General information relating to studies in the School of Business and Science
The School of Business and Science is divided into two faculties: Faculty of Business Administration and Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences. The Faculty of Business Administration offers business studies to a B.S. degree, emphasizing management, finances and marketing. The Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences offers study lines to a BS degree in Fisheries Science and Biotechnology. Also offered is the possibility of graduating with a BS degree in Aquaculture in cooperation with the Holar University. The study lines in the Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences are planned in such a way that the student can obtain a diploma in applied natural resource sciences after two years of study as a basis for continued study with UNAK or other universities. The interplay between business related course and science courses is characteristic for the cohabitation of the two faculties. No students will be registered in the study line of environmental and energy science in the fall 2012.
Teaching in the Faculty of Business Administration is largely shared during the first year of study, but diversifies in the second and third year and becomes increasingly specialised in each line of study. Teaching in the Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences is largely shared during the first two years of study, but diversifies in the third year according to the requirements for the separate lines to a B.S. degree. Individual courses are taught either in Icelandic or English.
The School of Business and Science conducts systematic monitoring of the quality of teaching by using an internal and external assessment of its operations in order to ensure that studies in the faculty fully comply with international criteria concerning content and teaching methods.
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate programmes
The general admission requirement is a secondary school matriculation examination, but the faculties is authorised to waive this requirement for individuals, who are 25 years of age and have completed other examinations, that the faculty considers equally satisfactory in terms of student preparation. Students are expected to have sound knowledge of Icelandic, be able to communicate orally and in writing and they need to be skilled in the use of computers. A solid foundation in mathematics and English is important. Special regulations may apply concerning registration in certain paths of study.
The School Assembly of the School of Business and Science reserves the right to alter the student curriculum. The organisation of study and the contents of courses are therefore approved, subject to the following reservations.
- Availability of teaching staff
- A minimum number of students in individual courses (generally 10 students)
- Adequate budget provisions
- Other changes that may be necessary
Special Rules and Regulations of the School of Business and Science
Attendance
Lecture attendance is not required for all lectures, unless otherwise specified at the beginning of a course. Compulsory attendance and handing in of assignments applies with regard to the practical parts of courses. A student, who fails to attend practical course sections, is considered to have quit the course and consequently forfeits the right to take the full course final examination. The teacher is authorised to waive this rule, provided that the arrangement is announced at the beginning of the course.
Distance Studies
Distance courses are offered in specific fields, provided funding is available on each occasion and minimum participation requirements are fulfilled in each study programme and each individual course. Students are required to attend local study sessions according to study schedules, unless otherwise specified at the beginning of the semester.
Students assume all travel costs relating to local study sessions and are responsible for the planning of their own travel.
Examination Requirements
In the event that a performance assessment is conducted in two or more parts of a course, a minimum passing grade is required of the student for each separate part in order to pass the course in question. Teaching staff may waive this rule, provided such an arrangement is announced at the beginning of the course. In the Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences, grades given for laboratory exercises are valid for a period of three years.
Off Campus Study
Practical projects in individual courses can be conducted outside Akureyri. This applies, for example, to some of the special courses in environmental studies such as aquaculture and biotechnology. Students assume all travel costs incurred in connection with practical projects. Lectures in fisheries studies courses are also conducted by means of video conferencing equipment. Some courses are jointly taught in collaboration with the University of Iceland or mainly or even entirely through the Internet.
Integrated Teaching
The School of Business and Science reserves the right to arrange the joint teaching of special intradepartmental courses. These courses will then be taught every other year.
Graduate Studies
Special comprehensive guidelines apply with regard to research based education for a Master’s degree at the School of Business and Science (cf. regulations relating to research-based studies approved by the University Council 17 March 2005). A special catalogue of courses is issued with regard to graduate studies in natural resource science and business administration.
