Arctic Animal Biology

Admission requires:

• 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 grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (3,0) in the ECTS scale. The average grade is calcualted from the entire bachelore´s degree.
• proof of English language proficiency. (Applicants with education from non-Nordic countries. You will find more information of English language requirements here.)

Applicants with a degree in Agricultural, Fisheries and Aquaculture studies, Biomedical laboratory sciences ("Bioingeniør"), or Bachelor of Pharmacy, Medicine or Dentistry do not fulfil the admission requirements.

How to apply for admission to UiT? Read more here

Non-EU students must be prepared to pay tuition fees, more information here

Program description

The Arctic Animal Biology specialization focuses on ecophysiology, studying how animals' physiological processes interact with and adapt to their environment. It examines how factors like climate, nutrients, and ecological conditions affect their functions, growth, and survival.

The programme covers many aspects of animal physiology and behaviour, including bioenergetics, thermoregulation, photobiology, chronobiology, endocrinology, reproductive physiology, thermoregulation, nutrition/digestion, cardiovascular physiology. The integrative approach will develop insights into animal biology linking eco-evolutionary demands and constraints with physiological adaptation and whole-organism, organ, cellular and molecular levels. Students will have the opportunity to gain intellectual appreciation and practical know-how at all these levels. For these purposes, the training environment offers globally unique access to field stations, research cruise vessels, specialized research facilities for experimental, hands-on work on arctic animal species, and advanced biosciences laboratories.

Students will be an integral part of the Arctic Chronobiology and Physiology (ACP) Research Group and are expected to participate actively.

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Learning outcomes

By completing a master of science in biology with this specialization you will have advanced knowledge of integrative biology and its importance for understanding ecological adaptation, with an emphasis on arctic contexts.You will cain insight in many aspects of animal physiology and behaviour, including bioenergetics, thermoregulation, photobiology, chronobiology, endocrinology, reproductive physiology, thermoregulation, nutrition/digestion, cardiovascular physiology.

The integrative approach will give you insights into animal biology linking eco-evolutionary demands and constraints with physiological adaptation and whole-organism, organ, cellular and molecular levels.You will also be able to critically evaluate information from a variety of sources and to transpose acquired knowledge and competency to issues relevant for society e.g., environmental change and management of natural resources, food production (aquaculture), human and animal health.

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.

The master thesis can play an important role to establish your domain of expertise and to showcase acquired technical and soft skills. Also, it can be very important in building scientific and professional network, that will be a support in your future job search.

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.

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Related professions

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Language of instruction

The language of instruction and all syllabus material is English.

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Teaching and assessment

Several teaching and assessment methods are employed, including lectures, seminars, laboratory work, computer lab and field courses. These will vary from course to course.
Course examinations may be oral or written examinations, assessments of project work/ lab reports/field reports, often in combination.
Supervision of the project work that leads to the writing of the Master`s thesis will be given by faculty staff, sometimes in co-operation with an external supervisor.