Courses in Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Physics Study Track

Information about atmospheric chemistry and aerosol physics courses.

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.

Structure of the study track 

  • Compulsory studies common to all study tracks 40 cr
  • Compulsory courses in the study track 10 cr
  • Alternative advanced in the study track min 30-45 cr
  • Optional advanced studies common to all study tracks 0-15 cr
  • Other studies, 0-25 cr

In total min 120 cr out of which min 95 cr are advanced courses. Maximum scope is 135 cr. 

Courses in the 2026 -2030 curriculum period

Compulsory courses common to all study tracks (40 cr)

Atmospheric and Earth Sciences Today (5 cr)
Atmospheric science seminar for Master’s students (5 cr)
Master's thesis (30 cr)
Maturity test (0 cr) (A maturity test is a abstract text of your thesis which demonstrates your familiarity with the field of your thesis.)

Compulsory courses in the study track (10 cr)

5 cr 
5 cr

Alternative advanced courses in the study track (min 30 cr) 

5 cr 
5 cr
5 cr
5 cr
5 cr
5 cr
5 cr
5 cr
5 cr
5 cr 
5 cr
5 cr
5 cr
5 cr
5 cr
5 cr
, 5 cr

Advanced chemistry courses offered by Master's Programme in Chemistry = All courses from the Master’s programme in Chemistry are possible

Optional advanced courses- common to all study tracks 

Min 0 cr

3 or 5 cr 
5 cr OR  2 cr  
5 cr 
5 cr 
5 cr 
 5 cr 
5 cr 
(5 cr)  
 5 cr  
 5 cr 
 5 cr 
 5 cr 
5 cr 
5 cr 
5 cr 
5 cr 
5 cr 
5 cr 
5 cr 
(5 cr) 
5 cr 
5 cr 
2 cr 
5 cr 
Thematic courses with varying contents in the Master’s programme in Meteorology, Atmospheric Sciences and Climate-System Sciences
5 cr 
 5 cr  

Optional data science and machine learning courses for all study tracks  

5 cr 
 5 cr 
5 cr 
5 cr 
5 cr 
DATA11009 Practical Machine Learning 5 cr 
DATA11010 Machine Learning 1 
DATA11011 Machine Learning 2 
5 cr 
5 cr 
 
 Other studies (0-25 cr)

Obligatory prerequisite studies: 

5cr

Other studies based on your interests

Learning outcomes of the study track

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.