Joint Nordic Master's Programme in Marine Ecosystems and Climate
The program is offered by
Objectives / Contents
The aim of the Joint Nordic Master´s Programme in Marine Ecosystems and Climate is to train students with a background in either physical oceanography or biological oceanography in the skills necessary for addressing complex interdisciplinary problems in marine science, and to prepare them for positions in society where such competence is needed.
Parallel to the interdisciplinary activities, the students will also strengthen their disciplinary competence by pursuing more traditional courses in their own field, acquiring a higher-level specialization in either physical or biological oceanography. A mentor system is applied, and the individual education plan for each student is worked out in consultation with his or her mentor at the start of the programme, to fit each student´s particular interests and background.
The programme is a two-year, full-time master´s study (120 ECTS) offered jointly by the Universities of Bergen (co-ordinator), Aarhus , Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, all of which are universities intensively involved in marine research with well-established international cooperation. Mobility is an important aspect of the programme, and longer or shorter time periods at all of the partner universities are integrated in the curriculum. Successful completion of the programme leads to a joint degree which is fully recognized at all the partner universities. The degree is certified by one diploma issued jointly by all the partners.
Why an interdisciplinary programme?
Fisheries activities and other utilization of the sea have been important sources of income for the Nordic countries throughout history and today. Access to this wealth carries with it a responsibility for knowledge-based utilization and management. Scientists have explored the oceans for centuries, but even though there are strong links between the marine organisms and ecosystems and their physical environment, the research and education within biological and physical oceanography have traditionally been carried out without much interaction. The changing climate and increased contamination and stress on the marine systems, both in Nordic waters and globally, are now finding their way higher up on both scientific and political agendas. The future calls for strengthened competence and innovative approaches to a range of marine problems of an interdisciplinary character.
Why an international degree?
The Nordic countries carry a long and well-reputed tradition of marine research in marine biology as well as in physical oceanography, meteorology and climate research. Throughout the programme, the students will benefit from the facilities and expertise of all of the partner institutions. The programme is fully integrated in the study offers of all four universities, and the joint diploma will serve as a broad base for further scientific studies (PhD) or for other careers in the societies of the partnering countries or abroad.
Construction
The first two semesters
The first semester takes place in Bergen. The semester starts out with an introduction week, with an introduction to the scientific topics to be covered, practical information about the studies and a social programme. A mentor system is applied for the programme, and all the mentors will be present during this first week so that the students can discuss their individual choices of courses, topics for their master's thesis and other academic issues. You spend the second semester at any one of the partner institutions, e.g. in Aarhus, depending on what optional courses you have selected. You also start working on your thesis. During this semester the class is spread out on the partner universities, but all meet up for two compulsory courses.
The third and fourth semesters
During the third and fourth semester you will carry out your research project and write your thesis. The master's thesis is independent research project, carried out from either a biological or from a physical point of view depending on your background. You will have (at least) two supervisors, one from each discipline to ensure the disciplinary and interdisciplinary support and follow-up to the project. You will be sitting at the institution of your main supervisor. The students are spread out, but meet up for a compulsory course.
As a student in the programme, you will get to see four Nordic countries and four different universities, and have the opportunity to get yourself a unique competence in marine matters.
Travel and travel costs
The students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. Scholarships are planned to be available for covering the extra costs.
Accommodation
The partner Universities will be helpful with arranging accommodation for the students in the programme, both for the short stays and for the longer periods. Accommodation will usually be located to the ordinary student housing facilities.
Your mentor
At the start of the programme you will get in contact with a mentor, who is an academic staff person from one of the partner institutions. The role of the mentor is to help out when you select your optional courses, and also to be a discussion partner for you when it comes to deciding topic for your thesis.
Teaching methods
A combination of methods is used in the teaching: traditional lectures, individual and group projects with written and oral presentations, hands-on laboratory and field exercises with following data analysis, discussion and report writing. The thesis work is in the form of an independent research project conducted under supervision of at least two academic staff, one from each discipline to ensure the disciplinary and interdisciplinary depth of the project. An internet-based learning platform will be used throughout the programme for communication and sharing of material.
