biochemestry
• Aquaculture