University of Helsinki

Structrure

Students will gain knowledge on urban environments not only as ecological but also as socio-ecological systems. They will learn how urban ecosystems process water, matter and energy within urbanised areas, and how this affects adjacent environments, such as aquatic ecosystems. Eutrophication, pollution and chemicalisation of the urban landscape, the ecotoxicological consequences of urbanisation, and the effects of fragmentation on the urban fauna and flora will be addressed. Students will learn how human-induced effects on the urban environment can be prevented and mitigated through ecological, biological and technological means. Thus, besides having a firm theoretical background, students are provided with knowledge and skills that can be applied in practice, for example in urban planning processes in order to use ecologically sound and sustainable management practices.

Degree requirements can be downloaded from here (pdf, 184 kB)

The degree consists of three parts:

• General studies (5 credits)
• Major subject studies: obligatory studies (78-84 credits) and elective studies (minimum of 6 credits)
• Other, free-choice studies (minimum of 10 credits)

General Studies (5 ECTS)
Major Subject Studies
Obligatory Studies (78-84 ECTS)	Elective Studies (min. 6 ECTS)
Free Choice Studies (min. 10 ECTS)

 

In addition to general and obligatory studies, elective and free-choice studies must be completed so tha the minimum of 120 ECTS credits is required.

The structure enables students to specialise through the selection of supportive studies, based on the student’s personal study plan. Teaching will take place either in the class room, or via e-learning and seminars.

The programme is taught primarily in the city of Lahti, but some elective and free-choice courses can also be taken in Helsinki.

The written thesis forms a large part of the MSc (40 credit points). Find below a list of students who have already graduated, together with their thesis topic and an abstract of their thesis.

Past MSc theses

Elliot Stuart (2012). Water quality, catchment imperviousness and water sensitive urban design in a small urban stream in Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract pdf
Thesis: https://helda.helsinki.fi/handle/10138/38869

Chhabi Neupane (2013). The effects of biochar on noxious gas and toxic metals from landfill waste. Abstract pdf