Genomics | Master in Biosciences
Do you want to understand how genetic traits, diseases, and evolution are shaped, while also exploring gene technology and the interactions between biological molecules? With a specialisation in genomics as part of the Master’s programme in Biosciences, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need!
Programme description
Understanding the connections within biological and evolutionary processes, and what underpins all life, is essential. This knowledge is crucial for the conservation of threatened species, the sustainable management of natural resources, and innovation in aquaculture. Competence in this field is important for ensuring food security, economic growth, and environmental protection.
Through a specialisation in genomics within the Master’s programme in Biosciences, you gain the skills to collect, analyse, and interpret large datasets using bioinformatics. Relevant subject areas include marine and terrestrial ecology, evolutionary biology, systematics, behavioural ecology, livestock science, and aquaculture.
The specialisation is organised by the Genomics Division, and the available master’s projects will vary depending on ongoing research activities and supervisory capacity. As a student, you may delve into topics such as genome sequencing and genome biology, sequencing technologies with an emphasis on specificity and accuracy, bioinformatics for genome assembly, annotation and tool development, as well as gene expression, transcriptomics, and RNA biology. There are also opportunities within population genomics, evolution, and ecology, in addition to projects related to precision medicine and the development of methods for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of genetic diseases in both human and veterinary medicine.
Modern facilities
As a student with us, you will have access to our top modern facilities in Noatun, a brand‑new faculty building on the Bodø campus. The building is part of Nord University’s marine initiative, aimed at contributing new knowledge for the sustainable solutions the world needs. It is equipped with advanced laboratories and modern teaching spaces, ensuring excellent learning conditions and a unique study experience.
With access to our top modern DeepSeq facility for deep sequencing, you will gain practical experience that prepares you to tackle real‑world challenges in the biosciences. Join us and help shape the future of research.
The programme is full‑time over 2 years (120 ECTS credits).
Career opportunities
With a Master’s degree in Biosciences specialising in Genomics, you can pursue careers in conservation biology, natural resource management, aquaculture, and research, in both the private and public sectors.
Teaching methods
Teaching consists of lectures, laboratory exercises, group work and other learning activities.
Fullført bachelorgrad eller tilsvarende grad (minst 180 studiepoeng) med emnegruppe/fordypning på minimum 80 studiepoeng innenfor biovitenskap.
Krav om C i gjennomsnitt.
Do you want to spend part of your studies abroad? We encourage our students to go on an exchange to one of our partner universities. A period abroad will give you valuable international experience while also offering a wider range of subjects and courses.
In this programme, the second semester is the most suitable time for an exchange. The application deadline for going abroad in the spring semester is 1 September. Please contact our international coordinator, Jose de Pool, for more information.
After completing the programme, you will have the theoretical foundation needed to continue on to our PhD in Biosciences or pursue a doctoral degree at another institution.
Knowledge
Upon successful completion of the programme, the candidate is:
- familiar with the functional components of the genome and their functional constraints.
- has general knowledge about the theoretical and practical developments in genomics based on the recent technological advances in the field.
- has knowledge about the most relevant sources of information in the field.
Skills
Upon successful completion of the programme, the candidate is:
- able to apply practical and analytical methods, including laboratory techniques and bioinformatics tools, to specific problems.
- able to acquire updated knowledge within the field of genomics.
- able to assess and discuss relevant studies within the field.
General competence
Upon successful completion of the programme, the candidate is:
- able to identify problems that can be effectively addressed using genomics approaches.
- able to choose the most appropriate approaches to study specific organisms.
- able to convey essential topics, exchange experiences, and keep updated within the field of genomics.
In addition to the semester fee and required course literature, students are expected to have their own laptop with a microphone and webcam.
Students must also have their own lab coat for courses that include laboratory work.
Some elective courses may involve additional costs, up to a maximum of NOK 3000.
Tuition fees:
The government has proposed removing the requirement that tuition fees must be at least cost-covering.
The Ministry aims for the change to take effect from 1 August 2026. Current rates will apply until a new bill is passed.
The planned rates for 2026/2027 are:
- NOK 60,000 for humanities, social sciences, and economics/administrative subjects
- NOK 85,000 for natural sciences, technology, health, social work and sports, teacher education, and performing arts and media studies
