M2NRBIOTEK Master i næringsrettet bioteknologi
Master i næringsrettet bioteknologi
- Number of credits120
- Part-time/full-timeFull-time, Part-time
- Start semester2023 Autumn
- Language of instructionEnglish
- CampusHamar
The Master’s Degree Programme comprises two years of full-time study (120 ECTS credits) that may also be completed part-time, and includes modules each totalling 5 – 20 ECTS credits. Given courses each totalling 5 - 15 ECTS credits, and a master`s degree thesis of 60 ECTS credits in experimental or 30 ECTS credits in Commercial biotechnology.
The study may also be completed part-time.
This biotechnology master study is unique by having a two-tailed specialisation possibility, either in Experimental Biotechnology or in Commercialisation of Biotechnology direction. Chosen specialisation is based on chosen courses and in master`s degee thesis. Further, this study is taught in English, giving it an international perspective and recruit possibilities.
Content and organization
Introduction
Biotechnology entails the utilisation of microorganisms, animal and/or plant cells to create useful and necessary products, and further provides the means for the genetic modification of living organisms and their function. In the years to come, biotechnology will play an increasingly important role in how society develops. Genetic engineering can, for instance, help in the development of new and improved vaccines. Biotechnology can be used as a tool to elucidate basic biological processes, but may also be used in diagnostics, for hygienic control, for the purification of water, raw materials, finished products, for bioproduction processes and for dealing with waste products and pollution.
Enterprises and companies in a rapidly growing biotechnological industry experience an increasing demand for qualified workers. The study programme prepares students for work in the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries, the food processing industry. Students with an cross-disciplinary approach to biotechnological problems are well suited to work in both public and private research and development laboratories.
Learning Outcome
Knowledge:
The candidate
- has advanced cross-disciplinary approach to biotechnological problems
- has advanced knowledge of methods used in biotechnological companies as gene technology, cell biology and bioprocess engineering
- has advanced knowledge about the commercialisation of biotechnology in order to develop marketable products based on promising research results
Skills:
The candidate
- can meet the increasingly cross-disciplinary demands of an expanding biotechnological business sector
- has thorough hands-on laboratory experience and theoretical competance in Cell and Reproduction Biology, Molecular Biology and Biprocess Technology
- can establish biotechnological enterprises based on their own research, using Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) strategies and developed business plans
- can analyse and critically reflect on ethical problems involving biological organisms, as well as environmental ethics as related to biotechnological products, and to see them in a larger scientific context
General competence:
- has advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills making them well equipped for a career in biotechnology-based activities
- has advanced knowledge and skills in biotechnological subjects so they can analyze and complete a piece of original research
- can communicate independent work within the academic field of biotechnology
Teaching and learning methods
The instruction is based on lectures, workshops/group work, laboratory exercises and excursions. All students working toward a Master’s Degree in Applied & Commercial Biotechnology will be enroled in obligatory courses comprising the subjects. Introductory lectures and practical learning exercises on the computer followed by a hand-in assignment that is to count as a part of the total assessment of the students. Synopses of these assignments are presented by students in short lectures to the instructors and the remaining students. Lectures also include group discussions, individual assignments, group assignments and quizzes. See detailed description for each courses below.
Target group
Our aim is to target students globally to this study programme, who already have a foundation in biotechnology, and who wish to acquire advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills in biotechnology. Primarily we target students with a bachelor in biotechnology, but we also encourage applicants with other bachelor degrees as long as they fulfil the entrance requirements (see Admission requirements below).
Admission requirements
For both specialisation modules of the programme, your degree from higher education must fulfil the following requirements:
- The equivalent of at least 80 ECTS credits in natural sciences and mathematics, with a solid foundation in chemistry and biology. Coursework in biochemistry must be included, with a minimum grade of C.
- A minimum average grade of D for the 80 ECTS credits.
For Experimental Biotechnology:
- Coursework in Molecular biology with a minimum grade of C
Students lacking molecular biology coursework may qualify for molecular biology thesis work by taking a Bachelor-level molecular biology course at INN University.
English Language requirements
Applicants must document their proficiency in English at a certain level.
The English language requirements applies to all except applicants native to UK, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia or the nordic countries, who do not require to document any language proficiency.
You will find the list of accepted courses and minimum scores accepted here.
Qualification attained
The Master’s Degree Programme in Applied & Commercial Biotechnology leads to a Master’s Degree in biotechnology, with specialisation in either “Experimental biotechnology” or “Commercialisation of Biotechnology” fields. Expertise in biotechnology can be utilised in basic and/or applied research focusing on the economic and socially beneficial use of organisms and their products, or to help stimulate the establishment of biotechnological enterprises.
Internationalisation
The biotechnology master study programme is entirely taught in English, which allow for international applicants as well as local ones. The entire curriculum is in English. We recruit students globally, and therefore we have an international environment at Hedmark University College. Natural science is an international oriented subject. Biotechnological Professors therefore have international collegaes and cooperations with students involved. Students sometimes visit interational contacts.
Information literacy
Instruction in information literacy is included as a topic in the theoretical curriculum and is linked to the students’ work on writing assignments. The students will receive training about how to search for information and evaluate different sources of information. Emphasis is placed on the students understanding when acquisition of reference information is necessary, and independently being able to find, evaluate and make use of information in their own learning. Use of the University College’s e-learning systems will constitute an integrated part of the instruction. The library staff will be responsible for instructing the students.
All lectures are based on scientific experience, and the students are involved with their supervicor(s) scientific programs in the Master`s Thesis work.
Assessment methods
There are varied assessment methods, both regarding intermittent assessment and final assessment. These are: Written examination, oral examination, laboratory reports, project reports, hand-in assignments and portfolios. Oral presentation of thesis is part of final remarks. A letter grading scale is used. A more detailed description is given in the course descriptions below.