Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Bachelor's program in Biology is a 3-year study program with a scope of 180 study points.

Program Details

Scope and Study Points

The Bachelor's program in Biology is a 3-year study program with a scope of 180 study points.

Degree Name

The degree name for this program is Bachelor of Natural Science.

Full-time/Part-time

This program is offered full-time.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction for this program is Norwegian.

Start of Studies - Semester

The start of studies for this program is in the fall semester.

Goals and Content

The Bachelor's program in Biology aims to provide students with a broad and fundamental understanding of biology. Through teaching and learning activities, students acquire a wide range of skills used by biologists in the workforce. Biology is a complex discipline that encompasses ecology, biodiversity, physiology, molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics, with evolution theory as a common framework. Biologists use various field and laboratory methods. The program provides a good foundation for understanding modern natural science and the fundamental questions about life and nature, and how biologists can contribute to solving current and future challenges.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

• Explain how evolution explains the development and diversity of life forms on Earth
• Describe the main features of biological processes from gene expression to physiological regulation and behavior
• Characterize biological systems by analyzing the interaction between structure and function
• Describe metabolism and energy flow from cells to ecosystems based on relevant physical, chemical, and biological properties
• Identify organism groups in nearby ecosystems and characterize them based on morphological characteristics

Skills

• Formulate scientific questions based on relevant scientific literature
• Investigate biological systems in laboratories and in nature using relevant scientific methods and equipment
• Analyze, interpret, and present biological data using simple numerical and statistical methods, and evaluate the uncertainty of these methods
• Use precise scientific language in written and oral communication

General Competence

• Identify ethical issues in biological questions and working methods
• Evaluate the evidence for scientific claims
• Use natural science perspectives to evaluate challenges and opportunities for sustainability, resource management, and bioproduction
• Plan and carry out projects in collaboration with others

Admission Requirements

General study competence and REALFA:

• Mathematics R1 (or S1+S2) and one of the following requirements
  • Mathematics R2 or
  • Physics 1 + 2 or
  • Chemistry 1 + 2 or
  • Biology 1 + 2 or
  • Information Technology 1 + 2 or
  • Geoscience 1 + 2 or
  • Technology and Research 1 + 2

Recommended Prior Knowledge

It is recommended that students have prior knowledge equivalent to Biology 2 and Chemistry 2.

Mandatory Courses

The following courses are mandatory in the study program (120 study points):

• Introduction course (20 study points): mathematics (MAT101/MAT111) and examen philosophicum (EXPHIL-MNSEM)
• Mandatory course (10 study points): computer science (INF100)
• Specialization (90 study points): biology (BIO100, BIO101, BIO102, BIO103, and BIO104), molecular biology (MOL100), chemistry (KJEM109), statistics (STAT101), and physics (PHYS101)

In addition, there are 60 optional study points.

Recommended Optional Courses

It is recommended that students choose courses relevant to their desired study direction for the master's degree in biology (see recommended prior knowledge for each study direction).

Sequence of Courses in the Study Program

• 6th semester: Optional courses or exchange
• 5th semester: Optional courses or exchange
• 4th semester: BIO103, BIO104, EXPHIL-MNSEM/EXPHIL-MNEKS
• 3rd semester: BIO102, PHYS101, STAT101
• 2nd semester: BIO101, INF100, KJEM109
• 1st semester: BIO100, MAT101/MAT105, MOL100

Study Abroad

Towards the end of the bachelor's program, students can take one or two semesters at institutions abroad or at the University Centre on Svalbard (UNIS).

Work and Teaching Methods

Students on the bachelor's program in biology encounter various forms of active learning. Teaching in the courses includes group work, field and laboratory work, active lectures, and assessment for learning.

The teaching method for each course in the bachelor's program is described in the course description.

Assessment Methods

In this program, various forms of summative and formative assessment are used, such as portfolio assessments, reports, quizzes, project work, oral presentations, and written exams.

The assessment methods for each course in the bachelor's program are described in the course descriptions.

Diploma and Diploma Supplement

A diploma in Norwegian with a diploma supplement in English is issued when the requirements for the degree are met.

Grading Scale

At UiB, there are two types of grading scales: Pass/Fail and letter grades on the scale A-F.

The grading scale for each course in the bachelor's program is described in the course description.

Basis for Further Studies

The bachelor's degree provides a basis for admission to the master's program in biology and other relevant master's programs.

Relevance to Working Life

Through the bachelor's program, students acquire a range of practical and academic skills that are useful in working life. Many biologists work in nature and environmental management, aquaculture, schools, public administration, industry, environmental organizations, and media and consulting companies. In most cases, more opportunities open up for those who have completed a master's degree. The University of Bergen offers several master's degree programs that build on the bachelor's degree in biology.

Evaluation

The bachelor's program is evaluated in accordance with the guidelines for quality assurance at UiB. Course and program evaluations can be found on kvalitetsbasen.uib.no

Program Responsibility

The program board is responsible for the academic content and structure of the study program and for the quality of the study program.

Administrative Responsibility

The Department of Biological Sciences at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology has administrative responsibility for the study program.