Profile & activities

Want to know what we're all about? On this page, we've gathered information on our research profile and the disciplines involved in the programme. Here, you will also find information on the studies and the type of activities and networks that await if you join the doctoral programme.
Key research areas

The doctoral programme in chemistry and molecular sciences (CHEMS) is focused on basic studies in experimental, theoretical and computational chemistry, from small molecules to macromolecules, with research themes involving synthesis, isolation techniques, characterization, analytical methods and spectroscopy.

The programme is organized with collaboration between Department of Chemistry, Department of Physics, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Department of Biosciences at the University of Helsinki.

Courses and studying

A doctoral degree in the programme comprises of a doctoral thesis and 40 credits of additional studies. The studies are divided into discipline-specific studies, aimed to support your research project, and transferable skills training.

Part of the studies are completed flexibly through means other than traditional coursework: conference presentations, essays, scientific and popular articles, editing work etc. Want to know more? Visit our study planning instructions for current doctoral students at the university's Instructions for Students.

Courses in research ethics and transferable skills are offered throughout the academic year by the Doctoral School in Natural Sciences.

Events and activities

CHEMS can provide financial support to organize intensive courses, workshops and conferences that are within the CHEMS research fields and benefit CHEMS students.

CHEMS courses, such as CHEMS-001 CHEMS seminars, CHEMS-002 Book exam, CHEMS-003 Other elective field-specific studies, and CHEMS-004 Seminar on synthetic chemistry, can be found by browsing course offerings by degree programme at the University's Studies Service.

CHEMS Summer Seminar will be held in spring 2023.