Linköpings tekniska högskola

2004

APPLIED BIOLOGY
/Translation: Master of Science in Biology, profile in Applied Biology/

c28.1 Aim

The aim of the programme is to introduce the student to different ways of applying modern biology in different areas of society and conservation, including a solid theoretical background and a methodological training within the framework of conservation.

c28.2 Composition of the Programme

The advanced program in Applied Biology consists of two years of studies for a Magisterexamen (translates to a Master of science). The programme is a collaboration between the department of biology at Linköping University and the Zoological garden Kolmårdens Djurpark. Most courses are carried out in cooperation with Kolmårdens Djurpark, which provides a unique facility for studies of a variety of animal species and for gaining insight into ongoing biological conservation programs.
The first year includes four courses and at the end of the year the student start with his/her Master thesis. The Master thesis is a full year project that will take most of the second year. At the end of the second year the programme ends with a final course - Applying biology.

c28.3 The Content of the Programme

The first year contains, in the following order, applied ethology 10 credits, applied vertebrate zoology 10 credits, applied botany 10 credits and conservation biology 5 credits. At the end of the first year the student starts to plan and work with his/her final thesis.

The second year is a year with its first three quarters consisting of an individual project. The project is the Master thesis, see below, which starts at the end of the first year and is of totally 40 credits, i e a full year of study. At the end of the second year the program ends with a concluding course in Applying biology, 5 credits

c28.4 Master Thesis

The master thesis is a synthesis of the knowledge and ability of the student to do an own assignment. Training to plan, carry out and present an independent work as well as establish contact with research and developmental work The thesis comprises a full year of study, 40 credits. The prerequisites are courses within the advanced study programme in Applied Biology corresponding to passed 35 credits.

The subject is chosen together with the supervisor and shall be within the field of the corresponding attended courses. The work may include collaboration with other Master Thesis projects although each project is clearly defined and carried out independently with support of individual tutorage. The assignment is done by the student and overlooked and guided by the supervisor and in close contact to the research and/or developing-frontier of the subject. A part includes specific methodology used in different areas when applying biology. The project includes an introductory planning and a presentation of how to carry out the work. Finally the student will present a written report as well as defend the work by an oral presentation.

c28.5 The Degree of Ordinance

The programme entitle the student to a filosofie magister examen in biology with the profile applied biology. This exam translates to a master exam in biology with a profile in applied biology. The exam is regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance and local directive.

c28.6 Entrance Qualifications

The entrance qualification is a exam equivalent to a British Bachelor of Science, honours degree, with major in Biology including an advanced course in Ecology and a course in Faunistics & Floristics 5 ECTS credits. For students studying in Sweden the entrance qualification is a Filosofie kandidat examen i Biologi, including an advanced course in Ecology and a course in Faunistics & Floristics 5 ECTS credits, or fulfilling the requirements for a Filosofie kandidat examen i Biologi, as above but the final thesis is exchanged with an advanced course in biology.
Applicants that are expected to fulfil the requirements by the start of the programme will be preliminary admitted if not fulfilling the entrance qualification by the application date. The final admission will be at the start of the programme if requirements are fulfilled. Applicants not fulfilling the requirement of a course in Faunistics & Floristics are offered a course during the summer semester prior the start of the programme.

Ranking of applicants
The applicants are ranked according to the grades of courses that compile the entrance qualifications. Grades are evaluated as passed (Godkänd) or passed with honor (Väl Godkänd). Advanced courses (C- and D-courses) with only grade pass are evaluated as passed with honor. If it is not possible to evaluate the grades of the courses that compile the entrance qualifications an individual evaluation will be done.

Linköpings tekniska högskola