Structure
Within the specialisation in Natural Sciences, there are the following scientific fields:
- Coastal Ecology
- Terrestrial Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Science Education
- Biomedicine
PhD candidates in all scientific fields must present their work in a progress seminar that takes place around the middle of the fellowship (Mid-term evaluation).
Coursework
Compulsory courses
- EX-603 Philosophy of Science (5 ECTS)
- TFL601 Scientific Writing in English (5 ECTS)
Compulsory courses may be:
• substituted by an equivalent course at another institution if the alternative is better aligned with the candidate's research, or
• waived if the candidate has other education or documented experience that already provides the breadth of knowledge expected.
All substitutions must be approved by the PhD Committee.
Elective courses
Please note that you can also choose courses from other specialisations and from other universities in Norway and abroad.
Flexible courses
Designed in collaboration with your supervisor team to support individual academic needs. Not open to external students.
- BIO600-1 Special Syllabus (5 ECTS) — upon request, spring or autumn
- BIO601-1 Marine Science (5 ECTS) — upon request, spring or autumn
- BIO605-1 Advanced topics in Ecology and Evolution (5 ECTS) — upon request, spring or autumn
Quantitative methods
These courses provide training in quantitative methods relevant to ecological, evolutionary, and environmental research. Open to external students.
- BIO603-1 Statistics in Ecological Studies (5 ECTS) — every autumn
- BIO604-1 Advanced statistical methods in ecology, evolution and environmental sciences (5 ECTS) - every autumn
- BIO606 Introduction to Bayesian Analysis (10 ECTS) – every spring
Coastal ecology
Open to external students.
- BIO602-1 Research in Coastal Ecology (5 ECTS) - upon request, funding dependent
- BIO607 Pelagic Ecology (10 ECTS) - every spring
For more information about flexible courses, please contact the faculty administration. For questions about courses on quantitative methods, please contact Associate Professor Luc Francois Bussiere. For questions related to coastal ecology courses, please contact Professor Tove M. Gabrielsen.
Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies
Graduates from the PhD specialisation in Natural Sciences are well qualified for a wide range of careers in academia, research, and knowledge-based industries. Typical employers include universities, research institutes, governmental agencies, consulting firms, and the aquaculture and marine biotechnology sectors.
Many graduates continue their research careers as postdoctoral fellows or research scientists, while others move into leadership, policy development, or advisory roles where advanced scientific expertise is required.
Graduates also find employment in international research organisations, intergovernmental bodies, and NGOs engaged in sustainability, health, and environmental management.
Responsible faculty
Faculty of Engineering and Science
Contact persons for the specialisation
- victoria.belous@uia.no
- Phone
- +47 38 14 23 46
- luc.f.bussiere@uia.no
- Phone
- +47 38 14 11 55