Freshwater Ecology

Facts

Duration:	2 År
Credits (ECTS):	120
Qualification:
Admission requirements:
Application deadline:	Non-EU/EEA applicants: 15 November, EU/EEA + Swiss applicants: 1 March, Nordic applicants: 15 April
Application code:

Programme description

The freshwater ecology specialization focuses on research in lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, studying fish (especially salmonids), invertebrates, and parasites. MSc projects explore both fundamental ecology and applied topics like nature and resource management. Key themes include population and community ecology, predation, competition, parasitism, food webs, invasive species, migration, life history, catchments to coasts, and the impacts of climate change.

Students will be an integral part of the Freshwater Ecology Research Group and are expected to participate actively.

Programme structure

Term	10 ects		10 ects	10 ects
	Compulsory safety courses at semester start (no ECTS) HMS-0501 Safety in the laboratory, workshop and on sea and land expeditions. HMS-0502 First aid in the laboratory, workshop and on sea and land expeditions HMS-0503 UiT's regulations for field work and sea-going expeditions HMS-0504 Biological material
First semester (autumn)	BIO-3529 Academic skills	BIO-3521 Seminar in freshwater ecology	BIO-3505 Ecological Interactions	Elective course (10 ECTS)
Second semester (spring)	BIO-3529 Academic skills	Animal exp. (5/6 ECTS)** Elective course (10 ECTS)	BIO-3012 Studydesign and dataanalysis in Biology II Intensive teaching in class (January – March)	BIO-3518 From catchment to coast: Northern inland waters and global change
Third semester (autumn)***	BIO-3950 Master's Thesis Biology
Fourth semester (spring)	BIO-3950 Master's Thesis Biology
	* BIO-3529 is 5 ECTS spread over the two first semesters and conducted partly digitally to accommodate students going to UNIS. BIO-3503 Aquatic Animal Welfare (only for projects that require use of live aquatic organisms) or HEL-6320 Animal Experimentation for Researchers (only for projects that require use of live birds or mammals). Please note that there is an own application deadline for HEL-6320. * Possibilities to take single (intensive) courses at UNIS.

Learning outcomes

The specialization in Freshwater ecology gives you advanced knowledge in ecological and evolutionary theory, management-related knowledge and key methodologies for research in freshwater habitats and fish ecology. You will gain an overview of the physical and chemical processes in freshwater environments, providing a foundation for understanding the significant seasonal changes in ecological patterns. Additionally, you will be able to critically evaluating information from a variety of sources and to transpose acquired knowledge and competency to issues relevant for society, such as freshwater and fish resource management and conservation.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction and all syllabus material is English.

Exchange possibilities

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.

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.