Program Overview

Molecular Environmental Biology

The specialization in Molecular Environmental Biology focuses on the physiological and molecular analysis of plants and microorganisms. Research areas cover a broad range of contemporary research topics ranging from functional plant and microbial molecular biology and physiology and plant/microbe interactions to bioinformatic analysis and modelling.

Program Description

The Master students will be offered an opportunity for a molecular study within one selected field of research and the participation in an ongoing research project. During the master´s study, the students will be given the opportunity to choose from a variety of different courses applying modern methods of experimental molecular biology and bioinformatics for the study of plant and microbe systems. All courses are designed specifically to prepare the candidates for their master's thesis.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) or an equivalent degree following a programme of study of minimum 3 years.
• A minimum of 80 ECTS in the bachelor's degree must include a specialization in biological topics [i.e., biodiversity (zoology/botany), ecology, cell- and molecular biology, microbiology, physiology (animal/plant), biochemistry and bioinformatics].
• A minimum of 10 ECTS in basic and practical molecular biology (BIO-2018 or equivalent) or documenting hands-on molecular lab experience through a bachelor thesis.
• A minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (3,0) in the ECTS scale. The average grade is calculated from the entire bachelor´s degree.
• Proof of English language proficiency.

What Will You Learn?

The specialization in Molecular Environmental Biology gives you advanced knowledge in one of the following topics:

• Intra- and interspecies communications and molecular interactions.
• Functioning dynamics and biotechnological application of microbial communities in a changing world.
• Secondary metabolites in microbes and plants, their biological functions and applied aspects.
• Bioinformatics and scientific programming.

Job Prospectives

The Master's degree in Biology will allow you to qualify for different career paths and prepare you to step into a professional role or to apply for a PhD. A Master of Science degree in Biology will prepare you for a wide range of jobs, in both public and private sectors, including research, resource and nature management, administration, consulting and the teaching profession.

Degree Name

Master's of Science in Biology.

Access to Further Studies

On successful completion of the degree programme, students may be qualified for admission to a PhD-programme in Biology at the UiT or elsewhere.

Program Structure

The study plan includes various courses and a master's thesis. The language of instruction and all syllabus material is English. Several teaching and assessment methods are employed, including lectures, seminars, laboratory work, computer lab and field courses.

Outgoing Exchange

Students can undertake periods of studying at The University Centre at Svalbard (UNIS). International exchange during an entire semester is not possible in the first year of studies due to obligatory courses. Stays abroad can take place as part of a master project in the third and fourth semester.

Destinations for Studies Abroad

• Aarhus University, Denmark
• Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden
• University of Constance, Germany
• University of Copenhagen, Denmark
• University of Freiburg, Germany
• University of Helsinki, Finland
• University of Iceland, Iceland
• University of Navarra, Spain
• University of Oulu, Finland
• University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
• University of Tartu, Estonia
• Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands
• University of Aberdeen, UK
• University of Tasmania, Australia