Studies

The Degree Programme in Biology admits 45 new students annually, and ca. 40 biology students obtain the Master of Science degree every year. The degree programme had 312 students studying biology as a major subject in 2001. About 40 students study biology as a minor subject and, in addition, about 100 students from other departments take classes in biology. Four Licentiates of Philosophy and eight Doctors of Philosophy completed their studies in 2001. Almost half of the biology students at the University of Oulu also pursue some studies abroad in the ERASMUS (SOCRATES) or NORDPLUS exchange programmes or via the bilateral student exchange programme and ISEP. For foreign students, the Degree Programme offers a study programme called Northern Nature and Environment Studies, which is integrated to the department's regular courses and taught entirely in English for the exchange students.

Structure of Studies
Minor subject studies
Basic degrees
Post-graduate degrees
General instructions
Grading
Course units by themes (separate file)
Useful literature (separate file)

ECTS guide

Structure of Studies:

The Degree Programme in Biology offers the possibility of majoring in Animal Ecology, Animal Physiology, Plant Ecology, Plant Physiology and Genetics. Three lines of specialisation are available:

1) Ecology (majors either in Animal or Plant Ecology),

2) Bioscience and Physiology (majors in Animal Physiology, Plant Physiology or
Genetics)

3) Biology Teacher (majors in any of the five major subjects)

Students can freely choose from the lines, excluding students who are chosen to the Biology Teacher line based on the results of an aptitude test arranged during the second autumn term, and their grades in the taken courses in biology.
The studies in biology consist of basic studies (code P), subject studies (code A) and advanced studies (code S). In addition, language studies and orientation studies (code Y) are a part of the curriculum. The instruction in biology is given in the form of lecture courses, practical and theoretical exercises, seminars, workshops and field courses. Computer-aided teaching, herbarium collections and the collections of the Museum of Zoology are also utilised.

Minor subject studies:

The minimum of studies accepted as a minor subject is 10 Finnish study weeks / 15 ECTS credits. Often the amount of 15 sw / 22.5 ECTS cr is recommended. Minor subject studies include often one or two other biology subjects (zoology, botany or genetics) depending on the major subject of the student. It is also possible to take ecological or physiological botany or zoology as a minor subject if the student takes min. 10 sw / 15 ECTS cr advanced studies in the subject. Minor subject studies can also be taken from other departments or universities. The most common minor studies for biologists are statistics, biochemistry, chemistry and physics and for teachers geography and educational studies. Also e.g. environmental studies, environmental techniques, mathematics, teleinformatics, economics and language studies can be useful.

Basic degrees:

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (120 Finnish study weeks, 180 ECTS credits)
The degree consists of compulsory studies during the first three years of each line; these are mostly basic and subject studies (minimum of 50 Finnish study weeks or 75 ECTS credits in the major subject and 45 Finnish study weeks or 67.5 ECTS credits in the minor subject(s)). The degree includes the B.Sc. thesis (5 Finnish study weeks, 7.5 ECTS credits), two essays and the maturity test.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) (160 Finnish study weeks, 240 ECTS credits)
The degree consists of studies in the major subject (in addition to compulsory studies, optional advanced studies including the M.Sc. thesis (20 Finnish study weeks or 30 ECTS credits), together 55-120 Finnish study weeks or 82.5-180 ECTS credits depending on the line, and studies in two or more minor subjects. In the Biology teacher line pedagogical studies (not less than 35 Finnish study weeks or 52.5 ECTS credits), and studies in geography, chemistry or psychology (minimum 35 Finnish study weeks or 52.5 ECTS credits) belong to the degree.

Post-graduate degrees:

Licentiate in Philosophy (Ph.Lic.) . In addition to the M.Sc. degree, 40 Finnish study weeks in major and minor subjects plus the Ph.Lic. thesis.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) . In addition to M.Sc., 40 Finnish study weeks in major and minor subjects (not required if Ph.Lic. has been completed) plus the Ph.D. thesis.

General instructions

Lecture courses in the Degree Programme in Biology are mainly given in Finnish. However, lectures and practical exercises included in the Northern Nature and Environment Studies (marked as NNE in the description of the courses), a special study programme offered to foreign students, are held in English. All seminar sessions and individual tuition are offered in English to exchange students.

Lecture courses and also most of the practical exercises are held throughout the academic year on a weekly basis. Field courses and short advanced courses are taught in intensive periods. Attendance at lectures is not compulsory, but students must participate in 80 % of the exercises.

The lecture courses include a mid-term and/or a final exam. Final exams can be retaken twice.

The students must register for the exams in the Department Office on the Monday before each exam at the latest .