The programme is made up of an educational training component consisting of at least 30 credits (the equivalent of one full time semester). The research component consists of the preparation of a dissertation based upon an original piece of high quality research science in one of the research areas of the faculty.

 

The educational training component consists of 15 compulsory credits including ethics in science and nature, as well as animal use in research and animal welfare in conjunction with a course in the research area specialisation. The 15 elective credits can be attained from a wide range of 400 and 300 level courses offered within the faculty and are usually associated with the area of specialisation of the candidate. These courses are designed to support the research dissertation by providing additional depth and specialised knowledge. Courses not available at the faculty but offered by other institutions may also be used for credit provided they are approved by the Faculty Research Board.

 

The research dissertation is a body of work based upon original research that is recognised by its scientific excellence, relevance and value. This research work will take place associated with at least one of the Faculty research groups. The resulting dissertation which is normally in the form of a series of publishable papers or a monograph is then formally examined by external examiners.

 

Aquaculture is itself a multi- and inter-disciplinary science involving a number of scientific fields. Continued expansion of aquaculture production (presently accounting for over 50% of seafood production globally) is recognised as the only way to meet increasing demand for seafood. As a leading producer and exporter of seafood, Norway has led the way in aquaculture development. University of Nordland (UIN) is a key national centre of competence and main player in aquaculture education in Norway. With close links to the local, national and international aquaculture industry and reputation for producing high quality and relevant science, UiN and the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture are the logical choice for an advanced degree in this area.

 

The PhD programme in Aquaculture welcomes applicants with high quality master's degrees (or equivalent) in biology or related fields. Potential candidates with other master's qualifications may be acceptable depending upon the nature of project and applicant concerned. Complete applications will be forwarded to the faculty Research Board where the decision for admission is made.

 

Consideration of the application will only be undertaken if it is complete including issues relating to stipend support and research costs have been addressed. A PhD position must be supported with a financial guarantee of at least 3 years of financing. The competition for funding from Norwegian sources is highly competitive and very limited. The Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture does not have the financial resources to provide financial assistance to those who wish to apply.

 

Ongoing admission throughout the year.

 

The PhD in Aquaculture will first and foremost qualify the students for positions within research and education at higher education institutions and for research and development work at research institutes, but also for positions within the aquaculture (or related) industry in Norway and abroad.