Master’s Degree Programme in Chemistry and Analytics for Circular Economy

Master’s Degree Programme in Chemistry and Analytics for Circular Economy educates experts in chemistry of circular economy for the wide range of growing fields that are needed to secure the sustainable supply of materials in our modern society. The teaching is in English and integrated with the Finnish Master programme in chemistry. Presence in teaching is required for the completion of the study programme. The graduates are trained in chemistry related to recovery and upcycling of valuable metals and bio-based raw materials, as well as in organic and inorganic analytics essential in all areas of chemistry. The programme combines the fundamentals of circular economy, green chemistry, and environmental impact assessment with basic concepts of business, leadership and marketing. Specialisation is possible by choosing courses either from corporate environmental management, or statistics and data analysis. In addition, the master’s thesis with associated seminars and courses is a key aspect of the programme, in which deeper substance competence in the chosen topic, and independent research and communication skills are trained. A significant part of the theses is made in collaboration with companies or national research institutes, which supports career prospects of the graduates to private and public sectors. The MSc degree qualifies the graduates to apply for Doctoral Studies in Natural Sciences.  

Scientific and professional competence objectives

The graduates of the programme understand basic concepts and current research trends in organic and inorganic analytical chemistry, as well as in recovery and upcycling of metals and bio-based raw materials and chemistry of circular economy. The graduates master the most important experimental and theoretical methods used in these fields and are capable of planning chemical experimental arrangements and research projects. They have a multidisciplinary perspective to circular economy and have skills and knowledge to support sustainable development of circular economy. The graduates recognize and understand the tasks and job descriptions in the field of chemistry in different organizations, and can apply this knowledge when working in private, public and academic sectors. The graduates can organize work tasks, and are capable of independent and responsible problem-solving, action and decision-making. They are capable of critically evaluating research information, producing research based on scientific thinking, and reporting expertly. The graduates are familiar with the working practices of the field, understand the significance of regulations and agreements regarding business and different actors in chemistry and circular economy.

They also understand the importance of continuous learning and have skills to follow the development of the field, acquire new knowledge and find solutions to the changing problems of the field.

Social and ethical competence objectives

The graduates of the programme:

• have a broad understanding of how the field and its actors relate to society and the everyday life, and can justify the significance of the field.

• are able to act as an expert in work groups, professional groups, and scientific groups with a positive outlook to the diversity of the team members.

• are able to communicate their expertise to different target groups adapting the communication according to the situation and audience.

• are cooperative and ready to take responsibility, and adhere to ethical principles of the field and science in general.

• are willing to promote sustainable actions, follow regulations and develop sustainability further.

• have experience and competence to work in intercultural, multilingual, and multidisciplinary teams, and willingness and ability to use their plurilingual repertoire.