Marine Biotechnology - master

Objectives, content and organization
The purpose is to educate candidates in modern biotechnological expertise, with particular empasis on use of marine resources, bioactive compounds, gene products and marine rest raw materials. You will qualify for careers in fields such as marine value creation, innovation and research.

A good marine biotechnologist must have a broad base of knowledge and skills in basic molecular biology, chemistry and techniques and processes that use marine micro-organisms, plant and animal cells, or parts of these, to manufacture, develop or modify commercially useful products. On successful completion of the programme, the degree of MSc in Marine Biotechnology is awarded.

In preparation for your study we encourage you to do the following:

iKomp - information literacy: The course is an online course that aims to make you better equipped to deal with the demands and expectations you are met with at universities and colleges when it comes to learning and academic integrity. Check the website: iKomp.

There will be a mandatory introductory part with themes like:

• How to do science
• How to be a master student in biotechnology
• Writing a master theses/what we excpect from a master's thesis
• Plagiarism / iKomp
• Searching for literature / Munin
• EndNote/Using references databases and how to use them in Word
• Preparation for laboratory work
• Web page in Canvas for Master students at NCFS

The program contains two parts: The first part is obligatory courses during the first semester and an approved selection of courses of at least 60 credits (ECTS) in total. The second part is a written thesis of a project (Master thesis). The extent of the assignment should correspond to a workload of 60 ECTS.

HMS-0501 (web-module), HMS-0502 (first aid, practical course), HMS-0504 (web-module), the compulsory safety course for laboratory work, must be taken by all students who carry out lab work. The compulsory parts of this multi-module course are taken online. The first aid part requires physical attendance. Students must fulfill the compulsory online modules as soon as the semester starts to have access to the laboratory wings. There are no credits for these courses.

On completion of the program, a successful candidate is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge gained:

• Advanced knowledge about scientific theory and practice related to modern molecular biology, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry in the context of marine biology and/or microbiology
• A general overview of current applications in marine and traditional biotechnology carried out within industry, academia, and public sectors
• An understanding of ethics and the responsibility for sustainable resource utilization as they are applied to industry and academic research and innovation
• The basic knowledge over quantitative aspects of natural biological operations, bioprocess engineering and the design-build-test cycle of bioengineering
• A basic understanding of natural marine resources as the basis for developing food, biochemicals, bioactive compounds and medicines

Skills:

• Quantitative problem-solving skills in the context of biochemistry, bioprocess design/operation, analytical chemistry, and synthetic biology
• Basic theoretical and hands-on laboratory skills in marine biology, molecular biology, bioprocess operation and analytical chemistry
• Interdisciplinary communication skills that enable students to combine different disciplines so that they can effectively collaborate in teams to solve a wide range of technical problems
• Basic project management skills gained through the process of completing individual and team-oriented research tasks within industrial and/or academic research environments

General competence:

• The ability to apply contemporary and interdisciplinary knowledge towards biotechnological research, innovation and/or industrial actions, particularly within the marine sector
• A general ability to contribute towards natural resource-based industry, research or policy making
• The qualifications for admission to PhD programmes in biotechnology and related specialist fields that could include molecular biology, synthetic biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, industrial engineering, or analytical chemistry

The study programme uses a variety of teaching methods, depending on the courses/subjects and may include: lectures, seminars, laboratory work, working in teams, fieldwork and industrial visits - or preferably a combination.

For some of the subjects, specific work requirements may have to be met prior to exam entry. There may be compulsory requirements to submit reports and assignments and attend teaching seminars.

Some courses in the study programme are marked on a pass/fail basis, while for others the graded scale of marks from A to E (passed) and F (failed) may be used. The individual course description specifies the marking system used. Individual tutoring is provided for the master's thesis by the department's scientific staff.

The job opportunities are many and varied for graduates in Marine Biotechnology. With skills and qualifications in marine biotechnology, you may work locally, nationally and internationally. The Norwegian Government's High North strategy highlights marine biotechnology as one of the most important disciplines for the future of the economy. The field is growing rapidly and highly qualified candidates are in demand.

Your Master's degree has equipped you with sound expertise in biotechnology, which will provide you with opportunities in biotechnological industries, in fields such as production of seafood and other foodstuffs, and laboratory-based specialisations.

With an MSc in Marine Biotechnology you can also become a product developer, principal engineer, researcher, company manager, entrepreneur or public administrator. The course qualifies students for management-level jobs in the expanding and innovative commercial biotechnology sector.

Our graduated students work as PhD's at the University, teachers, in hospital laboratories, and in different companies like: Colifast, Pharmaq, Mowi, Nofima, Ayanda, GenØk, Nordic Pharma Inc, Akvaplan-Niva, TosLab and ArcticZymes.