Programme description for Master's Programme in Coastal Ecology (2024–2027)

BIO408 Special Syllabus, student together with supervisor of the master's thesis is responsible for this topic.

Subjects taken at other campuses can be filed upon application.

What do you learn?

Learning outcome

A master's degree in coastal ecology will have the following learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge:
The candidate
- have insight into the scientific theories and methods used in ecological surveys in the coastal zone
- has advanced knowledge of aquaculture and environmental challenges
- have knowledge of the principles and procedures for establishing and managing national conservation areas in the coastal zone
- has knowledge of scientific presentation and publication
Skills:
The candidate
- can analyze and distinguish man-made environmental impacts from natural
- can conduct delicate R & D projects in coastal ecology in accordance with theory, current research ethical norms and national legislation
- can analyze and relate critically to different sources of information and apply them to formulate professional reasoning about ecological status, e.g. in connection with further development of aquaculture
- can lead teams who investigate for example establishment of conservation areas in the coastal zone
General competence:
The candidate
- can convey independent work in coastal ecology and master the field of expression of the subject area
- can analyze professional, occupational and research ethical issues within coastal ecology
- can apply the knowledge and skills to new issues within related disciplines
- can contribute to innovation in innovation processes such as cultivation of seaweed
- can communicate on academic issues, analyzes and conclusions, both with specialists and to the general public

Structure and content

Admission requirements

Admission requirements are completed bachelor's degree or equivalent where either an integrated study of at least two years duration in biology/ecology or specialization course of at least 80 credits in biology/ecology is included.

 

A weighted average rating of C or better is required.

 

Admission takes place in accordance with regulations on admission to studies and courses at the University of Agder (see the programme website).

General description and profile

Coastal ecology is an extensive field of study. The overall objective of the master's program is to provide the student with knowledge of ecology, establish system understanding as well as provide insight into the coastal ecosystem and the processes and interactions that occur where land/river meets fjord/sea.
As our age is characterized by human being the main driver of environmental changes, the program will focus on human influence in our time (Anthropocene). In addition, the student will be introduced to opportunities coastal and sea have for sustainable production and value creation. Current issues in the study are:
- what characterizes a healthy coastal environment
- how does climate change affect the coastal nature
- how do nutrients, pollutants and other chemicals affect coastal resources
- how to achieve sustainability in our use of coastal resources, e.g. seaweed, and the marine natural environment along the coast
- what are ecosystem services and how to put values on goods and services from an ecosystem
- how can international conventions contribute to responsible management of the coastal zone

Teaching methods

The working methods used in the study are lectures, seminars, assignments and exercises, workshops and laboratory and field-oriented teaching. There is a requirement for independent work by the students as the teaching is largely based on presentations, assignments and problem-based learning.
Most subjects require compulsory assignments and/or reports to be approved in order to pass the exam. Laboratory and field work and participation in seminars and workshops are usually mandatory in subjects where this is included. In connection with the master's thesis, it is mandatory attendance for supervision meetings.
The master's program is usually taught in English. In cases where there are only Norwegian students present, the language of instruction can be changed to Norwegian.

Assessment methods

The assessment forms used are written individual exam, oral presentation and exam, as well as assignment. The courses generally have mandatory requirements that must be completed before the exam, where the students will undertake practical laboratory and field work, as well as report writing related to this.
After the master's thesis is delivered and assessed, an oral exam will be attached to the assignment. The grade of the Master thesis can be adjusted by the oral exam, and an overall grade will be passed on the diploma.
Censorship and typing is done according to recommended guidelines for censorship of master theses within the MNT subjects, see http://www.uhr.no/index.php?objectId=3899&method=contents

Internationalization

UiA facilitates student exchange through established mobility programs such as Erasmus + and Nordplus, see UiA's website on student exchange: https://www.uia.no/student/utveksling
Student exchange is initially added to the second semester. In special cases, the entire first year may be taken at another institution. Current national or international cooperative institutions for student exchange are the University Center on Svalbard (UNIS) and James Cook University, Australia.

Occupational profiles / further studies

The Master´s degree in coastal ecology qualifies for professional positions in both the public and private sector, such as administration in various ministries, directorates, counties and municipalities, in private assignment and investigation activities, within the aquaculture industry or in environmental research institutes and in industry. With one-year practical-pedagogical supplementary education in addition to the master's degree, the candidates will be qualified to teach both at junior and upper secondary school.
The Master's degree qualifies for PhD studies, for example. within marine ecology at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, UiA

Qualification awarded

The program leads to the degree Master of Science in Coastal Ecology (Master i kystsoneøkologi).

Evaluation

Study programme evaluation is conducted annually in the programme committee in accordance with the Quality System, section 4.2. Before the meeting of the study programme committee, the student representative may obtain suggestions and ideas from fellow students.

Contact person

Study leader Tove Margrethe Gabrielsen