Arctic Marine Ecology

The ecology of high-latitude coastal and oceanic systems is the focus of this specialization. Polar marine ecosystems, their unique characteristics, and their functioning will be explored. The structure of food webs in various Arctic marine habitats will be examined, along with the requirements for their sustainable use and the influence of the physical environment on species and their ecology. Through a master’s in Arctic Marine Ecology, a wide variety of organisms, ranging from bacteria and plankton to benthos and top predators such as fish and marine mammals, will be introduced. Arctic marine food webs across the entire Arctic can be compared, and the responses of organisms and ecosystems to climate change and environmental variation can be studied.

Students will be an integral part of the Arctic Marine System Ecology (AMSE) Research Group and are expected to participate actively.

The specialization Arctic Marine Ecology provides you with advanced knowledge within aspects of Arctic marine system ecology. You will understand how organisms respond to biotic and abiotic factors, the dynamics of primary and secondary production in high-latitude marine ecosystems, the role of trophic interactions in regulating communities and marine food webs, and the functioning of biogeochemical cycles like the carbon cycle in Arctic systems.

You will learn about study designs relevant in marine environments, and critically reflect on the approaches benefits and limitations. You will be able to evaluate diverse information sources and apply your knowledge to societal issues such as marine resource management and pollution control.

Students can undertake periods of studying at The University Centre at Svalbard (UNIS).

International exchange during an entire semester is not possible in the first year of studies due to obligatory courses.

Stays abroad can take place as part of a master project in the third and fourth semester. Please consult the program study advisor for more information.

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.