Bachelor's Programme in Biology

Completion of general upper secondary education and one of the subjects R1/(S1+S2) and one of the subjects (R1+R2) or (FYS1+2) or (KJE1+2) or (BIO1+2) or (INFO1+2) or (GEO1+2) or (TEK1+2)

The programme builds on upper secondary school with courses in biology equivalent to Biology 2, Mathematics R1 and a 3-hour-per-week course in Chemistry 1

Bachelor's Program in Biology is an integrated 3-year study program that provides a broad knowledge base in biological subjects with emphasis on ecology. The Bachelor's program is designed to continue with a master's degree in Coastal Ecology at UiA. The study has a specific order of topics that are set up so that basic and secondary subjects are included in a logical sequence. All subjects are 10 credits except the Bio300 Bachelor's thesis, which is 20 credits. First to third and sixth semesters consist of compulsory subjects that must be included in each student's study plan.
In the fourth and / or fifth semester, you can apply for an exchange to a foreign university at a foreign university or possibly studies at the University Center on Svalbard (UNIS).
Field teaching is included as part of the subjects Bio112, Bio102, Bio103, Bio201 and Bio206.
Relevant subjects from other Universities can be included in the program
(see possibility for support for foreign stays at student exchange).
Laboratory exercises are included in most subjects. This teaching is mandatory, and often the report will be written from the exercise. The purpose is to provide the skills for independent work at the lab. The laboratory exercises will make it easier to understand the theory of the subject.

After completing the course the candidate must have obtained the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

Knowledge of:

• Organizational levels in the biology (molecules, cells, organs, organisms, populations, ecosystems, biosphere) and how these interact
• Heritage and how hereditary properties are transferred. How RNA and DNA can transmit information, how the genes work and how the genes control the properties of an organism
• How an organism can function in its habitat and building features that enable it to survive there. The emphasis is on marine organisms
• Classification of animals and plants, and how the species have evolved from more primitive organisms

Skills

The candidate can:

• Apply its biological knowledge to old and new issues, critically assess new knowledge and put it into context
• Reflect on his understanding of biological contexts
• Adjust their skills under supervision
• Use scientific instruments such as analytical weight, microscope, multi-pipette for later using the instruments on known and unknown materials.
• Use professional sources, find new information and associate this with a problem
• Schedule simple experiments, make observations and test hypotheses
• Use simple math and statistical tools on collected biological data
• Writing and presenting a scientific work based on current norms for scientific publication

General competence

• The candidate can collaborate with others and acquire and apply knowledge, and can discuss issues with professionals
• The candidate has knowledge of the position of the biologist in today's society, especially in view of the fact that natural diversity is changing as a consequence of habitat devastation and climate change
• The candidate understands the value of biodiversity
• The candidate can collect, interpret and apply quality assurance subjects to write research and can present the substance orally to different audiences
• The candidate can update his / her biological knowledge and apply in relevant professional literature

Instruction is composed of lectures, practicals and tutorials. Practicals and fieldwork are compulsory.

The students' participation in practicals and written reports must be approved before the students are allowed to take the final exam. There will be final examinations in all courses. Please see course descriptions.

One or two semesters of the study programme can be located to a foreign university or college (preferably fourth or fifth semester).

We suggest 5th semester for students who wish to study one semester at UNIS in Svalbard (www.unis.no). Subjects that can be followed in the autumn semester are AB-201 Terrestrial Arctic Biology (15 credits) and AB-204 Arctic Ecology and Population Biology (15 credits).

Both public and private sectors need personnel with natural science education. The Bachelor's program in Biology qualifies for technical work at universities and colleges and in companies that work with environment-related activities. The program also qualifies for work in laboratory-based activities. Occupational opportunities exist within the pharmaceutical industry, area planning, resource management and information and communication activities. In the school, there is a growing need for competence in the natural sciences.

The program provides the basis for admission to master's programs in biology at Norwegian and foreign universities (see the general description of the program). Please note that some universities require special modules for admission to some of their master's programs.

Study Coordinator Ane Timenes Laugen

Students who do not attend the first laboratory practical may lose their admission if the department is not notified of a valid reason for their absence. Students who do not take the examination in a course after completing practicals/fieldwork/seminars will be credited for only that section of the course. However, students may take the examination in the same course at a later date.