A candidate who has completed his or her qualification should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Skills
The candidate shall be able to:
- combine knowledge from multiple disciplines.
- work with deadlines and constraints in relation to a larger project.
- find, evaluate, analyse, organize, and synthesize biological literature including methods and results
- independently apply relevant research methods within the specialization
- formulate questions and hypotheses, collect and analyse data, draw conclusions and discuss the work in the context of previous research
- write a manuscript suitable for submission to an international journal within the specialization
The Master's programme Biology provides candidates with research-based, specialized knowledge. Practical projects provides skills and general competence at an advanced level, with the aim of working in research, manufacturing, consulting, education and public administration or for further education in a doctoral program. The MSc-thesis provides expertise in one of the research areas: (1) Cell and molecular biology, (2) Physiology,(3) Ecology, Behavior, Evolution and Biosystematics, and (4) Biodiversity and systematics (NABiS).
Upon completion of the degree, the Master's candidate shall have achieved the following learning outcomes:
The candidate shall be able to:
- work in projects, both independently and in collaboration with others, including interdisciplinary teams
- analyse key issues within a specialization from scholarly and ethical perspectives
- communicate research results to specialists and to a broader audience in written and oral presentations in English
- contribute to innovation within their specialization
- analyse and manage risks in the use of chemical and biological materials and understand the environmental consequences of these, with a focus on health, safety and the environment (HSE)
Learning outcome for individual study specializations (in addtion to the general learning outcome above):
Specialization: Cell and Molecular Biology
The specialization will provide deep molecular understanding of cell biological mechanisms and their regulation. After completing the program, the candidate should have good knowledge of the main methods in cell and molecular biology and the use of modern experimental techniques and apparatus. A scientific investigation is conducted with subsequent written presentation within a particular topic. The candidate shall here display technical expertise and ability to critically evaluate scientific work.
Master candidate shall upon complete education:
Knowledge
- Have advanced research based knowledge of important biological cell-communication principles and processes and how they are regulated.
- Have advanced knowledge of the cell and molecular biology area.
- Have applied knowledge in cell and molecular biology.
Skills
- Be able to use and master important techniques to perform independent laboratory work and conduct an independent scientific investigation.
- Can use cell and molecular biological methods in a research paper and give a written presentation of research results.
- Ability to apply existing theories in cell and molecular biology.
Specialization: Physiology
The specialization provides insight into how animals and plants function in their natural environment. Candidates will acquire thorough understanding of the relationship between specific factors in the external environment and physiological characteristics. A scientific survey is conducted with subsequent written presentation within a particular topic. Here, the candidates should show professional expertise and ability to critically evaluate scientific work.
Master candidate shall upon complete education:
Knowledge
- Have up-to-date scientific knowledge of how animals and plants function in their natural environment and have acquired a thorough understanding of the relationship between specific factors in the external environment and physiological characteristics.
- Have a thorough knowledge of the field of physiology.
- Be able to analyze and solve physiological problems.
Skills
- Be able to master important methods (in field and/or laboratory) and to conduct an independent scientific investigation and subsequent written presentation within a particular topic.
- Be able to analyze theories of physiology.
Specialization: Ecology, Behaviour, Evolution and Biosystematics
The specialization provides a thorough introduction to one of the fields: ecology, behaviour, evolution and biosystematics. Considering the special field, courses will provide a thorough introduction to living organisms¿ relation to the environment and other living organisms, both within and between species. Specialization gives understanding of micro-and macro-evolutionary processes, and methods used to study them, including methods based on morphological and molecular characters.
Master candidate shall upon complete education:
Knowledge
- Have new knowledge on theoretical and / or experimental aspects of the specialty and broad knowledge in nearby fields.
- Have a thorough knowledge of how biology can yield understanding and solutions to environmental problems.
- Have deep knowledge about biodiversity.
- Be able to understand the evolutionary history and ecological processes.
Specialization: Biodiversity and Systematics
The specialization provides a thorough introduction to biodiversity and systematics including identification skills in one or more groups of organisms. The program will provide an overview of living organisms and kinship / classification between them, species formation and evolutionary history and processes underlying diversity patterns, as well as knowledge about the rules for naming of species. A scientific investigation is conducted in a particular subject with subsequent written presentation. Here, the candidates should show professional expertise and ability to critically evaluate scientific work.
Master candidate shall upon complete education:
Knowledge
- Have advanced knowledge and understanding of theories related to the fields of biodiversity and systematics and specialized knowledge in a defined area.
- Extensive knowledge of current research and practice in methodology of biodiversity and systematics.
Skills
- Be able to describe the evolutionary mechanisms that lead to speciation.
- Be able to explain species concept and be able to produce and critically analyze molecular data.
- Be able to assess their own work critically and thereby contribute to knowledge in the field.
General competence
- Understand the importance of biodiversity in a global perspective and understanding of ethical and economic aspects related to the conservation of biological diversity.
- Show awareness of ethical issues in relation to research and management practices within the specialization.
