Doctor's Degree Programme in Biological and Environmental Sciences

The Doctoral Programme in Biological and Environmental Science (in Finnish: bio- ja ympäristötieteiden tohtoriohjelma) is a part of University of Jyväskylä Graduate School for Doctoral Studies (Jyväskylän yliopiston tutkijakoulu) and the Faculty of Mathematics and Science Doctoral School (matemaattis-luonnontieteellisen tiedekunnan tohtorikoulu). The Doctoral Programme educates doctoral students in the fields of aquatic sciences, ecology and evolutionary biology, cell and molecular biology and environmental science.

Goals and Principles.
- The doctoral training is based on original research of high international quality.
- The doctoral training research is done in research groups within the department or collaborating institutes.
- The doctoral training is done primarily as full time employment. In special circumstances the doctoral training can be done as part-time work.
- All full time doctoral students are expected to graduate within four years of enrolment to the programme.

The doctoral student should complete at least 30 ECTS credits of doctoral-level studies that consist of advanced-level courses in the major subject and possibly other subjects that support her/his research. Transferable skills studies (Yleiset valmiustaidot) include obligatory research ethics studies of 2 ECTS credits and obligatory communication studies of 2 ECTS credits. Students should take an active role in learning by participating in teaching, research seminars and international scientific conference during their studies. In some cases, doctoral students may be able to also work and study abroad.

Discipline-specific skills
- to gain an in-depth understanding of one’s field of research

Research skills include abilities
- to understand the scientific method to produce new knowledge
- to identify unsolved research problems in one’s discipline
- to critically and independently apply theories, methodologies, and knowledge to address research questions
- to conduct research and to understand the limitations of the approach
- to analyze and interpret data
- to publish findings in international, peer-reviewed journals
- to manage a research project, including financial management
- to formulate a research plan
- to critically evaluate findings of other researchers
- to follow research ethics

Communication skills include abilities
- to effectively communicate in both written and oral formats within scientific community, the media and general public
- to formulate project plans
- to find, read and critically evaluate literature and other information sources
- to collaborate with other researchers and professionals
- to work in international teams
- to understand the benefits that social media can offer in developing the professional expertise

Teaching and guidance skills include abilities
- to lead a research project
- to share knowledge to different audiences
- to communicate research findings and theories to a range of different audiences gained via teaching experience