Bachelors in Biology (One-Year Programme)
Bodø, Norway
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
How did life on Earth evolve? How does DNA code for important biological functions? What do food webs look like at the bottom of the sea? How does climate change affect animals and plants? These are some of the questions that biology seeks to answer. As a student in biology at Nord University, you will learn about the fundamentals of life in the beautiful surroundings of Northern Norway.
The teaching language is English.
This study program provides basic knowledge in biological topics including ecology, evolution, biodiversity, and genetics as well as basic chemistry, mathematics, and statistics. In some courses, the students participate in lab and field activities.
The last year of the program is more flexible so that students have an opportunity to specialize according to their interests. Advanced-level elective courses are offered, including a bachelor's thesis, 15 weeks of work experience in Norway or abroad, a semester or two abroad at a partner university, or courses at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS).
The BSc in Biology program qualifies for a Master in Bioscience.
Due to the increased focus on the environment, ecology, and sustainable development, the bachelor's degree in biology will give you many job opportunities, both in the private and public sectors. You can get employed at environmental agencies, laboratories, companies, and directorates. If you combine the program with pedagogic education, you can also become a teacher in a high school or secondary school. If you choose to proceed with a master's degree, you have the option for more specialized jobs in scientific research or consulting.
Autumn 2023
Semester - 1
- Exam Philosophicum - Novo FIL1000|10 sp
- Diversity of Life I - Invertebrates, Plants and Fungi BIO1000|10 sp
- Basic and Environmental Chemistry KJ104F|10 sp
- Laboratory Safety KJ105F|0 sp
Spring 2024
Semester - 2
- Genetics and Evolution BI122F|10 sp
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology BI132F|10 sp
- Mathematics/Statistics for Biologists MA116F|10 sp
Autumn 2024
Semester - 3
- Molecular Cell Biology BI210F|10 sp
- Diversity of Life II - Vertebrates BIO1001|10 sp
- Ecology BI123F|10 sp
Spring 2025
Semester - 4
- Scientific Methods BI224F|10 sp
- Marine Biology BI206F|10 sp
- Zoophysiology BI105F|10 sp
Autumn 2025
Semester - 5
Elective courses
- Genomics and Bioinformatics BI229F|10 sp
- Marine Research Methods at Sea BIO2004|5 sp
- Placement Abroad in Biology BI226F|20 sp
- Placement in Norway in Biology BI225F|20 sp
- Special Topic in Biology BI221F|10 sp
- Bachelor's Thesis in Biology BI220F|20 sp
- Bachelor's Thesis in Biology BI219F|10 sp
- Aquatic Microbiology BIO2001|10 sp
- Sustainability in Practice ECO2009|10 sp
- Aquaculture AK122F|10 sp
- Oceanography BI222F|10 sp
Spring 2026
Semester - 5
Elective courses
- Marine Macrophytes BIO2002|10 sp
- Ecology 2 BI230F|10 sp
- Molecular Ecology BI214F|10 sp
- Evolutionary Behavioural Ecology BI216F|10 sp
- Organic Chemistry KJ200F|10 sp
- Placement Abroad in Biology BI226F|20 sp
- Placement in Norway in Biology BI225F|20 sp
- Special Topic in Biology BI221F|10 sp
- Bachelor's Thesis in Biology BI220F|20 sp
- Bachelor's Thesis in Biology BI219F|10 sp
Upon successful completion of this program, the Candidate:
Knowledge:
- Has thorough knowledge of key theories, research questions, tools, and methods in biology
- Has knowledge of basic research in biology
- Is able to update his or her knowledge of biology
- Appreciates the ethical challenges of biology
Skills:
- Can apply his or her professional knowledge to analyze biological research questions
- Can locate, assess, and refer to scientific information from a variety of sources in order to shed light on biological research questions
- Can reflect on his or her own professional practice and adjust this under supervision
General competence:
- Demonstrates understanding of key topics related to biological research
- Can communicate key scientific information such as theories, research questions, and results both written and orally
- Can exchange scientific knowledge and views with other biologists and through this contribute to scientific development