Admission requirements
Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree or equivalent in marine biology, geophysics (physical oceanography, meteorology, or climate dynamics), physics or mathematics, with an absolute minimum of 10 ECTS mathematics and 10 ECTS statistics.
The average grade of the bachelor's degree has to be at least 2nd class, upper division/B.
English is the official language of the programme and proficiency in English is required. Non-Nordic students need to provide documentation in the form of a TOEFL test or similar or other proofs of acquired training in English.
Applicants are requested to send in a motivation letter (in English) along with their application.
In the last admission were all qualifies applicants admitted.
Application procedyre
Application to the programme takes place through the University of Bergen. The successful applicants are selected by the steering group, based on the relevance of their academic background for the programme, previous study results and a letter of intent.
Main uptake in the autumn semester. For more information about the application procedure please see:
For international applicants residing abroad (Application deadline 1 December) http://www.uib.no/education/admission/master/international-applicants-residing-abroad
For international applicants residing in Norway (Application deadline 15 April) http://www.uib.no/education/admission/master/international-applicants-residing-in-norway
For more information prospective self-financing Master´s students at the University of Bergen, please see the following page: https://www.uib.no/education/admission/master/international-applicants-residing-abroad/applicants-financing-their-own-studies#whomayapply
The online application form is available on our website from 11 October to 1 December.
Not yet completed your BSc at the application deadline?
Then you won¿t be approved by the central admission system, but if you are an applicant from the Nordic Countries or Europe, you still can apply at the Norwegian admission system. Given your BCs is completed before you intend to start the Master¿s programme.
- You do not need Visa, but you do need a Norwegian personal identification number (SO). Contact studieveileder@gfi.uib.no.
- For more information about applying through Søknadsweb, please see the following page: http://www.uib.no/matnat/en/education/admission/international-master-applicants-residing-in-norway#soslashknadsweb
- Be aware that this method of applying shortens the time between admission and start date: http://www.uib.no/matnat/en/education/admission/international-master-applicants-residing-in-norway#admissionprocessanddeadlines
Study Period Abroad
Mobility between the partner universities is an essential part of the master´s programme and integrated in the curriculum. A minimum of 30 ECTS total from the partner institutions other than the University of Bergen is in general required, though 20 ECTS may be accepted in individual cases where strong academic reasons apply. The first semester is spent in Bergen, the second at either of the partner universities. The full year of the master´s thesis takes place at one of the partner institutes.
One degree - four universities
University of Bergen (UIB) - Geophysical Institute and Department of Biology
With a number of very active marine institutes nearby (i.e. the Institute of Marine Research, the Nansen Centre, the Norwegian Institute for Water Research) Bergen provides a stimulating education and research environment in a range of marine topics. The Geophysical institute (GFI) offers courses in meteorology, physical and chemical oceanography and climate research. The Department of Biology (BIO) offers a large number of courses in marine biology. Both institutes are engaged in the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research.
University of Aarhus (AU) - Department of Biological Sciences
The University of Aarhus is Denmark's largest university. The Department of Marine Biological Sciences offers courses in marine optics and biological dynamics in the open ocean. The institute has well-equipped laboratories for general marine research and a large field station with very good laboratory facilities. The research is focused on the ecology of marine organisms from the level of phytoplankton and fish to marine mammals, with a special focus on the ecology in estuarine environments.
University of Iceland - Institute of Biology
The Institute of Biology at the University of Iceland specializes in the ecology, behavior, population genetics, physiology and biochemistry, evolutionary biology, zoogeography, and conservation and management of marine organisms. The Institute partners with other institutions, such as the Marine Research Institute (Hafrannsóknastofnunin) and the Icelandic Institute of Natural History (Náttúrufræðistofnun Íslands), to provide an atmosphere of collaboration and cooperation in scientific endeavors throughout Iceland.
University of the Faroe Islands (FF) - Faculty of Science and Technology
The University of the Faroe Islands (FF), in association with the Faroe Marine Research Institute (FAMRI), is intensively involved in biological and physical research of high relevance to the programme.
