Courses in Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Physics Study Track

The preliminary syllabus for the next academic year will be published in the end of March and the final syllabus will be published in Sisu student information system by the end of June.  Please note, that some courses will not be lectured every academic year.

Course list of this new study track will be published in the end of November 2025 after they have been officially accepted by the Faculty of Science. 

Structure of the study track (draft):

• Compulsory studies common to all study tracks 40 cr (thesis work 30 cr, seminar course 5 cr and introductory course 5 cr)
• Compulsory courses in the study track 10 cr (Basics of Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Physics)
• Alternative advanced in the study track min 30 -45 cr (A wide catalogue covering, for example, aerosol instrumentation, photochemistry, remote sensing, mass spectrometry, cloud and radiation physics, health and occupational exposure, and quantum‑chemical or numerical modelling)  
• Optional advanced studies common to all study tracks 0-15 cr (Optional modules on sustainability, Earth‑system modelling, leadership, applied AI/ML, science‑and‑art collaboration, and related themes—used to individualise the study path or reach the required credit total. Also data-science and methodological courses are recommended.
• Other studies, 0-25 cr

Learning outcomes

The students on the Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Physics study track will learn to understand how and why chemical and physical transformations occur in the atmosphere, with particular emphasis on processes related to atmospheric aerosol particles and their effects on air quality, health, and climate. The track provides a solid theoretical foundation in the mechanisms that govern gas-phase reactions, particle formation and growth, cloud interactions, and radiative effects, while also highlighting their interdisciplinary links to ecosystems, energy systems, and climate mitigation.

Students can tailor their studies toward atmospheric chemistry or aerosol physics, and further choose between computational and theoretical approaches or experimental (laboratory and field) methods. Through this, they develop both practical and analytical competence—ranging from the operation of advanced measurement instruments and data analysis to numerical modelling and simulation. The track also strengthens transferable skills in scientific communication, critical evaluation of data and literature, and teamwork, preparing graduates to contribute their expertise to research, policy, and industry in addressing air-quality and climate challenges.