Two specialisations:

• Biology

• Aquatic biology and fisheries

Biology is a broad discipline, spanning everything from the smallest biomolecules to enormous and complex ecological systems.

Is the program for you??

• Are you interested in research?

• Do you want to expand your specialist knowledge in a specific area of biology?

• Are you interested in the uses and functions of marine and freshwater ecosystems?

• Do you want to be better at reading and discussing research papers?

• Do you want a programme where learning takes place out in the field as well as in the lab?

• Do you want to delve deeper into genetics?

What is the study about?

This is a theoretical and research-based programme. Students conduct research at the Faculty as well as at other research institutes, such as the National University Hospital, the Environment Agency of Iceland, Matís and the Marine Research Institute.

The programme is 120 ECTS and is organised as two years of full-time study. Two specialisations are offered, Biology and Aquatic Biology and Fisheries

Speciality: Biology

The Master's thesis is generally 90 ECTS, with the remaining 30 ECTS completed through courses or other study.

The programme is taught in Icelandic, or English in some cases. Textbooks are in English or Nordic languages and lecture slides are in Icelandic.

Course topics include:

• Cell structure and functions

• Heredity

• Characteristics and differentiation of species

• Behaviour and internal functions of organisms

• Communities and ecosystems and human impact on these systems

Main objectives
The programme is designed to ensure that students:

• learn how to work independently in an international environment

• learn how to conduct research and acquire new knowledge

• develop critical thinking skills and an understanding of scientific principles

Speciality: Aquatic Biology and Fisheries

The programme is taught by experts at the University of Iceland and the Marine Research Institute, as well as other domestic partners. Students may complete research projects at other research institutes.

Course content and potential thesis projects take advantage of the academic strengths and practical experience of specialists in fisheries biology and stock assessment, ecological modelling and statistics, limnology, marine ecology, oceanography, population genetics, environmental biology, marine mammals and aquatic birdlife.

Main objectives
The programme is designed to ensure that students:

• broaden and deepen their knowledge of a selected specialisation within biology and acquire a systematic understanding of the most up-to-date knowledge and research methods in that field.

• are able to design and develop appropriate research plans to answer questions in their specialist field.

• are able to propose new hypotheses related to their research topic.

Further information
This programme is offered as a specialisation within the MS in biology. This means that prospective students must apply for the MS in biology, but mention in the personal statement that they plan to specialise in aquatic biology and fisheries.

For more information about the programme and applications, please contact

• Student services at the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, mssens@hi.is

Other

Graduate students in biology are often funded or salaried.

Completing a Master's degree in biology allows you to apply for doctoral studies.

• See the PhD in biology

• See all doctoral programmes at the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences.