During the first year, the coursework (as outlined below) will ensure that the student acquires a wide range of skills relevant to marine biology. During the second year, the primary emphasis is research, the result of whi
ch will be an individual MSc thesis.
The Master's programme is shown in the conceptual diagram below.
All courses are taught and examined in English.
Programme outline
In this biology programme, we recommend the courses in order for you to specialize in Marine science. The degree will be awarded in Biology, and the profile in marine science will be described on the degree certificate as a research profile.
PhD programme
Students taking the Master's degree may go on to take a further research degree. This can be either as a 3-year programme following the Master’s programme or as a 4-year programme beginning a year after the bachelor programme. The research programme leads to a PhD in science. Read more about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science.
Courses
Below, we have included a brief description of some of the courses that are either elective or mandatory in the Master's programme.
Under each course there is a link to the full course description.
Please refer to the programme outline above in order to see the complete outline of the courses in the MSc programme in Biology - marine science.
If you have any questions regarding the courses, please contact the Institute of Biology
Natural Resource Economics and Management BB801 - (5 ECTS)
The objective of the course is to give a broad introduction to the political, social and especially economic principles guiding the management of natural resources and environmental goods and services.
Full course description
Field Course in Freshwater or Marine Biology BB808 - (5 ECTS)
In this course participants plan, carry out, and analyze the results of a biological field project. The process includes the search for relevant scientific literature and the evaluation of results obtained in relation to the existing knowledge in the field. Specific research topics are chosen among pertinent biological issues in the natural environments that surround the field stations of the Institute of Biology, where the practical part of the course takes place. The participants will gain insights into the different stages of the research process in general, and to principles and methods in biological fieldwork in particular.
Full course description
Research Project BB810-811-812 - (5 or 10 ECTS)
The objective of this course is to make your own research project. You will have to define your own scientific question and hypothesis, and then solve the problem. You can choose your own topic and use the facilities at the Institute of Biology, extending from laboratory experiments, field work, mathematical modeling or literature studies. You will get trained in literature search and use of literature to support your study and results.
Full course description BB810 - BB811 - BB812
Planning and evaluation of biological experiments BB817 - (5 ECTS)
Throughout the course the students will be trained in summarizing biological topics with the aim of planning, evaluating and presenting their own experimental, biological investigations. The course will enable the students to critically evaluate research papers from the international scientific literature. A variety of studies reflecting the real complexity in a number of experimental biological disciplines, will be reviewed. The students will learn to use statistical as well as graphical software.
Full course description
Risk assesment of chemicals BB820 - (5 ECTS)
The course will supply the basic theory and terminology necessary for risk assessment of chemicals. The course will give practical experience in performing risk assessment of chemicals.
Full course description
Mathematical environmental modelling 1 BB822 - (5 ECTS)
This course will give the students knowledge of the applicability of mathematical modelling within the scope of environmental modelling. Through lectures and practical computer sessions students will become able to work with environmental topics. The course includes the following topics: Introduction to environmental modelling, numerical methods in environmental modelling, classification of models, empirical models, water quality models, environmental management models, eco-toxicological models, case-studies and GIS-related models. In the practical part of the course, the student will use dynamic mathematical modelling as an evaluation tool for environmental questions.
Full course description
An Introduction to the Biology of Marine Mammals BB824 - (5 ECTS)
The aim of the course is to introduce the students to selected topics in the biology of marine mammals presented through lectures and guest lectures by experts in the field and by participating in a small practical project at Fjord & Bælt, the Marine Biological Research Center in Kerteminde and at Odense Zoo. The topics vary from year to year and can include evolution and systematics, mating systems, reproduction, behavior, distribution, feeding and energetics, respiration, diving and thermoregulation, conservation and epidemics, communication, echolocation and sound production, hearing, anatomy and physiology, population biology, genetics and molecular genetics.
Full course description
Geographical Information systems (GIS) in Environmental monitoring and Natural conservancy BB836 - (10 ECTS)
This course includes an introduction to the GIS-program (MapInfo) and its applicability in environmental monitoring and natural conservancy policy. The students will learn the GIS-tool through practical environmental cases, where they learn to prepare, implement and create environmental maps and treat and manipulate the data. The intention is that the students reach a level, so GIS can be used as a tool during the Master's project. The applicability of GIS inside county and municipality activities with environmental management will be presented through practical assignments.
Full course description
Mathematical environmental modelling 2 BB827 - (5 ECTS)
This course will give the students knowledge of the applicability of mathematical modelling within the scope of environmental modelling. The students will in a extended project use mathematical modelling to analyze complex environmental topics. Through the project the student will gain expertise in the full modelling procedure: Create conceptual diagrams, process description, numerical solution of partial differential equations, parameterization, sensitivity analysis, verification, calibration, validation, and finally setting up scenarios. The model project becomes reported so the results are discussed and scientific perspected.
Full course description
Marine Ecosystems BB832 - (5 ECTS)
In this course the student will learn about the dominant plants and animals in different marine environments. The aim is to understand how physical, chemical and biological factors form an ecosystem with a focus on marine environments around Denmark. The course includes a one-day excursion to the Waddenzee supplemented with lab exercises where the students will qualitatively and quantitatively determine the fauna collected during the field trip.
Full course description