Sustainable Economy and Bioproduction
See study programmeThe bachelor's degree program in Sustainable economics and bioproduction will give you broad knowledge and expertise so that you are able to work in an innovative way with creating value from renewable resources and have a solid basis for further studies.
The study is multidisciplinary and provides basic knowledge in life sciences and business economics as a basis for developing practical skills in sustainability and bio-based value creation.
Sustainable economy and bioproduction is a large area, which is rapidly developing. It is about understanding biologically renewable resources, modern technology, business economics and social development. The study program makes you well equipped for a future that requires professional competence, willingness to change and provides with interdisciplinary approaches.
By studying BSc in Sustainable economics and bioproduction, you become part of a subject area that will be important in the future, and in a constant development. You will be well-prepared for a future that requires professional competence, willingness to make a change and, not least, use interdisciplinary approaches.
Sustainable economic thinking is widely accepted as a necessary attitude in future social development. Increased use of renewable resources and more reuse of materials contributes to sustainable societies and profitable businesses by minimizing the serious consequences of climate change.
Knowledge of sustainable economics and bioproduction will provide many future-orientated job opportunities. We see some of them today in analysis, testing and business development. But most of the jobs and opportunities have not yet been created, and will emerge as a result of society's growing interest in renewable resources and more reuse of materials.
The content of the study provides broad knowledge in the basic disciplines of natural sciences (biochemistry, biology, chemistry, mathematics) and economics, with a consistent focus on how these basic disciplines in teams (interdisciplinary) are necessary to meet future challenges and tasks within sustainable economics and bioproduction.
Parts of the teaching may be given in English.
The students will have the opportunity to accomplish an internship and final project abroad or at local companies in Norway.
The students on this study program must complete a safety course/safety training before they can use special rooms, special equipment or perform procedures with increased risk.
The study program is site-based and requires students to be present on campus.
The programme provides candidates with broad knowledge and expertise in sustainable and profitable value creation of bioresources (sustainable economy and bioproduction). This means understanding biology (living organisms) and biochemistry (interaction between biomolecules) as a resource and to produce and value-manage (the economy) renewable bioresources within logics such as sustainability, circular thinking, biotechnology and digital transformation.
After graduation, the candidate will have obtained the following learing outcomes:
Knowledge
- have a broad knowledge and understanding of bio-based resources, processes and technological opportunities
- have a broad knowledge of business theories and concepts for the sustainable resource management
- have a broad knowledge of change processes and business development for the use of bio-based resources
- have a knowledge of research and development work within sustainable economy and bioproduction both nationally and internationally
- have knowledge of sustainable economy and bioproduction's role in society, and influence on the sustainable transformation
Skills
- is able to apply subjects methods and tools to investigate phenomena and solve practical and theoretical problems both in the laboratory and through economic and life cycle analyses
- is able to reflect on own practice based on research/facts and adjust this under guidance
- is able to identify, organize and carry out interdisciplinary problem solving/work together with others
- is able to reflect on the importance of the sustainable economy and bioproduction for governmental administration and regional development
General competence
- is able to identify and evaluate subjects and professional ethical issues in the balance between sustainable economy and bioproduction
- is able to plan and carry out an independent, limited investigation under supervision, both individually and in groups
- is able to reflect subject matter on sustainable economy and bioproduction both in writing, orally and through other relevant forms of expression
- is able to exchange knowledge with others on the sustainable economy and bioproduction and participate in discussions on the development of good practice
Admission to the study program requires Higher Education Entrance Qualifications.
Information for those who apply on the basis of vocational training (deadline 1 March):
Applicants who do not have general study qualifications, and who are 25 years of age or older, can apply for admission on the basis of prior learning and work experience. In the following, examples of relevant formal competence are outlined: work in economics, business economics, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, farming, food industry, chemical industry, industrial process technology, climate and environmental protection and other related industries. Schools with relevant lines/subjects in relation to the education are, for example, economic-administrative subjects, green subjects, blue subjects, technical subjects and food subjects. When it comes to admission on the basis of formal competence, the following academic requirements apply; Norwegian from Vg2 and mathematics from Vg1.
Students can continue studies in Nord University's master's degree programmes: Nordic master's degree in sustainable production and utilization of marine bioresources and Master of Science in global management.
The programme's options regarding specialization subjects, elective courses, internships, exchanges and bachelor's degree theses provide the opportunity to adapt the content to specific admission requirements for various master's degree programmes.
There are increasingly more advanced study opportunities (master's and doctoral degrees) in bioeconomy in Norway and abroad, where the programme provides a good foundation for applicant, and can be adapted to special admission requirements through conscious choices of specialization subjects/bachelor's thesis and internships.
Have you thought of exchanging to another part of the world? We highly recommend our students to spend part of their degree at one of our collaborating universities. Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to gain international experience, while allowing a broader selection of topics and courses. A study abroad compliments your degree best in the fifth semester.
We have dedicated staff who will do their best to help you with your stay abroad. For more information on the process, please contact Jose de Pool, advisor for study exchange.
The application deadline for exchange is 20 January for the autumn semester.
Students will encounter different (final) forms of assessment throughout the programme. The assessments shall ensure a continuous two-faceted process throughout the course of study: to promote learning and to document the student's competence in accordance with the learning outcome descriptions.
Most compulsory work requirements are assessed as pass/fail. Other exams normally have a six-point grading scale. Exams and compulsory work requirements shall primarily ensure progress in the course of study and acquisition of the study outcomes.
Completion and assessment of exams and compulsory work requirements are carried out in accordance with the currently applicable rules in the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges and the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at Nord University.
The individual course’s forms of assessment are described in the course descriptions.
The study program is evaluated annually by the students through subject evaluations and semester evaluations, as well as by the study program director. These evaluations are included as part of the university's quality assurance system.
The study plan can be changed annually on the basis of needs and wishes that emerge through study evaluations or opportunities in the labor market.