The Atmospheric Chemistry & Aerosol Physics study track trains specialists who can explain and quantify the chemical and physical processes that shape the Earth’s atmosphere—from molecular reactions to global climate feedbacks. This knowledge is needed to mitigate both air quality problems, and climate change. Building on a solid core in contemporary atmospheric science, the track lets students construct an individually tailored study path that combines:
Disciplinary focus:
Methodological orientation
Key themes running through the curriculum include air quality and climate forcing, health and occupational exposure, sustainable and regulatory dimensions, and the rapidly growing role of data science and AI in environmental research.
Biogeochemistry studies the processes involved in cycling of elements in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems by integrating physics, meteorology, geophysics, chemistry, geology and biology. Besides natural ecosystems, it also studies systems altered by human activity such as forests under different management regimes, drained peatlands, lakes loaded by excess nutrients and urban environments. The most important elements and substances studied are carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, water and phosphorus, which are vital for ecosystem functioning and processes such as photosynthesis. Biogeochemistry often focuses on the interphases of scientific disciplines and by doing so, it also combines different research methods. It treats ecosystems as open entities which are closely connected to the atmosphere and lithosphere. You will thus get versatile training in environmental issues and research techniques. As a graduate of this line you will be an expert in
You will have knowledge applicable for solving global challenges such as climate change, air pollution, deforestation and issues related to water resources and eutrophication.
The Climate and Sustainability study track aims on providing students a comprehensive education linking scientific understanding of the climate system and human activities to the implications for sustainable development. Students enrolled in this study track will develop strong analytical skills essential for assessing climate change impacts and addressing sustainability challenges. Additionally, the study track emphasizes essential transferable skills, including data analysis, problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills. The study track offers a blend of distance and on-campus courses, with opportunity to complete the studies mostly online.
Meteorology is the physics of the atmosphere. Its best-known application is weather forecasting, but meteorological knowledge is also essential for understanding, predicting and mitigating climate change. Meteorologists study atmospheric phenomena across a wide range of space and time scales using theory, model simulations and observations. The field of meteorology is a forerunner in computing: the development of chaos theory, for example, was triggered by the unexpected behaviour of a meteorological computer model. Compulsory courses in ATM-MP study track of Meteorology give a solid overview of large-scale and mesoscale atmospheric dynamics, physics of radiation transfer, numerical modelling and observation techniques. In addition, many advanced optional courses in dynamic meteorology, biometeorology and meteorological remote sensing are available. As a graduate of the meteorology study track, you will be an expert in atmospheric phenomena who can produce valuable new information and share your knowledge.
Hydrospheric physics studies water in all of its forms using physical methods. It includes hydrology, cryology, and physical oceanography. Hydrology includes the study of surface waters such as lakes and rivers, global and local hydrological cycles as well as water resources and geohydrology, the study of groundwater. Cryology focuses on snow and ice phenomena including glacier mass balance and dynamics, sea ice physics, snow cover effects and ground frost. Physical oceanography covers
Scientists study the hydrosphere through field measurements, large and small scale modelling, and formulating mathematical descriptions of the processes.