The Degree
After having successfully completed all the components of the programme (four semesters, 120 ECTS), you will be awarded the degree of 'Master of Science in Marine Ecosystem and Climate' with a specialization in biological or physical oceanography. The certificate is a joint diploma carrying the stamps and signatures from all of the partner universities.
Language of Instruction
English is the official language of the programme. Nordic languages may be used as situations allow.
Objectives / Contents
The aim of the Joint Nordic Master´s Programme in Marine Ecosystems and Climate is to train students with a background in either physical oceanography or biological oceanography in the skills necessary for addressing complex interdisciplinary problems in marine science, and to prepare them for positions in society where such competence is needed.
Parallel to the interdisciplinary activities, the students will also strengthen their disciplinary competence by pursuing more traditional courses in their own field, acquiring a higher-level specialization in either physical or biological oceanography. A mentor system is applied, and the individual education plan for each student is worked out in consultation with his or her mentor at the start of the programme, to fit each student´s particular interests and background.
The programme is a two-year, full-time master´s study (120 ECTS) offered jointly by the Universities of Bergen (co-ordinator), Aarhus , Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, all of which are universities intensively involved in marine research with well-established international cooperation. Mobility is an important aspect of the programme, and longer or shorter time periods at all of the partner universities are integrated in the curriculum. Successful completion of the programme leads to a joint degree which is fully recognized at all the partner universities. The degree is certified by one diploma issued jointly by all the partners.
Why an interdisciplinary programme?
Fisheries activities and other utilization of the sea have been important sources of income for the Nordic countries throughout history and today. Access to this wealth carries with it a responsibility for knowledge-based utilization and management. Scientists have explored the oceans for centuries, but even though there are strong links between the marine organisms and ecosystems and their physical environment, the research and education within biological and physical oceanography have traditionally been carried out without much interaction. The changing climate and increased contamination and stress on the marine systems, both in Nordic waters and globally, are now finding their way higher up on both scientific and political agendas. The future calls for strengthened competence and innovative approaches to a range of marine problems of an interdisciplinary character.
Why an international degree?
The Nordic countries carry a long and well-reputed tradition of marine research in marine biology as well as in physical oceanography, meteorology and climate research. Throughout the programme, the students will benefit from the facilities and expertise of all of the partner institutions. The programme is fully integrated in the study offers of all four universities, and the joint diploma will serve as a broad base for further scientific studies (PhD) or for other careers in the societies of the partnering countries or abroad.
Construction
The first two semesters
The first semester takes place in Bergen. The semester starts out with an introduction week, with an introduction to the scientific topics to be covered, practical information about the studies and a social programme. A mentor system is applied for the programme, and all the mentors will be present during this first week so that the students can discuss their individual choices of courses, topics for their master's thesis and other academic issues. You spend the second semester at any one of the partner institutions, e.g. in Aarhus, depending on what optional courses you have selected. You also start working on your thesis. During this semester the class is spread out on the partner universities, but all meet up for two compulsory courses.
The third and fourth semesters
During the third and fourth semester you will carry out your research project and write your thesis. The master's thesis is independent research project, carried out from either a biological or from a physical point of view depending on your background. You will have (at least) two supervisors, one from each discipline to ensure the disciplinary and interdisciplinary support and follow-up to the project. You will be sitting at the institution of your main supervisor. The students are spread out, but meet up for a compulsory course.
As a student in the programme, you will get to see four Nordic countries and four different universities, and have the opportunity to get yourself a unique competence in marine matters.
Travel and travel costs
The students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. Scholarships are planned to be available for covering the extra costs.
Accommodation
The partner Universities will be helpful with arranging accommodation for the students in the programme, both for the short stays and for the longer periods. Accommodation will usually be located to the ordinary student housing facilities.
Your mentor
At the start of the programme you will get in contact with a mentor, who is an academic staff person from one of the partner institutions. The role of the mentor is to help out when you select your optional courses, and also to be a discussion partner for you when it comes to deciding topic for your thesis.
