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6 interdisciplinary master’s programmes at the University of Helsinki

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We learn some incredible scientific facts in high school, and the knowledge we gain often sets the foundation for all the amazing things we go on to do later in life. Science does not end in high school — it will continue to make an impact in our lives, inadvertently and otherwise, from university to our careers and personal lives.

As technology progresses at breakneck speed, we can expect its significance to grow as we harness more discoveries to benefit humanity and expand our understanding of the universe. How does fungi affect oats? Can vitamin B12 be produced during dough fermentation? Did Columbus bring syphilis to Europe?

These topics are just some of the published research the University of Helsinki has shared on their news page. Relevant, engaging and useful — they are reflective of the university’s brand of pioneering multidisciplinary research. Faculty members at the University of Helsinki do not accept everyday phenomena at face value without knowing why. They search for the why and how, unlocking more questions that encourage a deeper understanding of the things we take for granted.

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The University of Helsinki may be Finland’s oldest university, but it takes pride in staying up-to-date with the most pressing topics of today. With their research prowess and expert educators, students get the knowledge, skills and confidence that can contribute to solving global challenges. Here are six interdisciplinary master’s programmes at the University of Helsinki every aspiring scientist should consider:

Master’s in Genetics and Molecular Biosciences

In this master’s programme, students will get a broad-based understanding of biological phenomena and the molecules that have an effect on health, including their interactions and functions at the levels of cells, tissues and organisms. Upon completion, you will understand the characteristics and functions of genes and biomolecules; be able to analyse scientific knowledge critically; produce new scientific information by means of experimental studies; and many more.

Master’s in Integrative Plant Sciences

Want to learn about the diversity of wild and cultivated plants from the Arctic to the tropics? Or know more about plant functions from the molecular level — such as ontogeny and regulation of growth and differentiation — to the ecosystem level? With this master’s, you will gain the know-how in these topics, as well as the role of plants in ecological health, lab techniques involved in the plant sciences, and how to critically evaluate research across scientific disciplines.

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Master’s in Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology

Answering the call for the increased demand for microbiologists, this programme gives students an understanding of the global significance of microbes as processors of life and the environment. Students will gain the skillset needed for the development of new innovations in the food or drug industry, or in other biotechnological applications.

Topics covered in this master’s include the application of microbiological knowledge, biotechnology and bioinformatics, and the functional principle of microbial cells and communities. Among the key benefits of this master’s is you will gain an understanding of the most important functions and molecular mechanisms of the major groups of microbes; the ability to evaluate the effects of changes in the environment on microbial communities; and an awareness of the most important pathogens and their virulence mechanisms.

Master’s in Atmospheric Sciences

One of the biggest issues affecting our livelihood today is climate change. Society urgently needs graduates who can use their knowledge in aerosol physics, geophysics of the hydrosphere, meteorology, biochemical cycles, remote sensing and atmospheric chemistry to prevent the Earth from warming beyond the point of no return.

Source: University of Helsinki

From air pollution to deforestation and extreme weather, this is the master’s that will cover these topics and train students in experimental, computational and statistical methods to obtain and analyse atmospheric and environmental data. With these and a skillset consisting of innovative problem-solving skills, graduates will be ready to land jobs in meteorological institutes and environmental administrations in Finland and other countries.

Master’s in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences

Detecting illnesses from breath, containing nuclear fuel safely in bedrock, using chemistry to benefit bioeconomy — these are some of the questions this master’s will attempt to answer. You will be able to familiarise yourself with experimental research methods in one or more fields of chemistry such as analytic and synthetic chemistry, radiochemistry, molecular research, and spectroscopy. Gain confidence in seeking out and managing chemical research, using it to plan and perform demanding duties in chemical laboratories. This skillset will prepare one to be a chemical expert in project planning and management.

Master’s in Life Science Informatics

The study of life science is the study of our planet’s DNA. From plants, to animals, to human beings, this master’s programme is versatile and is designed for students with a background in mathematics, computer science, and statistics. Upon completion, you will be able to understand the general principles of mathematical modelling, computational, probabilistic and statistical analysis of biological data. You will also be able to understand the logical reasoning behind experimental sciences and have mastered scientific research.

For more information on the University of Helsinki’s international master’s programmes, click here.

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