Teaching
Teaching at the department is closely linked to the research conducted here. Many of our courses are open to students across all of our study programmes, while some are only available to specific groups of students. Please refer to the course description for more information.
Master’s students receive supervision from researchers and contribute to ongoing research projects. This provides hands-on experience with scientific methods, data collection, analysis, and the communication of research findings.
Choose a field of study that exites you
Biological Science is a broad field of study. At our department, you can work on topics including:
- Marine biology
- Ecology and biodiversity
- Fishhealth and aquaculture
- Evolution
- Cell and molecular biology
- Developmental biology
- Microbiology
As a master's student, you will have the opportunity to specialise in a research project and become part of an active research environment.
Overview of our research groups (Norwegian only) (external link)
Career Opportunities
A degree in Biological Sciences can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities.
Our graduates work in fields such as:
- Research and higher education
- Nature and environmental management
- Aquaculture and fish health
- Consulting
- The public sector
- Laboratory and analytical work
- Environmental organisations and industry
Career paths for science graduates (external link) (Norwegian only)
Why Study at the Department of Biological Sciences?
Students choose the Department of Biological Sciences because we offer up-to-date teaching, and many of our courses include practical components such as laboratory classes, field courses, or research cruises. We maintain close ties with leading research institutions in Bergen, including the Institute of Marine Research, NORCE, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), and Haukeland University Hospital.
At BIO, students gain hands-on experience from an early stage of their studies. Through practical training in courses, bachelor’s students can participate in ongoing research projects and work with real scientific questions. In BIO298 – Professional Practice in Biology, students can further broaden their experience through a work placement with an external organisation, gaining insight into how biological knowledge is applied in professional settings. Read more about the oportunities in professional practice in Biology
We offer a broad academic portfolio with many opportunities for specialisation, including access to laboratories, fieldwork, and marine research environments.
Explore Our Study Programmes
If you would like to learn more about programme content, admission requirements, and degree structure, you will find all the information you need here. Each programme page provides further details about student life and how the programme is organised.
Bachelor's programme in biology
Are you interested in biology? Would you like to learn more about nature and how living organisms function? Do you want to study biology through active learning, hands-on laboratory work, and field courses? Then the Bachelor's Programme in Biology could be the right choice for you.
Information about the study programme (Norwegian only)
Bachelor's programme in Molecular Biology
In this Bachelor's programme, you will learn about molecules, the building blocks of our cells, and how they work together. The programme is ideal for students who want to understand how cells and organisms function, how diseases develop, and how we can improve the world around us.
Informasjon om studieprogrammet (Norwegian only)
Fishhealth-aquamedicine (Professional Degree)
With a degree in Aquamedicine, you will become a specialist in fish health and welfare, playing a vital role in the aquaculture industry. As a licensed fish health biologist, you will make important decisions that combine biological knowledge with technological expertise to ensure good fish health and welfare.
Integrated Master's Programme in Aquaculture
This programme provides broad expertise in key areas of aquaculture, with opportunities to specialise in fish biology and its interaction with technology and the environment. You will develop an understanding of aquaculture systems and learn how to contribute to the future development of the industry in response to technological advances and societal needs.
Master's programme in biology
Everything that happens on Earth depends on nature and the resources it provides, from food, medicines, and mobile phones to outdoor experiences and recreation. Biological knowledge of molecules, genes, individuals, populations, and ecosystems is essential for understanding the opportunities that nature offers. Sustainable development depends on biologists.
Master's programme in Molecular Biology
Molecular biology is key to understanding nature and developing innovative solutions to major societal challenges such as disease, food security, and new vaccines. This programme provides a solid understanding of molecular mechanisms and genetic technologies through a combination of theoretical studies and hands-on laboratory training.
Double Degree Programme in Global Change Ecology
The Global Change Ecology programme provides a broad foundation in ecology, conservation biology, and global change biology. Topics include applied ecology, remote sensing, evolutionary biology, and the interactions among individuals, populations, and communities within complex and dynamic ecosystems. All students spend their first semester at their home university and at least one semester at the partner institution, either Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) or the University of Bergen (UiB).
Academic and Social Activities for Students at BIO
As a student at BIO, you can take part in a wide range of academic and social activities and become an active member of our department community
Student organisations
We have three active student organisations that you can join. Each is linked to one or more of our study programmes and serves as a bridge between students and the department. By getting involved in a student organisation, you can help shape and improve the study environment, while also having the opportunity to participate in programme boards and the departmental council. The organisations arrange both academic and social events throughout the year.
BFU – Biologisk FagUtvalg
Email: bfu@uib.no
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bfuUiB/
LFFH – Student Association for Fish Health and Aquaculture
Email: info@lffh.no
Website: https://www.lffh.no
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LFFHBergen/
Helix – Student Committee for Molecular Biology Students
Email: heliks.styret@uib.no
Website: https://www.uib.no/mbi/53016/heliks-studentorganisasjonen-molekyl%C3%A6rbiologistudenter
Facebook (private group): https://facebook.com/groups/heliks
By joining one of these organisations, you can contribute to the student community, gain valuable experience, and connect with fellow students who share your interests.
biORAKEL
biORAKEL is an academic support service for all students at BIO. Here, you can get help with questions related to courses offered by the department. It is also a great place for you and your study group to meet and work together.
Experienced student tutors, known as Oracles, are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you find the information you need. And there are always waffles available!
Oracle sessions are held primarily on Wednesdays from 14:30 to 17:00 in K1/K2 at the Biology Building (Block A).
R Oracles
Meet the R Oracles at Tunet, 4th floor of the Biology Building, Block A (Thormøhlens gate 53A).
Time: Fridays, 14:00–16:00
The R Oracles can help you with questions related to R and RStudio, whether you are working on coursework, data analysis, or assignments. They can provide guidance, troubleshoot problems, and help you develop your programming and data analysis skills.
bioSEMINAR
Approximately every other week academic staff at the BIO give short presentations on their research. The seminar is open to all staff and students at the department.
By attending, you can gain insight into current research projects and activities at BIO, stay informed about developments across the department, and perhaps even find inspiration for a future master's thesis project.
bioNYTT
BIO publishes a weekly newsletter that is sent to all staff and students every Monday. It is a useful way to stay informed, as it includes news and information that may be relevant to your studies, such as programme board meetings, as well as events that are open to both students and staff.