Master's Programme in Biology – NABiS – Nordic Master in Biodiversity and Systematics

This specialisation is given jointly by several Swedish and Norwegian universities. The arrangement is that you have a home university where you have your physical residence and usually do your degree work. You can take courses at the other participating universities. However, these courses are usually given in the form of online or mixed education. The latter means that in addition to online learning, it also includes elements that are usually at a field station for one or two weeks, focusing on skills, such as species identification or laboratory work.

See the details of the courses given at each participating NABiS university.

You start your studies with two core courses:

• Alphataxonomical Principles (5 credits), University of Gothenburg
• Fundamental and Molecular Systematics (10 credits), Uppsala University.

The former gives you the basics of, for example, how to describe and name species and other taxa, while the second course gives you the theory and skills in how to study and analyse the shared evolutionary history of species. We use this knowledge to study character evolution and biogeography and for classification.

After that, you can choose courses fairly freely depending on your interest and career plan. Two tracks are envisaged in the programme, one leading to an academic career and the other to more practical work with, for example, inventories.

The elective courses are divided into four categories:

• Biodiversity - Identification includes practical courses for learning to use literature to identify organisms.
• Biodiversity - Classification deals with organism groups from a slightly more theoretical aspect.
• Systematic Theory deals with analytical techniques to study evolutionary history.
• Tools provide you with practical skills to handle, for example, data and collections. You can also supplement with other courses in the Master's Programme in Biology, with specialisation in such as Conservation Biology.

Finally, you do a thesis of 30, 45 or 60 credits where you will be able to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired.

Courses within the programme

Courses within the programme are found in the programme outline.

Biology instruction at Uppsala University is closely integrated with ongoing research. All teachers in the Master's Programme in Biology are active scientists in their respective field, providing you with an education that stays up-to-date with the latest advances in the field. The teachers on the program are open to discussion and we expect you to be active during lectures and laboratory sessions.

The courses offer a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical training in the form of laboratory work and field trips, as well as the ability to solve problems, think analytically and work scientifically. You will also gain the skills to solve problems, think analytically and work scientifically both individually and in groups.

Communication training is integrated into all courses of the programme - something that is increasingly in demand in the workplace. Exercises in oral and written presentation are a strongly integrated part of the teaching, as are exercises in discussions and debates.

The Master's Programme in Biology has a strong international character, and all courses are taught in English.

The Master's programme in biology gives you knowledge and skills for qualified professional activities with special and advanced tasks in business, government and self-employment. You can also continue with a doctoral programme.

Biologists from Uppsala University have a wide field of work, depending on focus and interest. The NABiS specialisation means that you acquire a large network of contacts within the Nordic region and you can work with issues within systematics and taxonomy that require molecular biological competence.

Our alumni work, for example, in places such as the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, Västra Götaland County Administrative Board and the Oslo Natural History Museum. The job titles include country manager, technician and doctoral student.

The programme is aimed at students who are interested in a career in:

• nature conservation management (public administration or as a private consultant),
• administration in government agencies (e.g. the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency) or private organisations (e.g. WWF, Naturskyddsföreningen),
• administration in biodiversity infrastructures (e.g. GBIF), or
• an academic career as a museum curator or researcher.

As a biologist, you can also work as a teacher or science journalist.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.