Northern Populations and Ecosystems

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

A specialization in Northern populations and ecosystems provides insight into general ecological theories, analytical approaches and tools for understanding, analysing and managing populations, food webs and ecosystems. Students will work with empirical data collected in the field and typically use novel technologies and/or advanced data analyses to understand ecological patterns and processes. MSc projects are offered in a broad range of topics, including animal behavior, health and diseases, wildlife ecology, plant ecology, theoretical ecology and evolution, ecosystem science and management, and the impacts of climate change on northern ecosystems. A primary focus is placed on arctic-alpine tundra and boreal forests. Projects are often conducted as part of larger research initiatives and in teamwork. Many of the projects are connected to the Climate-ecological Observatory for Arctic Tundra (COAT), and extensive collaboration is carried out with partners within the Fram Centre.

Students will be an integral part of the Northern Populations and Ecosystems Rearch Group, and are expected to participate actively.

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Learning outcomes

As a students in Northern Populations and Ecosystems you will gain advanced knowledge in Arctic terrestrial ecosystem ecology, environmental monitoring and management, such as plant ecology, animal ecology, ecosystem ecology, environmental monitoring designs and analysis, ecosystem-based management.

You will learn to use relevant analytical methods including both theoretical and statistical approaches to issues relevant for understanding and managing Arctic terrestrial ecosystems.

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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Study plan

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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.