The MSc in Molecular environmental biology focuses on the molecular analysis of plants and microorganisms. Research areas cover a broad range of contemporary research topics ranging from functional plant and microbial molecular biology and plant/microbe interactions to bioinformatic analysis and modelling. The common theme of our discipline is understanding interactions within and between cells and between organisms and their environment at a molecular level. The Master students will be offered an opportunity for a molecular study within one selected field of research and the participation in an ongoing research project among the following focal areas:

• Analysis of molecular signalling and transport processes within and between individual plant and bacterial cells
• Biochemistry and cell biology of parasitic plants and the interaction with their hosts
• Environmental and developmental regulation of secondary metabolism in plants
• Communication and interaction of plants and microorganisms with each other and with the environment.
• Diversity and function of microbial communities involved in biodegradation of environmental pollutants
• Production and enzymatic degradation of plant biomass for bioenergy
• Implementation of bioinformatic approaches for the topics above and beyond

During the master study the students will be given the opportunity to choose from a variety of different courses applying modern methods of experimental molecular biology and bioinformatics for the study of plant and microbe systems. All courses are designed specifically to prepare the candidates for their master’s thesis. Also, the active participation in common seminars and courses are expected as an important part of scientific training.

For more information about the research group see: Microorganisms and Plants research group.

Recommended elective courses: 

Recommended elective courses which timeplans are coordinated with BIO-3005 are the following:

• BIO-3018 Environmental Molecular Genetics - 20 ECTS
• KJE-3402 Protein Structure - 10 ECTS
• BIO-3805/3810/3815/3820 Individual Special Curriculum - 5/10/15/20 ECTS

Recommended elective courses in the spring:

• BIO-3022 Biological membranes and their proteins - 5 ECTS (every other year)
• BIO-3118 Microscopical imaging Techniques - 10 ECTS
• BIO-3027 Scientific Programming with Python in the life sciences - 10 ECTS
• BIO-3805/3810/3815/3820 Individual Special Curriculum - 5/10/15/20 ECTS

Relevant courses offered at UNIS:

• AB-332 Arctic Marine Molecular Ecology - 10 ECTS (September/October)
• AB-327 Arctic Microbiology - 10 ECTS (June/July)

Candidates that completed a master’s degree in biology in the discipline Molecular Environmental Biology will have advanced knowledge in biology and in the following topics:

• Intra and interspecies communications and molecular interactions.
• Functioning and dynamics of microbial communities in challenging environmental situations.
• Secondary metabolites in microbes and plants, their biological functions and applied aspect.
• Modelling of metabolic pathways and other biological processes.

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.

Admission to the master’s program in Biology requires a bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent qualification, including a specialization in biological topics [i.e., biodiversity (zoology/botany), ecology, cell- and molecular biology, microbiology, physiology (animal/plant), biochemistry and bioinformatics] corresponding to a minimum of 80 ECTS.

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.

Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent issued in Europe, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand: An average grade of C is the minimum requirement (see the link for information on the grading system).

Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent issued in countries other than the above-mentioned region/countries: An average grade of B is the minimum requirement.

The average grade is calculated for the entire bachelor's degree.

The Molecular Environmental Biology discipline in our Master’s program require additionally specific qualification requirement: applicants must have completed courses in basic and practical molecular biology corresponding to a minimum of 10 ECTS (BIO-2018 or equivalent) or can document hands-on molecular lab experience through a bachelor thesis.

Please contact the student adviser for more information about this.

More information on admission requirements:

General admission requirements-Master

Applicants from Norway or Nordic countries:

Application deadline: April 15th for admission to the autumn semester and November 1st for admission to the spring semester.

Online application is via Søknadsweb, study code 6023

International appplicants/Applicants from outside the Nordic countries:

Application deadline: December 1st for admission to the autumn semester. 

Online application, study code: 2079

How to apply for admission to UiT? Read more here

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.

The language of instruction and all syllabus material is English.

On successful completion of the degree programme, students may be qualified for admission to to a PhD-programme in Biology at the UiT or elsewhere.

Students can undertake periods of studying at The University Centre at Svalbard (UNIS), especially during their third and fourth semester. Each discipline highlights relevant courses at UNIS.

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

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