Why did you wish to study in this master’s programme?
Venla: I’ve always been interested in nature. This master’s programme felt like a natural continuation, as I previously obtained a bachelor’s degree from the Bachelor’s Programme in Biology, specialising in ecology and evolutionary biology. I did consider going abroad, but it felt comfortable here – after all, this is a really good programme!
To whom is the master’s programme suited?
Venla: The programme is for anyone interested in how nature functions. In addition to ecology, the studies encompass evolutionary biology, statistics and laboratory work, so your interests need not be limited to ecology. I have a lot of friends who are more oriented towards genetics or evolutionary biology.
Can you give examples of course topics? What is studying like in practice?
Venla: This master’s programme is very international, with all studies in English. They include the basics in ecology and evolutionary biology, as well as conservation biology, statistics, coding and laboratory work. The programme also includes field courses: I’ve completed a course in mammalian ecology, and this spring I will be taking an environmental science course at Kilpisjärvi Biological Station.
At the master’s level, you also have the opportunity to embark on an exchange. I spent my exchange in Vietnam, where I was able to combine my ecological expertise with forestry studies. That was fascinating.
The master’s programme also organises a spring symposium where doctoral researchers give presentations and master’s students present their posters. It’s a good opportunity to get feedback from someone smarter than yourself, hear about research in the field and network with other specialists. This year’s symposium ended with a party at the Natural History Museum after closing time, which was really fun.
What about the master's thesis? What support is available and how have you found the work?
Venla: I’m writing my master’s thesis on traditional biotopes, investigating the effect of plant biodiversity on soil and its properties in meadows. I found a topic that feels really interesting, and I’ve had the chance to collect my own material in the field. The sites are really wonderful.
I have two master’s thesis supervisors, one of whom is a research group leader with a lot of supervision experience. They have supported me and given me feedback, which has helped my master’s thesis progress smoothly. And I collected my research data from the other supervisor’s research fields.
We meet with my research group’s researchers and other students every week, and we have many inclusive activities, which is a big bonus. We discuss each other’s topics, share articles and present our results.
The studies include a compulsory second-year master’s thesis course aimed at helping all students complete their theses, from finding a supervisor to writing and presenting results.
What would you like to do after graduation?
Venla: I got a job for the summer in a research project related to my master’s thesis, and I’m going to survey the same study sites again. It’s really nice to have the chance to continue on the same topic. After that, I would like to start writing a doctoral thesis. I don't quite know yet whether I want to stay in Finland or apply somewhere abroad.
What is it like to study at the University of Helsinki and in Helsinki?
Venla: Because of the international nature of the master’s programme, most of my friends are from outside Finland, including the United States, India, Sri Lanka, Slovenia and Greece, which is great. It’s been wonderful to meet people from around the world.
Student life has its benefits. Our programme’s students have free access to Korkeasaari, Sea Life, Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden and the Natural History Museum, which are all really nice attractions.
Moving about in Helsinki is easy by public transport, and I can easily reach the campus by bike thanks to a new tram line and the adjacent bike route. In my free time, we go to the pub with friends or spend the evening together. Last Sunday, I went to spot birds in Viikinranta close to the campus. Overall, Helsinki is a great city for students.
When did you discover something new about yourself, your studies or your field?
Venla: Now that I’m approaching graduation, the biggest insight has been how much I appreciate my fellow students. They are all clever, super smart and interested in a range of topics. It’s been great to study with them. That’s what I remember the best from my studies.
When have you felt proud during your studies?
Venla: I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and making it through even the difficult courses, such as statistics and mathematics. A particularly memorable one is a course on the basics of mathematics for biologists. Maths was not my strength in general upper secondary school, but with the guidance of a good teacher, I got the gist of it and received a good grade for the course. It was a wonderful feeling to see that I can do and learn these things.
What would you like to say to anyone considering the field or applying to the programme?
Venla: Ecology and nature’s functions have links to many other fields, people and the world as a whole. It’s easy to take courses from other faculties as well and build a versatile and unique degree. This programme is well suited to people from other corners of the world too.