Teaching methods
A combination of methods is used in the teaching: traditional lectures, individual and group projects with written and oral presentations, hands-on laboratory and field exercises with following data analysis, discussion and report writing. The thesis work is in the form of an independent research project conducted under supervision of at least two academic staff, one from each discipline to ensure the disciplinary and interdisciplinary depth of the project. An internet-based learning platform will be used throughout the programme for communication and sharing of material.
Learning Outcomes
Intended learning outcomes:
The programme objectives in knowledge are that a MSc in Marine Ecosystems and Climate shall :
- Have profound understanding of how biology, physics and chemistry are all integral components in the functioning of marine ecosystems and to be able to apply concepts from all these branches to assess interdisciplinary marine problems, with a geographical focus on the Nordic and Northwest-European Seas,
- Demonstrate knowledge about the components of marine ecosystems that are common in this region, the flow of energy through the food web and the main factors affecting variability and distribution,
- Be able to describe the main mechanisms of global climate and their response to changes in natural or anthropogenic-induced forcing, with a special geographical competence in the North/high-North Atlantic area
Additional expections exist for students in each speciality:
- Students specializing in biological oceanography will be expected to be able to address interdisciplinary marine science problems from a biological point-of-view, with:
- a deep understanding of marine ecosystems, their components, processes and sensitivity to changes in physical parameters, and
- a solid understanding in physical oceanography, including the form and use of the governing equations, features of the large-scale atmospheric and oceanic circulation and its variability, mixing, up-welling, boundary layer processes and tidal effects.
- Students specializing in physical oceanography will be expected to be able to address interdisciplinary marine science problems from a geophysical point-of-view, with:
- a deep physical understanding of the processes and mechanisms of the ocean, the governing equations of geophysical fluid flows and their derivation and use, and
- a solid understanding of marine biological concepts, the influence physical forcing on individuals and populations of marine organisms, and the functioning of marine ecosystems with emphasis on the North Atlantic region.
The programme objectives in skills are that a MSc in Marine Ecosystems and Climate shall:
- Be able to formulate and address complex interdisciplinary marine problems in a scientific way, with solid knowledge, respect and understanding of the scientific method.
- Be able to synthesize information on marine biological systems and physical parameters of an area and to formulate potential impacts of climate changes on the system, from a biological or physical point of view depending on specialization.
- Be able to plan and carry out oceanographic field work, with knowledge about the functioning and use of the most common oceanographic equipment
- Be able to plan, organize and pursue an independent disciplinary and interdisciplinary research project, carry out advanced data analysis appropriate to the problem and to synthesize and communicate the results.
- Be able to communicate scientific findings in marine and climate science in a language understandable to stakeholders and the general public.
The programme objectives in generic skills are that a MSc in Marine Ecosystems and Climate shall :
- have acquired the learning skills for self-directed further studies, to improve his or her professional skills over a career
- be able to apply his/her knowledge, understanding and problem-solving abilities in new contexts
- be able to work independently as well as to contributing actively to a group effort
Admission Requirements
Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree or equivalent in marine biology, geophysics (physical oceanography, meteorology, or climate dynamics), physics or mathematics, with an absolute minimum of 10 ECTS mathematics and 10 ECTS statistics.
The average grade of the bachelor's degree has to be at least 2nd class, upper division/B.
English is the official language of the programme and proficiency in English is required. Non-Nordic students need to provide documentation in the form of a TOEFL test or similar or other proofs of acquired training in English.
Applicants are requested to send in a motivation letter (in English) along with their application.
In the last admission were all qualifies applicants admitted.
Compulsory courses
The students spend the first semester in Bergen and the rest of the programme at any of the partner institutes (including Bergen). Longer and shorter stays at all of the partner institutes are incorporated in the curriculum. The full second year is usually spent at the institute of supervisor of the master¿s thesis.
The programme is a two-year, full-time study of 120 ECTS, divided into a course part (60 ECTS, two semesters) and a master's thesis part (60 ECTS, two semesters).
Compulsory courses
1. Depending on specialization, either
a. Physical oceanography (GEOF130, 10 ECTS) for biology students, or
b. Dynamic oceanography (GEOF330, 15 ECTS) for physical oceanography students.
- NMP-I Marine Ecosystems and Climate (10 ECTS, University of Bergen)
- NMP-II Field course in Biological and Physical Oceanography (5 ECTS, University of Aarhus).
- NMP-III Fisheries Ecology: Management and conservation of marine resources in a changing ocean (5 ECTS, University of Iceland).
- NMPIV- Ecology of the Northeast Atlantic and Northwest European Seas with an emphasis on potential impacts of Climate Change (5 ECTS, University of the Faroe Islands).
The two first semesters leave room for optional courses, selected by the student in consultation with his/her mentor to ensure appropriate specialization in either biological oceanography or physical oceanography as well as the interdisciplinary character of the degree.
Master thesis credits
The master¿s thesis is an interdisciplinary research project carried out from either a biological or from a physical point of view. The master¿s thesis requires a solid knowledge in the field of study, and results in 60 ECTS. Joint supervision (minimum two supervisors, one from each discipline and from different institutions) will ensure the disciplinary and interdisciplinary support and follow-up to the project. The the students choose topic of their thesis during the 1st semester, in consultation with his/her mentor.
Stipulations regarding progress
The programme is a full-time study. Under special conditions, part time solutions can be worked out for individual students.
The master´s thesis is to be handed in before a set deadline (usually 1 June).
Place of Study
The national grading systems of the partnering institutions are used for the respective courses. These are:
Norway: A-F (based on pre-defined criteria), pass/not pass
Denmark: 7-scale (-3 to 12),
Iceland: 0-10, pass/not pass
Faroe Islands: Currently 00-13, changes expected.
Study Period Abroad
Mobility between the partner universities is an essential part of the master´s programme and integrated in the curriculum. A minimum of 30 ECTS total from the partner institutions other than the University of Bergen is in general required, though 20 ECTS may be accepted in individual cases where strong academic reasons apply. The first semester is spent in Bergen, the second at either of the partner universities. The full year of the master´s thesis takes place at one of the partner institutes.
One degree - four universities
University of Bergen (UIB) - Geophysical Institute and Department of Biology
With a number of very active marine institutes nearby (i.e. the Institute of Marine Research, the Nansen Centre, the Norwegian Institute for Water Research) Bergen provides a stimulating education and research environment in a range of marine topics. The Geophysical institute (GFI) offers courses in meteorology, physical and chemical oceanography and climate research. The Department of Biology (BIO) offers a large number of courses in marine biology. Both institutes are engaged in the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research.
University of Aarhus (AU) - Department of Biological Sciences
The University of Aarhus is Denmark's largest university. The Department of Marine Biological Sciences offers courses in marine optics and biological dynamics in the open ocean. The institute has well-equipped laboratories for general marine research and a large field station with very good laboratory facilities. The research is focused on the ecology of marine organisms from the level of phytoplankton and fish to marine mammals, with a special focus on the ecology in estuarine environments.
University of Iceland - Institute of Biology
The Institute of Biology at the University of Iceland specializes in the ecology, behavior, population genetics, physiology and biochemistry, evolutionary biology, zoogeography, and conservation and management of marine organisms. The Institute partners with other institutions, such as the Marine Research Institute (Hafrannsóknastofnunin) and the Icelandic Institute of Natural History (Náttúrufræðistofnun Íslands), to provide an atmosphere of collaboration and cooperation in scientific endeavors throughout Iceland.
University of the Faroe Islands (FF) - Faculty of Science and Technology
The University of the Faroe Islands (FF), in association with the Faroe Marine Research Institute (FAMRI), is intensively involved in biological and physical research of high relevance to the programme.
Professional Prospects
The programme provides competence for a further career within science (PhD studies), as researcher at research institutions or companies or other positions in society: fisheries industry, resource management, governmental authorities and administration.
Contact information
The Geophysical Institute (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen) is the coordinating institute for the programme. The programme activities in Bergen take place at the Geophysical Institute and at the Department of Biology.
Administrative coordinator in Bergen and contact person:
Student Consultant, Geophysical Institute: studieveileder@gfi.uib.no