New Greenlandic natural science program: SILA bachelor in biology

Ilisimatusarfik has designed a completely new kind of program: SILA bachelor in biology.

In Greenland, we have a special relationship with nature - that is, the biology around us.

Nature is the foundation of our socio-economy, our food, our culture and our mental health.

All these aspects are important elements of the SILA bachelor in biology program.

In collaboration with Pinngortitaleriffik and others, Ilisimatusarfik has created a biology bachelor's degree program based on Greenland, Greenlandic nature and Greenlandic culture.

Students will go reindeer hunting, get their hands in seal stomachs, and get to know the Greenlandic labour market. Students gain practical experience with biological studies in nature and in the laboratory, and they learn how to acquire biological knowledge and how to communicate that knowledge.

There are three recurring themes in the program:

• Natural resource management. A SILA bachelor can work with the management of our natural resources in an environmentally and socially sustainable way. The student will gain concrete knowledge of current legislation and procedures. The student will learn the importance of integrating different types of knowledge in management, including research and hunter knowledge. The student will gain experience with all stakeholders in management including the administration, the political system, fishermen, hunters and researchers.
• Climate change. The student will gain an in-depth knowledge of current changes in the Arctic climate and the implications for ecology, society and economy. The student will become familiar with relevant international and national projects, reports and organizations working with climate change. The student will gain experience with climate data and climate research.
• Health and nature. Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between people and nature in Greenland, including food culture, agriculture, hunting and fishing, nature's health-promoting effects, economic potential and importance for culture.