Environmental Science

Introduction
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical and biological sciences, (including but not limited to Ecology, Chemistry, Biology, Soil Science, Water, Geology and Atmospheric Science) to the study of the environment, and the solution of environmental problems. Environmental science provides an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems.

Emphasis will be placed on how and why different management strategies can contribute to sustainable use, conservation / protection and the recovery of natural and environmental resources. The study program is research and management oriented and provides thorough experience of laboratory and fieldwork.

Target Group and Admission Requirements
This master's program is specially designed for international students with an educational background from a broad field of sciences related to environmental science or environmental health.

A Bachelor's degree*, which includes 80 credits within the relevant science / environmental science, is required. Grade Requirements is C.

English requirements

The requirement for English proficiency may be met in one of the following ways:

International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0. An IELTS test is only valid for two years. You must take the Academic test.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 550 for a paperbased test, a score of at least 210 for a computer-based test or minimum 80 for an internet-based test. A TOEFL test is only valid for two years.
Bachelor's degree from UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand with English as the language of instruction.
A bachelor's degree from one of our partner institutions may be sufficient to meet the requirement for English proficiency (individual evaluation of such applicants). Examples are applicants from the Autonomous University of Madrid, University of Cumbria, the University of Pune, the University of Zilina and the University of Greifswald. Please visit our list of partner institutions at http://www.hit.no/eng/HiT/Student/Student-Exchanges/Exchanges-from-TUC/TUC-partner-universities
Since the language of instruction is English you do not have to know any Norwegian.

*Bachelor's degree

You must have an education equivalent to a Norwegian Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 80 ects specialisation in environmental science (ecology, biology, geology, limnology, or equivalent courses) to be eligible for a Master's programme in Environmental Science (i.e. at least three years of higher education, in addition to the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway).

Aim of the Programme
Our aim is to educate graduates with good multidisciplinary knowledge in the field of Environmental Science.

Independent work will be emphasized especially for the Master thesis. The student will be trained to understand and critically evaluate information, methods and research results. Students will also learn interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, and how scientific research and reporting is accomplished. Completion of this program will qualify for PhD studies.

Learning outcome
After completing this program, the students should have the following qualifications regarding knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge:
??? Advanced knowledge in biological fields such as botany, zoology, microbiology, genetics, biotechnology, ecotoxicology and limnology
??? Detailed knowledge of selected topics, processes and mechanisms related to key environmental factors and their effects (see course descriptions)
??? Ability to analyze academic problems on the basis of traditions of the academic field

Skills:
??? Be able to use relevant methods for research in an independent manner
??? Be able to locate, assess and refer to technical information and present it both orally and in writing
??? Ability to use relevant government regulations in administrative tasks, planning and impact assessment
??? Be able to carry out independent, limited research project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics

General Competence:
??? Be able to apply their knowledge and skills in new areas
??? Be able to communicate extensive independent work and master language and terminology of Environmental Science
??? Be able to contribute to new thinking and innovation processes

*Bachelor's degreeYou must have an education equivalent to a Norwegian Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 80 ects specialisation in environmental science (ecology, biology, geology, limnology, or equivalent courses) to be eligible for a Master's programme in Environmental Science (i.e. at least three years of higher education, in addition to the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway).