Program Overview

Primary Producers of the Sea

The course focuses on up-to-date research aiming to deepen the knowledge about different aspects of benthic and planktonic primary producers together with their interactions with other organisms. The course is updated on a yearly basis. We concentrate on the following topics: toxic cyanobacterial blooms, how algal blooms are initiated, population genetics of diatoms, the role of benthic microalgae in the "coastal filter" and effects of increased ultraviolet radiation on Arctic/Antarctic primary producers. The course includes lectures, seminars, and independent work.

Course Details

• Course code: BIO458
• Level: Master's level
• Credits: 15 credits (ECTS)
• Offered by: Department of Marine Sciences at the Faculty of Science and Technology
• Study pace: 100%
• Time: Day
• Location: Göteborg
• Study form: Campus
• Language: English
• Duration: 19 Jan 2026 - 25 Mar 2026
• Application period: 15 Sep 2025 - 15 Oct 2025
• Application code: GU-15018

Tuition

• Full education cost: 35,500 SEK
• First payment: 35,500 SEK
• No fees are charged for EU and EEA citizens, Swedish residence permit holders, and exchange students.

Sustainability

This education meets the requirements for Gothenburg University's sustainability certification.

About the Course

The course aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge about primary producers in the sea, including their interactions with other organisms and the environment.

Prerequisites and Selection

Entry Requirements

• University studies of a minimum of 75 credits in Biology with at least one in-depth course of 15 credits in a relevant area.
• Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

Selection

• Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.

Facilities

The Gothenburg region offers proximity to a wide range of marine environments, and our facilities include research stations and vessels.

Recommended Study Route

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Laboratory exercises
• Literature review of own topic

Study at the University of Gothenburg

The University of Gothenburg offers a range of programs and courses, including the Primary Producers of the Sea course.

Research Areas

The University of Gothenburg has various research areas, including:

• Sustainability and the environment
• Health and medicine
• Culture and languages
• Science and IT
• Society and economics
• Education and learning