Bibbi Maria Kallay Hjelle graduated from the Master of Science in Seafood and Aquaculture at the University of Bergen in the spring of 2021.
Written by Marit Eggen, University College Lecturer and Innovation Advisor, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.
How does it feel to be finished?
Incredibly delicious! The coronavirus pandemic contributed to some delays in work on the thesis, and we were offered a two-week deferral on submission. It's a relief to be finished, even though it has been an incredibly exciting journey.
Bibbi is one of 10 graduating students who completed their master's degree this spring at the Civ.ing. program.
Why did you choose this master's degree?
It was a bit of a coincidence. I heard about the study through an acquaintance and I thought a completely new study within aquaculture seemed very interesting. I actually wanted to start dentistry, but I have always had an interest in science subjects such as math and physics, and biology. This, together with the fact that I thought the study could provide many exciting future opportunities, contributed to my choosing this study.
When she is asked if she regrets her choice of field of study, she has to think about it a bit.
Both yes and no. It wasn't quite what I had expected. There was a lot more general biology in the program than I had imagined and I would have perhaps wanted a more technological direction. In recent years, I have therefore supplemented it with a few other subjects such as economics at NHH.
Are there things about your studies that you wish were different?
Personally, I missed a slightly clearer parallel between the technical and the biological. One of the best and most important courses during the study, I think, was BIF200 – here that parallel was made stronger. The subject was still very broad and I would have liked to see it divided into several subjects with a greater thematic focus, such as water quality and more in-depth coverage of the technical aspects of RAS plants and setting up a RAS plant, dimensioning, etc.
It's probably a bit typical for civil engineering studies that they are relatively broad and that they don't provide specialized expertise?
Yes, absolutely. The Master's degree provides candidates with a very broad knowledge base and gives you a good insight into several important aspects of modern and sustainable aquaculture. That is both a positive and a negative.
Positive because?
Because the industry is moving in a direction of greater complexity and where the type of broad knowledge within both biology and technology becomes important.
And negatively?
Negatively, perhaps because I'm unsure whether the industry is ready for, or understands, that they need that type of expertise. But now it must be said that the vast majority of my fellow students have found relevant jobs within the industry, and that suggests that we are in demand.
If there are other things about the master's degree that should be looked at more closely, she adds:
It is important when collecting and designing possible master's theses to take into account that the students in the Master of Science (MSc) program have a broad knowledge base and do not necessarily have the in-depth knowledge of biology that previous students at Havbruk had. And then there was early talk very loudly about being sought after by the industry and securing a job after their studies. This helps to create high expectations among the students that the jobs will come almost by themselves, but also especially when it comes to the types of jobs that are seen as relevant that may not correspond to the industry's view.
Because that's not the case?
Not necessarily. It was also mentioned during a KABIS meeting by a business partner that students needed to be better at making contact and being more proactive.
But that also requires that the industry accept and be open to these inquiries, right?
Yes, of course it does, it goes both ways.
Bibbi wrote his master's thesis on a new type of method to prevent lice infestation in open cages using low-frequency sound. The master's thesis was part of a larger research project in collaboration with Bremnes Seashore AS, NORCE, NIVA, FHF and UiB. Bibbi's thesis was to investigate in more detail the effect of the method on fish welfare – whether it triggered a stress response and the effect it had on the removal of salmon lice. Read more about the master's thesis and the results here .
How was working on the master's degree?
It was very exciting! The assignment contained many different parts and aspects, which provided a good variety in the work, but also challenges. At the same time, it was particularly interesting to be able to look at new solutions and methods for combating lice. Lice are a very central topic in the master's degree and in the industry in general. I have had very good supervisors and received a lot of help along the way.
Where does the road lead for you?
I am going to complete my bachelor's degree in economics that I have started at NHH. After that, I want to get a job in the fish farming industry, and perhaps in one of the smaller companies.
Why a smaller company?
I believe that you will get to see larger parts of the company and that it is therefore easier to gain a more varied experience in a smaller company. At the same time, I imagine that my broad knowledge will be of great use.
So, in conclusion: do you have any tips for students considering an education in aquaculture?
Hmm.. Good question. It is a study that provides great breadth and knowledge in many exciting and interesting fields – both innovation, technology and biology. The study is perfect for those who want to contribute to working for a sustainable industry that is constantly growing and where Norway as a nation has great ambitions and good conditions to do well. In addition, the aquaculture industry is already well underway, but there is still enormous potential for improvement and the demand for knowledge is present.
About KABIS
KABIS is a collaborative project to develop education within sustainable seafood and aquaculture in Western Norway, where NCE Seafood was central in the establishment phase with funding. Read more about KABIS here .
Central to the KABIS project has been the work of developing the Master of Science in Seafood and Aquaculture, where new knowledge is implemented and where practice is an important element. In addition, several of the challenges brought to KABIS from the industry are explored through master's projects carried out by the graduating students of the program. Together, this will contribute to creating the aquaculture candidates of the future. Read more about the program here .
