Bachelor's Programme in Biology

Study programme code BACBIO

ECTS credits 180

Admission requirements 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)

Recommended previous knowledge The programme builds on upper secondary school with courses in biology equivalent to Biology 2 (3BI), R1 (2MX) and a 3-hour-per-week course in Chemistry 1 (2KJ)

General description and profile of the programme The study program for the bachelor´s degree in biology is divided in two subprogrammes, one in molecular biology and one in ecology. The first semester is identical for the two subprogrammes. Both subprogrammes are composed of 60 credits in biology and chemistry, 40 credits in special subprogramme courses, 40 credits elective courses, and 10 credits in mathematics and statistics. Examen philosophicum (10 credits) is also included, and the last semester contains a supervised honours project (20 credits) which gives training in scientific method and writing. Chemistry courses are covering introductory chemistry as well as organic chemistry. Biology courses included in both subprogrammes are Cell biology and histology, Human physiology and anatomy, Genetics and evolution, and Zoophysiology (all 10 credits). Specialised courses in Molecular biology study programme are Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and immunology I (each 10 credits), Immunology II, and Applied molecular biology (each 5 credits). Practicals are included in all courses. Specialised courses in ecology include Botany, Zoology, Terrestrial ecology and Aquatic ecology (each 10 credits). Included in all ecology courses are fieldwork. Some of the fieldwork is located to Mallorca, Spain (trip paid by the student). Elective courses can be selected from the university´s total range of courses, but there are some courses we recommend. These include a new course Zoo biology (10 credits) which is arranged in cooperation with Kristiansand Zoo. Relevant credits from other universities and colleges may be possible to incorporate in the degree. Note: Some Norwegian universities demand more training in matematics and statistics for acceptance to their master´s programme than the ten credits included in the present study programme. The study programme will give a level of knowledge and skills in biology and chemistry that will increase understanding of man´s impact on the environment. Students will be trained in modern methods of biology in the lab (compulsory practicals). Written reports from the lab are subject to approval. Through fieldwork will the students gain knowledge of animal and plant systematics, as well as ecology. The study programme will reflect that scientific knowledge is accumulated through a research process. The sequence of the study programme is described below. Some courses are given only by their code names. Refer to the descriptions of the individual courses for more information.

Learning outcomes The student will be able to Understand, explain and use central biological terms Use common instruments and equipment in the laboratory and for fieldwork Apply modern biological and chemical methods Teach important principles of biology to others Understand the acquisition of new knowledge through a research process Do a simple scientific investigation and write a scientific report For study programme Ecology: Be able to recognise common species within botanical and zoological systematics and be able to classify them taxonomically Understand and apply principles of modern ecology For study programme Molecular biology: Understand basic molecular biology, microbiology and immunology and know the chemistry that supports the biological knowledge Be able to apply modern laboratory methods in these areas

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

Assessment methods 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.

Student exchange One semester of the study programme can be located to a foreign university or college (preferably fifth semester). en

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies Teach biology and chemistry in primary and secondary school. Candidates may work in public administration and private industry, and/or seek technical work in projects related to environmental studies.

Qualification awarded Bachelor of Biology.

Other information 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.