Master's degree (2 years)
Full time
European Master in Animal Breeding and Genetics

NMBU is one of six European university partners in this international master programme.

Application deadline:

January 15th

Start of Studies:

Autumn

Requirements:

A bachelor degree or equivalent in Animal Sciences, Biology or related fields, who like to specialize in the field of Animal Breeding and Genetics.

Requirements in detail
The application process is done by the EM-ABG coordinator at BOKU. Students who meet the following formal admission requirements will be considered: - BSc degree or equivalent degree in Animal Science or related fields with a number of prerequisites (e.g. knowledge of statistics and genetics), -Grade point average needs to be at minimum 70% of the maximum score. English at a level equivalent to the requirements set by the TOEFL test or similar, with results approved by the Admission Office at NMBU.

The first year of the program is taught at either Göttingen University in Germany or Wageningen University in The Netherlands.

The second year is taught at one of 4 other universities. The study tracks with NMBU as a second year university focuses on Genomic Selection and Precise Phenotypes.

The overall vision of the programme is to deliver graduates who are experts in animal breeding and genetics, with different specialisations depending on their chosen study track. This will make them suitable in areas such as managing breeding programmes in low-income countries, conducting breeding value estimations as required by industry, responding to societal needs to combat climate change, or improving animal welfare through breeding. The ultimate goal is to train a new generation of graduates that is fit to respond to current and future needs of the animal breeding sector in a global context.

For more information see www.emabg.eu

Partner universities:

Wageningen University (WU) the Netherlands
University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU), Austria
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Sweden
Paris Agro Tech, France
Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Germany
Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) Norway.

Career opportunities

Highly qualified graduates in the internationally operating area of animal breeding and genetics are needed. The programme is highly relevant for students who wish to work in organizations focused in the field of sustainable animal breeding.

Learning outcomes
The EM-ABG will concentrate on use of quantitative and molecular genetics for animal breeding purposes.

This involves the following concepts:
- understanding of and measuring genetic variation (Statistical Genetics) - molecular genetics and bioinformatics (Genomics) - design and evaluation of breeding programmes (Animal Breeding)
- understanding of intra-animal biological relationships (other)
A candidate who has completed the education is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:
- Knowledge about both quantitative and molecular genetics for animal breeding purposes
Skills:
- How to write a master thesis based on own experiments, available data and/or available literature
Competence:
- Knowledge on how to utilise theory to meet the challenges in animal breeding and genetics
Exchange possibilities
Students spend one year at two different partner universities.
Program structure
To receive a MSc at NMBU, students have to fulfil at least 60 ECTS, including a 30 ECTS thesis under joint supervision of NMBU and one of the other partner universities. There are 2 compulsory courses SDG300- Sustainable Development Goals in Plant and Animal Food Systems and BIN300- Statistical Genomics.
You can otherwise compose your own study plan with several courses in quantitative and molecular genetics. Some recommended courses are Models and Algorithms in Bioinformatics, Genome Analysis - methodology, Molecular Genomics, Animal breeding Plans, Theory and Application of Inbreeding Management.
More about the program
- Societal relevance
  Internationally, there is an increased need for candidates with a Master Degree in Animal Breeding and Genetics. The programme is highly relevant for students who wish to work in organizations focused in the field of sustainable animal breeding, and for further PhD studies within the field.
- Learning activities
  Teaching methods are varied and include lectures, laboratory exercises, field trips, group work, independent studies, exercies and seminars by students
- Examination
  Final oral or written examinations, assignment or portfolio assessment.
- Information for students from partner universities
  Lectures are given in English