International Bachelor's Programme in Biology, 180 higher education credits

Aim

The purpose of the programme is to develop knowledge and skills, abilities of independent and critical judgement, to solve problems independently and to keep up to date with the development within the area of Biology. The student should also develop the skill of professionally operating in an international environment.

Programme objectives

QUALIFICATIONS ACCORDING TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION ORDINANCE

Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Bachelor students must
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding in their main field of study, including knowledge of the scientific basis of the field, knowledge of applicable methods in the field, in-depth knowledge of some part of the field and a general sense of current research issues.

Skills and abilities
For a Degree of Bachelor students must
- demonstrate an ability to seek, gather and critically interpret information that is relevant to a problem and to critically discuss phenomena, issues and situations;
- demonstrate an ability to independently identify, formulate and solve problems and to perform tasks within specified time limits;
- demonstrate an ability to present and discuss information, problems and solutions in dialogue with different groups, orally and in writing; and
- demonstrate the skills required to work independently in the field that the education concerns.

Judgement and approach
For a Degree of Bachelor students must
- demonstrate an ability to make assessments in their main field of study, taking into account relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects;
- demonstrate insight into the role of knowledge in society and into people’s responsibility for how knowledge is used; and
- demonstrate an ability to identify their need of further knowledge and to upgrade their capabilities.


LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BACHELOR’S PROGRAMME IN BIOLOGY
Knowledge and understanding
During the education the student should acquire:
- Basic knowledge in Biology and deeper knowledge in Conservation Biology or other relevant areas in Biology preparing to advance studies in Biology
- Knowledge based on experiences from excursions and laboratory work combined with current theories
- Knowledge from resent research and development in Biology
- Knowledge and comprehension of the conditions for the biological lives on earth
- Basic knowledge in one or two subsidiary subject which application is relevant to Conservation Biology or other relevant areas of Biology

Skills and abilities
During the education the student should acquire:
- Qualified skills to solve problems in Conservation Biology in a professional environment
- Experiences to formulate and solve Biological issues both in a laboratory and natural environment
- Experiences in applying knowledge in Biology in professional situations and to exchange the knowledge to persons without specialist knowledge within the area of Biology

Judgement and approach
During the education the student should acquire:
- knowledge enough to present the functions of life and the conditions of life on earth
- knowledge enough to be able to professionally operate in an international environment

Content

Year 1

Biology BA (A), Plant Physiology, 7.5 Credits
Biology BA (A), Zoology, Systematics and Morphology, 7.5 Credits
Biology BA (A), Cell and Molecular Biology, 7.5 Credits
Biology BA (A), Zoo Physiology and Morphology, 7.5 Credits
Biology BA (B), Field Ecology, 7.5 Credits
Biology BA (A), Genetics, 7.5 Credits
Environmental Science BA (A), Environment and Natural Resourses, 15 Credits

Year 2
Biology BA (A), Systematic Botany and Floristics, 7.5 Credits
Biology BA (A), Ecology, 7.5 Credits
Biology BA (C), Conservation Biology, Field Ecology, 15 Credits
Environmental Science BA (B), Instruments for Sustainable Development, 15 Credits
Elective courses, 15 Credits

Year 3
Biology BA (C), Trainee Assignment, 15 Credits
Biology BA (C), Conservation Biology, Biodiversity, 15 Credits
Biology BA (C), Individual Assignment, 15 Credits
Elective courses, 15 Credits

Semester 4 can consist of studies at one of our partner universities.

Specialisation

Conservation Biology

Entry requirements

GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from a complete upper secondary education in Sweden or abroad with exemption from basic proficiency in Swedish.
Basic proficiency in English (English course A) can also be proven by for example the following international tests:
- TOEFL with a minimum score of 530 on paper based test and not below 4.0 on the TWE
- TOEFL with a minimum score of 72 on internetbased test and not below 17 on the TWE
- IELTS Academic Training with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and a minimum score on the specific parts of at least 5.0

SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The following course levels from Swedish Upper Secondary School (Gymnasium) or equivalent: Biology course B, Chemistry course B and Mathematics course C.

Description of programme

A good conservation biologist need basic knowledge of biology and also in subjects such as physical geography and chemistry. You will deepen your knowledge through courses in conservation biology - one dealing with biodiversity and the other nature conservation planning at landscape level. This knowledge is broadened with the help of the selected minor subject environmental science.

The student will receive additional opportunities to broaden and deepen his/her knowledge through the programme allowing the student choices. These choices may involve strengthening a specific professional orientation or a focus on research.

The programme provides an opportunity to study for one exchange semester at one of our partner universities. The programme provides tools and experience to seek solutions to conservation biology problems in our joint efforts towards a sustainable society.

As one of course choices in the programme is our practicum course. This choice can be made towards the end of your education and the practicum can be done in public administration or in private companies. There you will develop your skills and develop valuable contacts for your future employment. In the programme, a minor in Environmental Science is taken.

The training to be a conservation biologist occurs in proximity to ongoing research in biology at Mid Sweden University, where most of the projects are linked to conservation biology. Students with a strong interest in environmental protection will at Mid Sweden University be part of a stimulating and knowledge-intensive environment with a broad network connecting to professional life.

The study programme includes a total of 180 credits. Instruction is in English and students are strongly recommended to study one semester at a partner university (semester 4).

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Programme with restricted admissions

Special prerequisites for courses are given in the respective course specifications.

Teaching and examination

The study programme is given as a full-time programme and tuition is provided as field studies, laboratory sessions, projects, seminars and lectures. Field studies, laboratory sessions, projects and seminars are mandatory. Study material is in English, and the tuition is also given in English.

The studies can be problem-oriented or project-based. The student is systematically trained to practically solve problems of increasing complexity, using theoretical knowledge.

Examination is carried out orally or by written exams.

The examination procedures are stated in the syllabus of each course.

Title of qualification

Degree of Bachelor of Arts/Science

Filosofie kandidatexamen med huvudområdet biologi, translated into Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology.