NEW: Bachelor in Biotechnology

From August 2027, the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture will welcome the first students to our new Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, a programme that brings together science, sustainability and innovation.

Programme description

How can biological resources be transformed into new medicines, sustainable materials, and greener technologies? As a biotechnology student at Nord University, you will explore these questions in an interdisciplinary programme centred on cells, molecules, genomes, and bioresources, with Northern Norway’s landscapes as a distinctive study environment.

The Bachelor’s programme in Biotechnology combines biology, chemistry, mathematics, bioinformatics, and bioengineering to show how living systems can be understood and used in modern biomanufacturing and bio-based innovation. You will work with molecular and cell biology, genomics and bioinformatics, organic chemistry, analytical methods and AI-based technologies, while developing strong laboratory skills and a critical view on sustainability and ethics.

As a student, you'll begin with a broad natural science foundation and move on to courses focusing on bioresources from land and sea, laboratory techniques, and innovation in food, health, energy, and advanced materials. In the final year, you shape your own pathway through electives, a biotechnology bachelor’s thesis, internship, or exchange, preparing for academic, industry, or business-oriented careers in sustainable bio-based value chains.

Career opportunities

The bachelor’s degree in biotechnology gives you a strong platform for a future career in both the private and public sector, particularly within pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, bio-based production, aquaculture, sustainable materials, and management of biological resources. Through the programme’s academic, industry-oriented, and business-focused teaching, you can develop a profile aimed towards research, processing and analytics, or entrepreneurship and management in the biotechnology sector. If you combine the programme with pedagogics, you can work as a teacher in upper secondary school, and if you continue on to a master’s degree, you will qualify for more specialised roles in scientific research, consulting, and advanced biotechnological development.

Programme structure*

Year 1
Your first year is about building a broad scientific foundation and getting to know biotechnology as a field, from cells and molecules to biodiversity, chemistry, quantitative thinking and sustainability. You learn to see how basic biological and chemical principles underpin biotechnological applications and how these are framed by climate, environment and ethical considerations.

Year 2
Your second year focuses on core biotechnology and molecular life sciences, moving from understanding biological systems to analysing, modelling and controlling them. You develop competence in laboratory and digital methods, genomics and bioinformatics, and experimental design, so you can work with data, processes and technologies used in modern biomanufacturing and bioprocess optimisation.

Year 3
Your third year is about specialising and applying your biotechnology knowledge in real-world contexts. You choose elective courses that can emphasise research, industrial processing, marine and terrestrial bioresources, or innovation and business, and you consolidate your competence through a bachelor’s thesis, internship and/or studying abroad, preparing for further studies or work in the biotechnology sector.

* Programme structure will be finalised in October 2026. Changes can occur.

• Admission requirementsCopy linkCopied
  • Higher Education Entrance Qualification
  • Proficiency in English language
  • Special admission requirements in science: Mathematics R1 or S1 + S2 (equivalent to High School AS-level), in addition to one of the following:
    • Chemistry 1 + 2 (equivalent to High School A-level)
    • Biology 1 + 2 (equivalent to High School A-level)
    • Physics 1 + 2 (equivalent to High School A-level)
    • Geosciences 1 + 2 (equivalent to High School A-level)
    • Information Technology 1 + 2 (equivalent to High School A-level)
    • Mathematics R1+ R2

  Frequently asked questions about admission

• Student exchangeCopy linkCopied

  We recommend our students to spend a semester abroad at one of our partner institutions and gain international experience, while benefiting from a broad selection of topics. More information about exchange can be read here: Outgoing exchange

• Further studiesCopy linkCopied

  The programme qualifies for a Master's degree in Biosciences and a Nordic Master's degree in Sustainable Production and Utilisation of Marine Bioresources here at Nord University, or for Master's studies at other institutions in Norway or abroad.

• Learning outcomesCopy linkCopied

  Knowledge

  Upon completion of the programme, the candidate:

  • has basic knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and comprehensive understanding of biotechnology as a multidisciplinary area integrating natural sciences and engineering.
  • has knowledge of global advancements and trends, synthetic, biological and chemical analyses, quality assurance principles, and automatization in biotechnology.
  • knows methods in bioprocessing, genetic engineering, sustainable chemistry and computing.
  • knows how to apply biotechnology to promote sustainable development and environmental solutions.
  • understands the implementation of AI-based tools to optimize manufacturing technology.

  Skills

  Upon completion of the programme, the candidate can:

  • solve practical and theoretical problems related to biotechnology
  • analyse data from experimental work, amend and optimize information flow, and design experiments.
  • grow various microorganisms for diverse biotech applications, perform process analysis, and optimize the processes with quantitative methods and AI tools.
  • perform relevant tasks, calculations and computing in chemical and molecular biology laboratory facilities.
  • handle biological and chemical materials while adhering to strict bioethics, biosafety, and general HSE rules.

  General competence

  Upon completion of the programme, the candidate can:

  • acquire and apply new knowledge on sustainable development and innovation in biotechnology.
  • work independently and collaboratively using both scientific and industrial approaches to various biotech-related tasks following safety and ethical principles. 
  • gather, evaluate, and critically assess information, and report findings through written assignments and oral presentations.
  • communicate biotechnological knowledge to different academic and industrial target groups through engagement in interdisciplinary projects that integrate knowledge from biology, chemistry, and engineering.
• Student life at NordCopy linkCopied

  Housing

  StudentiNord is Nord University's student welfare organisation, and offers, amongst others, housing for our students in safe and secure conditions. Tenants at Studentinord enjoy affordable rent, no deposit, and janitors and housing consultants available for their service at any time. Living at a student home is probably the easiest way to get to know fellow students.

  Student housing in Bodø

  Living expenses

  The estimated living cost for a student is stipulated to NOK 137 907,- per year (2023-24). In addition you may have costs related to insurance, travel, visa fees and eventual tuition fees.

  Student welfare

  StudentiNord offers a broad range of student welfare services, whether you are in need of medical service or someone to talk to, or maybe you want to engage in a student association or need to borrow sports equipment. Read more about their services:

  StudentiNord - Bodø

  Facilities at FBA

  Noatun is our brand new faculty building in Bodø, finished in 2024. As a student, you can enjoy high-quality teaching facilities and advanced laboratories, framing a vibrant and future-oriented sciencific environment.

  PIA, FF Prinsesse Ingrid Alexandra, is our top modern research vessel, owned by Nord University and Institute of Marine Research. At Nord, the vessel is used for educational and scientific excursions at sea.

• CostsCopy linkCopied

  Costs for semester registration and course literature apply. In addition, it is assumed that students have a laptop with headset and camera.

  Students must also have their own lab coat for modules that include laboratory exercises. These can be purchased at the university bookshop, Akademika.

  For optional excursions, a participation fee may apply.

  Tuition fees

  Students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must pay tuition fees. This study programme lists as a category E, and the fee rate is NOK 160 000 per year.

  Nord University does not offer scholarships or grants. You can find more information on tuition fees, payment details and exemptions on our website.

  Tuition fees for international students

• Post-study work visaCopy linkCopied

  If you do not have a permanent residency in Norway, but wish to stay in Norway to work after graduation, you can apply to UDI for a residence permit for work purposes. You should apply before your study permit expires.
   
  Job seekers - UDI
   
  Skilled workers - UDI

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