Programme Councils Review the Autumn Semester 2025

The agenda included student retention, application numbers, and ongoing development initiatives and the overall picture is positive.

Increased Interest and Stable Completion Rates

Interest in the Bachelor’s Programme in Cell and Molecular Biology has grown in recent years. Since the number of study places was adjusted and the programme changed its name, both application numbers and entry requirements have increased. At the same time, outcomes are moving in the right direction: academic performance is gradually improving, and approximately half of the students who begin the programme now complete their degree.

The Bachelor’s Programmes in Biology and Marine Biology also show stable figures. Marine Biology continues to have a high proportion of students completing their studies, while Biology shows some variation between specialisations.

New Opportunities for Students

An important topic during the meetings was how the programmes can be further strengthened. Students have expressed interest in opportunities for internships outside the university, in addition to research placements, and the programme committees are positive about exploring these possibilities.

There is also support for introducing the option of a 30-credit independent project within the programmes. Such a change would give students better opportunities to carry out more extensive projects and further develop their practical and analytical skills. The proposal is for the course to be elective and to build on the current independent project.

Focus on Quality and Long-Term Development

The programme councils also discussed how follow-up procedures for course reports and programme evaluations can be further developed to strengthen quality assurance. Questions concerning programme structure and future development will continue to be prepared during the spring.

The next programme council meetings are planned for later in the spring semester.