Chemistry and Biological Science - PhD

Chemistry and Biological Science is a subfield within the doctoral programme in Science and Technology at UiS. The subfield has specialisations in chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental technology. The doctoral programme is linked to the research within each of these specialisations.

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Our research fields

Research in the area of chemistry and biosciences at the University of Stavanger (UiS) includes subjects such as repair of DNA damage, conversion of nutrients, breaking down pesticides and environmental toxins, environmentally-friendly manufacturing chemicals for the oil industry, biological rhythms, bioactive components in food, reaction kinetics, signal-transduction pathways, enzyme studies, modelling chemical and biological processes, purification and separation technology, plastid division and development, and studies into different types of cancer and processes that lead to neurodegenerative or immunological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or Sjögren’s disease.
A common denominator for many of the research themes in the PhD programme can be said to be influences from the environment (e.g. radiation, nutrients, light/darkness, environmental toxins) on organisms and how they adapt to such factors, and vice versa, and the influence of microorganisms on components in the environment.
The PhD programme is structured around a common academic and technological platform. This platform includes protein chemistry/enzymology, gene technology, spectroscopic methods, analytic and physical/biophysical chemistry, organic synthesis, cell/tissue culture, respirometry, applied microbiology and purification technology. Furthermore, the platform will include expertise in modelling chemical and biological processes, the practical application of bioinformatics and the application of regulatory technical aspects within signal and control processes.

Courses

The training component should contain the professional and methodological training required for working on and completing the thesis. The programme is structured with a training component (coursework) of 30 credits and a research component of 150 credits. The learning outcomes are partly covered by courses which in turn are divided into three types: programme courses, study courses and project courses, all worth 10 credits each.

These are mandatory for all PhD candidates at the Faculty of Science and Technology.

*these courses are only available for candidates with projects within medical research

Students select study courses depending on their chosen specialisation. Courses from other universities can also be selected as long as the course covers the learning outcomes for the programme.

Project courses are supervisor-led and tailored according to the needs of the PhD project. The following project courses are offered:

Learning outcomes will also be covered through completion of research documented by the doctoral thesis, disputation, participation in conferences with presentations, research/study abroad and preparation of scientific papers.

Learning outcomes

The candidate

  • is at the forefront of knowledge within chemistry and biosciences and has mastered the scientific theory, research questions and methods relating to the subject area
  • is at the forefront of knowledge within a chosen specialist discipline
  • can evaluate the suitability and application of different methods and processes in research and development projects in the field
  • can contribute to the development of new knowledge and theories, methods, interpretations and forms of documentation in the field

The candidate

  • can formulate problems, plan and carry out research and development work in their field of research
  • can carry out research and scholarly development work of high international standard
  • can handle complex academic issues and challenge established knowledge and practices in their field of research

The candidate

  • can identify new relevant ethical issues and practice their research with scholarly integrity
  • can manage complex interdisciplinary assignments and projects
  • can communicate research and development work through recognized Norwegian and international channels
  • can participate in debates in the field in international forums
  • can assess the need for, initiate and practice innovation

Admissions requirements

To be admitted to the doctoral programme in Science and Technology - Chemistry and Biological Science the applicant must normally have minimum a five-year master's degree in environmental technology, chemistry, biotechnology or similar(the degree specifics are stated in the individual vacancy ads in JobbNorge). The applicant must have a strong academic background with both the master’s thesis grade and the weighted grade average of the master’s degree courses being individually equivalent to or better than a grade B.
As the language of instruction is English, applicants must document that they fulfil the listed English language requirements specified in the ad.

All available PhD vacancies are published here.

Academic contact:

Ingunn Westvik Jolma
Instituttleder
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering