Study Marine Biosciences, Ecology and Aquaculture in Arctic Norway
Faculty of biosciences and aquaculture
www.uin.no/fba
Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture (FBA) is one of four faculties at University of Nordland, which is located in the capital of Nordland County, Bodø. FBA is one of the leading academic environments for marine sciences in Norway. The main priority of FBA is education and research within marine biosciences, with emphasis on marine ecology, aquaculture and marine genomics. FBA is a partner in the Norwegian Centre of Expertise for Aquaculture and is cooperating with several well known institutions worldwide. Marine biosciences research assets in Nordland Being located on the coast of Nordland County, one of the most productive cold water regions in the world, the University offers the ideal environment for studies and research within marine biosciences and aquaculture. The Faculty has excellent training and research facilities which include chemistry and molecular biology laboratories on campus and a state-of-the-art research station located a 15-minute walk from the main campus. Seagoing research is carried out on small and medium-sized vessels. Staff and students FBA has 80 members of staff, of which 52 are scientific staff including PhD students. Presently a total number of 350 undergraduate and graduate students are studying at FBA on regular study programmes as well as 80 students on lifelong learning programmes. The Faculty is known for its close interaction between staff and students. FBA welcomes international exchange students and degree-seeking students, and encourage our students to go abroad on exchange programmes and placements.
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FACILITIES The Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture offers modern wet and dry laboratories. These are located at the main campus and at the nearby located marine research station in Mørkvedbukta. The research station has been through a comprehensive development, both regarding areas of activity and infrastructure. The station is now a modern facility which supports the marine training and research at the Faculty. Physically, the research station represents a platform for rearing and conducting experiments on living marine organisms, and a platform for marine field activities.
Laboratories • Molecular Biology and Genomics Laboratory • Seafood Quality Laboratory • Aquatic Health Laboratory • Reproductive Biology Laboratory • Marine Ecology Laboratory
Bodø BODØ
www.bodo.no
UiN is located in Bodø, the capital of Nordland Great Britain County and the second largest city in Northern Norway with approx. 47,000 inhabitants. Bodø’s Europe location north of the Arctic Circle brings such wonders as the midnight sun in June/July and the northern lights in the winter. The amazing surroundings of this coastal city offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The climate is surprisingly mild - thanks to the Gulf Stream. Travelling to, from and around Bodø is easy with the international airport, train station and various buses and ferries. Oslo, the capital of Norway, is merely 1 hour and 20 minutes by plane from Bodø.
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Exchange programmes FBA offers the following semester packages for international students from parter institutions. We also admit free mover students from Europe to these programmes: Bachelor level programmes
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Bachelor level programmes: Minimum 1.5 years of full-time studies within biology or related fields. Master level programmes: A bachelor degree in biological sciences, containing at least 60 ECTS credits biological courses, 5 credits Mathematics, 5 credits statistics and 10 ECTS credits chemistry or physics.
Master level programmes
Aquaculture and Ecology (30 ECTS)
MARINE ECOLOGY AND GENOMICS (30 ECTS)
Spring semester
Autumn semester
This programme is for students with a background in biology (e.g. ecology, aquaculture, environmental or agricultural science), wishing to gain valuable knowledge of modern aquaculture on site in Northern Norway. The semester package consists of one obligatory 10-credit course: Norwegian Aquaculture, as well as two elective 10 credit courses, e.g. Biodiversity.
This programme provides up- todate insight in central ecological and environmental principles as well as the basic scientific methods used in the field. The semester package includes courses in evolutionary genetics, biophysical interactions as well as scientific communications and research methods. The package is equivalent to the first semester of the Master in Marine Ecology at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, University of Nordland, where all three courses are compulsory.
ECOLOGY AND NORTHERN WILDLIFE (30 ECTS) Spring semester This programme provides you with a comprehensive understanding of current topics in ecology and marine biology, giving a solid background for future studies in different aspects of ecology and biology. The programme combines traditional teaching on campus with exciting excursions where you experience the spectacular views and sounds of killer whales, sea eagles, Atlantic puffins, and the peculiar organisms in the ocean. The student may choose three of the following 10 credit courses: Marine Biology, Evolutionary Behavioral Ecology, Molecular Ecology and Marine Mammals.
AQUACULTURE (30 ECTS) Autumn semester This programme focuses on aquaculture around the world as well as basic scientific methods and communication skills. The semester package consists of 3 courses, with two of them being compulsory and one elective. The obligatory courses are Aquaculture, and Scientific Communication and Research Methods, whereas the elective courses which students can choose from are Aquaculture Nutrition and Quality Variation in Marine Raw Material. The package is equivalent to the first semester of the Master in Aquaculture at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, University of Nordland.
Contact person: Gøril Frømyr Borgen | gfb@uin.no | +47 755 17 351 6
“Studying at FBA opened my mind to research undertaken in countries other than my own. Quality instruction, supportive staff and exceptional field opportunities made my exchange the great educational experience that it was!” Andrea Bozman (Vancouver Island University, Canada), Ecology and Northern Wildlife, spring 2009. Bozman is currently a Research Fellow at FBA.
Full degree programmes FBA offers several English-taught programmes at all levels for international students: A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Master’s degrees in Aquaculture and Marine Ecology, and a PhD in Aquaculture. We also offer Bachelor’s degrees taught in Norwegian, e.g. in Aquaculture Management and Export Marketing.
PhD in Aquaculture (3 years) MSc in MSc in Aquaculture (2 years) Marine Ecology (2 years) BSc in Biology (3 years)
Scholarships FBA offers a limited number of scholarships for international students coming from our partner institutions. Scholarships are available through the following programmes: • BarentsPlus: Scholarships for one or two semesters exchange for students from North West Russia. • Erasmus: Scholarships for one or two semesters exchange (placement/ studies) for students from institutions participating in the LLP Erasmus programme. • Fellowship Programme for the High North: Scholarships for one or two semesters exchange for students from selected partners in Russia, Canada, the US, Japan, and South Korea. • N2N (north2north): Scholarships for one or two semesters exchange for students from UArctic network institutions. • Quota Scheme: Financial support for MSc programmes for students coming from selected FBA partner institutions in China, India, Russia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. 8
Bachelor of Science in Biology
(180 ECTS)
Are you curious about the secrets of life on our planet? This study programme gives you a solid background for a future career in biology, e.g. within the fields of conservation, sustainable development, marine resources and molecular biology. PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION Biology is the study of all living organisms, from the tiniest molecules constituting the cells’ building blocks to entire ecosystems. Our future and life quality depend on a sustainable exploitation of living resources, fighting pathogens and improving the production of food. The study programme comprises traditional lectures, laboratory work, discussion groups and field trips. Students will go on excursions and fieldwork to study marine evertebrates as well as sea eagles, Atlantic puffins and sperm whales. You specialise in Marine Ecology or Biotechnology, and during your studies you may include 15 weeks of work experience at a Norwegian or foreign company. 1st semester
2nd semester
3rd semester
4th semester
Basic Chemisty
Mathematics and statistics
Ecology
Organic Chemistry
Philosophy
Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Zoophysiology
Biodiversity
Genetics and Evolution
Scientific Methods
Marine Biology
5th semester
6th semester
Specialisation in either Marine Ecology or Biotechnology (30 ECTS)/elective courses (30 ECTS)
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Prerequisite for admission is mathematics and either physics, chemistry or biology from upper secondary school (and/or university/college). If you do not fulfill these requirements you might be eligible by documenting completion of comparable courses from another educational institution. FURTHER EDUCATION AND OCCUPATIONAL PROSPECTS The BSc qualifies for further studies in FBA’s MSc programmes in Aquaculture and Marine Ecology or master’s studies at other universities and colleges. The degree in Biology may also qualify for positions in the private and public sectors. CONTACT PERSON: Gøril Frømyr Borgen | gfb@uin.no | +47 755 17 351
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Master of Science in Marine Ecology
(120 ECTS)
Are you interested in marine ecosystems in the High North? Or are you fascinated by how genes work and interact? Our MSc in Marine Ecology incorporates these and other future-oriented challenges. PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION The objective of this programme is to provide students with scientific and practical skills in frontier research and understanding relevant to biophysical interactions in the ocean, environmental protection and management. The programme aims at investigating the basic functioning of High North marine habitats and their sensitivity to climate and anthropogenic effects by using novel platforms in ocean science and molecular genomics. The MSc comprises e.g. lectures, group work, tutorials, laboratory practise, and selftuition. 1st semester
2nd semester
3rd semester
4th semester
Elective courses
Master’s thesis
Master’s thesis
Scientific Communication and Research Methods Evolutionary Genetics Biophysical Interactions
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in biological sciences, and have minima of 60 ECTS credits biological courses, 5 credits mathematics, 5 credits statistics as well as 10 ECTS credits physics or chemistry. The average mark must be C or better either for the entire degree or the 60 ECTS specialisation. FURTHER EDUCATION AND OCCUPATIONAL PROSPECTS The MSc shall qualify for admission to PhD programmes in relevant fields. The programme also qualifies for a range of different positions within research, teaching, management and private industry.
CONTACT PERSON: Gøril Frømyr Borgen | gfb@uin.no | +47 755 17 351 10
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Master of Science in Aquaculture
PhD in Aquaculture (120 ECTS)
Are you interested in Biology or Aquaculture? We offer an exciting master’s programme in an international environment. You can specialise in e.g. physiology, aquatic health and welfare, reproduction biology, seafood quality or molecular biology. PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION The study programme aims at providing students with scientific and practical skills crucial for the development of the aquaculture industry. The MSc comprises e.g. lectures, group work, tutorials, laboratory practise, and self-tuition. The master’s courses (3xx-level) are taught in 4-5 blocks per semester, i.e. two-/three-day seminars with appr. 15 hours per block. 1st semester
2nd semester
3rd semester
4th semester
Elective course
Scientific Communication and Research Methods Elective courses
Master’s thesis
Aquaculture Practice and Principles Elective course
Master’s thesis Master’s thesis
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in biological scences, and have minima of 60 ECTS credits biological courses, 5 credits mathematics, 5 credits statistics as well as 10 ECTS credits physics or chemistry. The average mark must be C or better either for the entire degree or the 60 ECTS specialisation. FURTHER EDUCATION AND OCCUPATIONAL PROSPECTS The MSc shall qualify for admission to the PhD in Aquaculture at the University of Nordland or other universities/colleges. The programme also qualifies for a range of different positions in research, teaching, management and private industry. CONTACT PERSON: Gøril Frømyr Borgen | gfb@uin.no | +47 755 17 351
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(120 ECTS)
The PhD in Aquaculture is a broad multi- and interdisciplinary advanced scientific programme which is scheduled to take three years of intensive research and training. PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION The programme is made up of an educational training component (30 ECTS credits) and a research component. The educational training component consists of 15 compulsory credits including ethics in science and nature, as well as animal use in research and animal welfare in conjunction with a course in the research area specialisation. The 15 elective credits can be attained from a wide range of 400 and 300 level courses. The research dissertation is a body of work based upon original research that is characterised by its scientific excellence, relevance and value. This research work will be performed in association with at least one of the faculty research groups. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applicants should have high-quality master’s degrees (or equivalent) in biology or related fields. Potential candidates with other master’s qualifications may be acceptable depending upon the nature of the project and applicant concerned. A PhD position must be supported with a financial guarantee of at least three years of financing. The competition for funding from Norwegian sources is stiff and very limited. FBA does not have the resources to provide any financial assistance. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Ongoing admission throughout the year. CONTACT PERSON: Gøril Frømyr Borgen | gfb@uin.no | +47 755 17 351 13
Research Vision FBA aims to be a leading arena in the High North for education, research and knowledge dissemination in aquaculture and ecology. This is fostered by a unique genomic platform and characterised by the strong interaction between disciplines. FBA meets the needs for employment and value creation in the knowledge-based bio-economy, defined by the EU as sustainable production and transformation of biomass to food, fibre products, industrial products and energy. Our fundaments are talented people, up-to-date infrastructure and advanced methodologies - all supported by high academic quality standards and scientific integrity. Our ambition is to rank among the top educational establishments for marine biosciences in Norway. Strategic Reseach Groups The Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture is organized into three research groups representing the various research fields of the Faculty:
Aquaculture Aquaculture has three research units: Aquatic Animal Health, Reproductive Biology and Seafood Quality. More than half of the world´s food fish is generated from aquaculture and continued growth in this sector warrants multi-disciplinary research, including that related to sustainable practices. Research at the Faculty addresses both biological and environmental problems encountered by the sector and covers the value chain extending from the “the farm to the fork”. Cold water fish species including Atlantic salmon and marine fish like Atlantic cod receives a great deal of focus, though fundamental biological problems are also studied using model fish species. Through international collaborations, opportunities exist for research on warm water fish and shellfish species. Areas of investigation include reproductive biology, biotechnology, epidemiology, microbiology, immunology, health and welfare, nutrition and feed development, and seafood quality. Close contacts are maintained with fish farming companies, feed producers and the animal health industry to ensure the relevance of the research undertaken. Group Manager: Prof. Kiron Viswanath (kvi@uin.no)
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Marine Ecology Marine Ecology has three research units: Benthos Ecology, Biophysical Interactions and Marine Molecular Ecology. The group has advanced knowledge of the basic functioning of the high latitude marine community, in the fjords, on coastal shelves and in oceanic waters. Its multidisciplinary research has an emphasis on new technology to enhance the understanding of system responses to environmental changes. The common theme is to relate traditional ecological observations to genetics at the molecular level. Topics of interest include climate and anthropogenic impacts, for example of exploitation strategies, on the genetic developments in marine organisms. Group Manager: Prof. Ketil Eiane (kei@uin.no)
Marine Genomics Marine Genomics has two research units: Aquaculture Genomics and Evolutionary Genomics. Molecular and bioinformatics technologies are applied in the study of the structure, function and evolution of genes and genomes relevant to aquaculture and marine ecology. Research topics include inter-relationships of genes controlling immunity and growth in aquaculture species and the influence of external factors on gene expression (epigenetics), and genes related to adaptation and behaviour in marine species such as Atlantic cod. A SOLiD deep sequencing platform, the first of its kind in Norway, performs whole transcriptome sequencing and micro-RNA profiling of specific tissues, and genome sequencing/re-sequencing. Group Manager: Prof. Jorge Fernandes (jfe@uin.no) 15
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Welcome to Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture and Bodø, Norway! Academic year • Autumn semester: ca 15 August to 19 December • Spring semester: ca 10 January to 19 June Application deadlines Degree-seeking students • 1 February: Non-European citizens • 1 April: European citizens Exchange students from partner universities • 1 May for the following autumn semester • 15 September for the following spring semester
NO-8049 Bodø, Norway Tel: +47 75 51 72 00 E-mail: postmottak@uin.no www.uin.no/english
costs As in most Norwegian universities and state university colleges University of Nordland does not charge any tuition fees for international students. However, you must be ensured subsistence for the period you will be studying in Norway. See www.studyinnorway.no and www.udi.no Further inquiries International Office international@uin.no