Marine Biology

Overview

Key facts

The independent research project (master's project) combined with specialization courses and special curricula will give a specialized and deep knowledge of selected research topics and methods. Relevant topics for research projects are: marine ecology, marine organismal biology, biogeography, invasion biology, population genetics, biosystematics and general evolutionary themes based on the study of marine organisms.

Students in the Marine Biology degree at the University of Bergen also develop general skills in defining, planning and conducting an independent research project, and to learn to document and discuss scientific results through a written dissertation.

Required Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

• Explain key concepts and terminology in Biology/Marine Biology
• Describe typical marine habitats and associated flora and fauna
• Familiarity with oceanographic forcing of marine systems
• Understand interactions between marine organisms and the environment, and adaptations of marine organisms
• Understand the dynamics and structural processes in marine populations and communities
• Apply marine research methods and understanding their limitations and sources of error
• Apply knowledge to illuminate and / or solve management problems

Skills

• Use basic methods in marine biology
• Perform an independent, limited research project under supervision, but with a high degree of independence and own initiative, and in line with research ethics standards
• Handle, and present quantitative data, and evaluate confidence to conclusions by use of basic statistical principles
• Analyze marine biological topics and discuss ways to explore these applying relevant theory and method
• Retrieve, evaluate and apply new knowledge within the field
• Analyze, interpret and discuss own data in a professional and critical manner, in light of data and theories within their subject

General knowledge

• Be able to follow scientific discurse in general and evaluate approaches and techniques for solving problems
• Give good written and oral presentations of scientific topics and research results
• Be able to communicate professional topics and findings in marine biology, both to specialists and the general public
• Be able to reflect on key ethical and scientific issues in their own and others' work

• Show understanding and respect for scientific values such as remaining accurate, open, honest, objective, factual and distinguish between knowledge and opinions

Employability

Many Marine Biologists working with nature, environment and resource management, research, aquaculture, education, industry, environmental organizations and the media and consulting businesses. The program will provide a solid basis for work in public management and administration, trade and industry, education and for further doctoral study in marine biology and in related fields.