Genome Science

Genome Science (Genomvitenskap)

Master of science (2 year) Full time

Master i Genome Science ved NMBU

Master i Genome Science ved NMBU

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Are you interested in how genetic and epigenetic variations in genome affect the evolution of species? Are you curious of new genome technologies and how genome science can be used to improve sustainability in food production?

Application deadline:

April 15th
International applicants:
December 1st

Study start
Autumn 2023
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Study advisor(s)
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Contact info

Admission Office: opptak@nmbu.no

Phone: 6723 0111

To meet the increased use of genomics in different sectors of society, a new master program in Genome Science has been established. The master in Genome Science consists of 3 main pillars:

  • Genetics/Genome Biology
  • Bioinformatics/statistics
  • Genome technologies

Students will  investigate real biological questions in environmental and life sciences and learn how this new technology can be used to improve sustainable food and plant production.

Detailed education plan for the master can be found here: Education plan

More information about master thesis possibilities can be found here: Master thesis

Teacher Matthew Kent talks about the Master in Genome Science (video)
Genome technologies are being used increasingly in important areas of society, such as food production, environmental monitoring and the biotechnology industry. Kent tells about the opportunities in the study, and about the subjects you need to have in your bachelor’s degree to be admitted to the master program.

Still curious? An interview with one of the professors and a student in the program can found here (in Norwegian): "Studer genomet i mikroorganismer, planter, fisk og dyr"

Jenny is studying for a master's degree in Genome Science (video in Norwegian). After a bachelor's degree in molecular biology, Jenny Heyerdahl Bryhn chose a master's degree with a lot of practical work in the lab. Both sequencing, or reading 'reading', DNA. bioinformatics for processing and interpreting the data generated is on the timetable. So does the topic of genome editing. In her master's thesis, Jenny uses CRISPR technology, or a slightly different version, called Prime Editing, to see if it is a good tool to use to explore the functions of genes.

 

Job opportunities

After completing the programme, students have a sufficient theoretical basis to be able to continue with a doctoral program or work within education, public administration or industry.

You will get opportunity to work both nationally and internationally and will be qualified to work within:

  • breeding companies for fish, animals and plants
  • the biotechnology industries
  • governmental, communal or private sectors as a manager, adviser/consultant
  • PhD-student
  • researcher
  • lecturer (by adding 1 year of pedagogic)

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Describe and discuss different applications of Genome Science.
  • Use methods for generating and analysing genomic data.
  • Apply techniques for quality assurance of different data types and analysis methods applied.
  • Use basic methods for functional genomics in a wet-lab environment.
  • Describe and discuss the legal and ethical aspects concerning genome editing and use of genomic data.
  • Solve biological questions by project work and master theses, which are integrated in research and industry applications across Campus Ås.

Admission requirements

Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in biology, animal and plant sciences or equivalent education. The degree must include bioinformatics, genomics and laboratory practicals in molecular biology/genetics.

A motivation letter is mandatory for the admission process, and must follow your application. This should include a list of the specific courses you have taken that are relevant to the Admission requirements which are : a Bachelor’s degree in biology, biotechnology, animal and plant sciences, or equivalent education, that includes statistics/bioinformatics, genetics/genomics and laboratory practicals.

A weighted, average grade of minimum C (from the Bachelor's degree) is required at NMBU to be qualified for applying to Master's degrees. 

Applicants must demonstrate English language ability in accordance with the NMBU regulations.

Both genome editing using CRISPR and sequencing of genetic material are fields that are both relatively new and in rapid development. I think it is incredibly exciting to be able to be part of this development and work with the latest in CRISPR.

Jenny Heyerdahl Bryhni, masterstudent Genome Science

Study structure

Education plan master in Genome Science

  • Master’s degree is awarded on 120 credits (2 years fulltime study)
  • 55 credits compulsory courses at 300-level
  • Courses at 200 and 300 level are accepted in the master
  • Master thesis of 30 or 60 credits is compulsory

More information about master thesis can be found here: