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ml-opas10-11 17.6.korjsivut 18.6.2010 10:25 Sivu 176 MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN ATMOSPHERE– BIOSPHERE STUDIES Department of Physics Physicum (Kumpula Campus) PO Box 64 FI–00014 University of Helsinki Phone 1911 (switchboard), direct dialling 191 + extension number Web pages: www.atm.helsinki.fi/ABS (Helsinki), www.nordic-abs.org (Nordic portal) Professors in charge: Markku Kulmala, Timo Vesala Coordinator: Antti Lauri Atmosphere–Biosphere Studies: Basics The Master’s Degree Programme in Atmosphere–Biosphere Studies (ABS), started in 2006, is a joint activity of ten universities, all located in the Nordic and Baltic countries. Examples of the topics in the Programme are climate change and ecosystem–atmosphere interactions. The Programme is based on long and strong Nordic and Baltic co-operation and multidisciplinary training in environmental issues. University of Helsinki, Department of Physics, Division of Atmospheric Sciences is the coordinating unit of the Programme. The ABS Programme includes two lines of study: General Atmospheric Science and Biogeochemical Cycles. Atmospheric Sciences as a discipline The ongoing global climate change, current questions in air quality and the effects of air pollutants different kinds of ecosystems are just a few examples of issues whose existence we all know, but which are inadequately understood from the scientific point of view. Today's society urgently needs experts having a multidisciplinary education in environmental issues. Not only further research has to be done, but also the industry and commerce need environmental specialists: new regulations and European Union directives have to be adopted in practise, requiring 176 knowledge about the recent scientific results. There is already a long tradition of environmental research and environmental protection in Nordic countries, where also many of the world's leading research groups are located. The rapidly increasing research is done on all levels, ranging from subatomic physical and chemical models through measurements at field stations to global climate modelling. All the education in the ABS Master's Degree Programme is based on this high-quality research. A special highlight of the Division of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Helsinki is the aerosol research. Aerosol particles influence the quality of our life in many different ways e.g. via their climatic and health effects, visibility and acid rain. Considering climate change, aerosol–cloud interactions are one of the largest uncertainties. Both study lines in the ABS Programme include courses on aerosol science. Employment of atmospheric scientists The employment situation in atmospheric sciences is currently excellent. There exists a global need for experts having multidisciplinary education in environmental issues. The governmental environmental agencies need people who are able to interpret the new scientific results as a base for future legislation. The industry, transport and commerce need to adapt to the new, stricter regulations. The Masters of Science graduated from the Programme will be competent in different fields of the society and have a strong base working with environmental issues. They have the ability to find innovative solutions to complex problems in the field of environmental sciences and climate change. The Master's degree obtained in the ABS Programme gives a good base for those who are willing to proceed for doctoral level studies. ml-opas10-11 17.6.korjsivut 18.6.2010 10:25 Sivu 177 master’s degree programme in atmosphere–biosphere studies Organization and studies in the Programme The Master's Degree in Atmosphere–Biosphere Studies (ABS) is organized jointly by ten Nordic and Baltic universities: University of Helsinki, Finland (coordinating university) Department of Physics Department of Forest Ecology Estonian University of Life Sciences Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Technical University of Denmark Wind Energy Department University of Aarhus, Denmark Department of Atmospheric Environment Department of Chemistry University of Copenhagen, Denmark Department of Chemistry Institute of Geography Niels Bohr Institute for Astronomy, Physics and Geophysics University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio campus Department of Physics and Mathematics Department of Environmental Science University of Gothenburg, Sweden Department of Chemistry, Atmospheric Science Department of Earth Sciences Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences University of Lund, Sweden Division of Nuclear Physics Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystems Analysis University of Stockholm, Sweden Department of Applied Environmental Science Department of Meteorology University of Tartu, Estonia Institute of Physics The teaching is given by people working on the cutting edge of atmospheric and environmental research. The research groups involved in the Programme are members of two Nordic Centres of Excellence, BACCI (Biosphere–Aerosol–Cloud–Climate Interactions) and NECC (The Nordic Centre for Studies of Ecosystem Carbon Exchange and its Interactions with the Climate System). Furthermore, in Finland the universities of Helsinki and Kuopio are members of the National Centre of Excellence (Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Meteorology of Atmospheric Composition and Climate Change). The Programme is very multidisciplinary, involving a versatile education on atmospheric sciences covering physical phenomena, atmospheric chemistry, meteorology, physical geography and ecology. Part of the content of the Programme is related to the interactions between ecosystems and the atmosphere. There are two lines of study in the Programme. Students on the General Atmospheric Science line specialize in understanding the atmospheric phenomena. On the Biogeochemical Cycles line the students specialize in interactions between the biosphere and the atmosphere. All the courses given in the context of the Programme are available also for students who are not participating in the Programme. However, some field courses and summer/winter schools may have participant quotas, and non-programme students' travel and lodging costs during a course given by another university are not generally reimbursed by the Programme. Studying in the ABS Master's Degree Programme is currently free of charge. Degrees The basic degree in the Programme is the Master of Science (MSc). The scope of the degree is 120 credits, and requires a suitable Bachelor’s level degree as a prerequisite. In the University of Helsinki, the possible major subjects are Physics and Meteorology. The intended time to complete 177 ml-opas10-11 17.6.korjsivut 18.6.2010 10:25 Sivu 178 master’s degree programme in atmosphere–biosphere studies the degree is two years. The detailed structure of the MSc degree is described in the section on degree requirements. The Master’s Degree is given by the University of Helsinki for those who have been selected as degree students in the University of Helsinki. The degree gives the eligibility for postgraduate studies at a university. Obtaining the right to study The right to study is obtained via a successful application. The calls for application for the academic years 2011–2012 and 2011–2012 will be published in autumn 2010 and autumn 2011, respectively. Selection protocols, criteria and the schedule will be published on the web pages of the Master's Degree Programme in Atmosphere–Biosphere Studies (http://www.atm.helsinki.fi/ABS). Student counselling and the personal study plan Students are required to make a personal study plan (HOPS) as part of their MSc degree, which is approved by the supervising professor. The personal study plan is to be approved by the end of the first period of the first year of study in the Programme. The study plan is updated when needed as the studies progress. In the University of Helsinki, counselling for students are given by the following people: Professor Markku Kulmala Professor Timo Vesala Coordinator Antti Lauri DEGREE REQUIREMENTS Students who have obtained the right to study in the Master's Degree Programme in Atmosphere–Biosphere Studies at the University of Helsinki in 2010 or 2011 will follow these requirements. MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE (120 CREDITS) 178 1. Major subject studies (minimum of 75 credits) 530240 ADVANCED STUDIES Both lines of study: 530188 Introduction to atmosphere–biosphere studies, 3 cr 530189 Statistical analysis of environmental field observations, 5 cr 53328 Physics and chemistry of air pollution and their effects, 5 cr 53192 Seminar in aerosol and environmental physics, 5 cr 50111 Master's thesis, 40 cr 50039 Maturity test General atmospheric science line of study: 53051 Aerosol physics I, 5 cr 530008 Aerosol measurement technique, 5 cr Biogeochemical cycles line of study: 53693 Forest–atmosphere interactions, 5 cr 530236 Introduction for methods to measure biosphere–atmosphere gas exchange in ecosystem scale, 5 cr Optional advanced courses in atmosphere–biosphere studies, minimum of 7 credits. 2. Minor subject studies (30 cr) 530241 MINOR SUBJECT STUDIES The minor studies can include studies in another ABS network university, in other study lines, in other master’s degree programmes, or in other departments and faculties. For example the following courses are recommended: Both lines of study: 53311 Environmental physics II, 5 cr 53626 Air chemistry, 5 cr 530007 Advanced course in air chemistry, 5 cr 53350 Atmospheric modelling, 5 cr Aerosols, clouds and climate, 15 cr (University of Stockholm) Simple climate models, 7.5 cr (University of Copenhagen) Global climate changes, 7.5 cr (University of Copenhagen) ml-opas10-11 17.6.korjsivut 18.6.2010 10:25 Sivu 179 master’s degree programme in atmosphere–biosphere studies The climate system, 15 cr (University of Lund) Transport phenomena, 5 cr (University of Kuopio) General atmospheric science line of study: 530001 Aerosol physics II, 5 cr 530080 Intensive course on measurements of atmospheric aerosols: aerosol physics, sampling and measurement techniques, 3 cr 530068 Health effects of fine particles, 5 cr 530124 Classical nucleation theory, 5 cr 530181 Intensive course on formation and growth of atmospheric aerosols, 5 cr 530191 Intensive course on arctic air pollution, 3 cr 530233 Satellite remote sensing of aerosol physical and optical properties, 5 cr Environmental chemistry 1, 7.5 cr (University of Copenhagen) Atmospheric environmental chemistry, 7.5 cr (University of Copenhagen) Cloud microphysics, 5 cr (University of Eastern Finland) Air quality outdoors and indoors, 15 cr (University of Stockholm) Numerical methods in atmospheric and oceanographic models, 7.5 cr (University of Copenhagen) Biogeochemical cycles line of study: 53641 Field course in micrometeorology and hydrology, 4 cr 530040 Theories of micrometeorological flux measurement techniques, 5 cr 83676 Systems Analysis 2 (Department of Forest Sciences), 3 cr 830064 Quantitative Plant Physiology (Department of Forest Sciences), 5 cr 83664 Ecological models of growth and yield dynamics (Department of Forest Sciences), 4 cr Climate changes – causes, effects, limitations and adaptation, 7.5 cr (University of Copenhagen) Greenhouse gases and the car- bon cycle, 15 cr (University of Lund) Climate change and its impact on the environment, 15 cr (University of Lund) Ecological climatology & climate change, 7.5 cr (University of Copenhagen) Ecosystem modelling, 15 cr (University of Lund) Global ecosystem dynamics, 15 cr (University of Lund) Advanced biomass and CO2 modelling, 7.5 cr (University of Copenhagen) Ecosystem analysis, 15 cr (University of Lund) Water and energy in ecosystems, 15 cr (University of Lund) Satellite remote sensing, 15 cr (University of Lund) Ecophysiology, 15 cr (University of Gothenburg) Biogeochemistry I, 6 cr (University of Kuopio) Biogeochemistry II, 5 cr (University of Kuopio) Greenhouse gases and the carbon cycle, 15 cr (University of Lund) 3. Other studies (minimum of 10 cr) 50034 MSC OTHER STUDIES 530150 Personal study plan (FM-HOPS), 1 cr 530107 Internship, 5–10 cr 993734 Academic Writing for Students in English-Medium Master’s Degree Programmes 1, 2 cr 993735 Academic Writing for Students in English-Medium Master’s Degree Programmes 2, 2 cr Supplementary studies on the major or minor subject may be included in the other studies. General study instructions 179 ml-opas10-11 17.6.korjsivut 18.6.2010 10:25 Sivu 180 master’s degree programme in atmosphere–biosphere studies Studies in the Master’s Degree Programme The studies in the ABS Programme consist of various types of courses and project work: lecture courses, seminars, laboratory work, intensive courses and e-learning courses. The following paragraphs give an insight into the course types. Lecture courses A lecture course typically contains four hours of lectures and two hours of exercises per week plus a written exam in the end of the course. It is advisable to take 2–3 lecture courses during one teaching period. Passing a lecture course usually requires completion of a sufficient number of exercises, and passing the course exam. The first year of studies in the ABS Programme consists mainly of lecture courses. Seminars The Seminar in aerosol and environmental physics is an obligatory part of the Master’s degree in the ABS Programme. A successful completion of the seminar course includes two seminar presentations (each 45 minutes including discussion) and an active participation in the seminar series during at least one semester, although it is recommended to participate the weekly, continuous seminar course all through the Programme studies. It is advisable to give the seminar presentations during the second year of Programme studies. Internship An internship, credited for 5–10 cr, is a compulsory part of the Master’s Degree in the ABS Programme. The internship typically comprises of 1–3 compact individual projects, which may include laboratory work, data analysis, or theoretical or model studies. A short, written report has to be prepared for each project. The internship projects can be started already during the first year, and they may take place at a research group in one of the ABS network universities, in some other university, in a research institute, or in a private company. For each project, a supervisor is named. 180 Intensive courses Several summer and winter schools as well as field courses are available for the Programme students. In Finland many of the courses take place at the Hyytiälä Forestry Field Station in Juupajoki, Southern Finland. The intensive courses are typically 5–12 days long and include a concise daily programme with lectures, exercises and group work. E-learning courses The ABS Programme includes several courses that can be taken remotely using e-learning platforms. The most often used platform in the ABS Programme is Moodle (http://moodle.org/). The e-learning courses typically include either lectures webcast or lecture notes with supporting material available online, exercises available and returned online, web quizzes, weekly chat sessions, forum discussions, and a home exam or report written in a group in the end of the course. Registration for the courses Students register for courses and examinations offered by the University of Helsinki according to the registration practices in the department organizing the course. Considering lecture and seminar courses, in the University of Helsinki the registration usually takes place in the WebOodi system (http://www.helsinki.fi/weboodi/). For intensive courses there is often a separate registration procedure. Teaching periods Teaching is given in four periods. In the academic years 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 the periods are the following: 2010–2011 I II III IV 6 September – 24 October 1 November – 19 December 17 January – 6 March 14 March – 22 May ml-opas10-11 17.6.korjsivut 18.6.2010 10:25 Sivu 181 master’s degree programme in atmosphere–biosphere studies 2011–2012 5 September – 23 October 31 October – 18 December 16 January – 4 March 12 March – 20 May Each period consists of seven weeks of teaching. Exchange periods Students of the ABS Programme are recommended to participate in one full-term or two half-term exchange periods in another ABS network university. The possible exchange periods are agreed in the beginning of studies, connected to the personal study plan (HOPS). The recommended exchange periods are period IV of the first year of studies and period I of the second year of studies. Grading All courses are graded either on the sixstep scale 0–5 or the two-step scale fail/pass. On the former scale, the lowest passing grade is 1/5, for which the student usually needs to get half the maximum points. To get the highest grade 5/5, the student usually needs at least 5/6 of the maximum points. Teaching language The teaching language in the Programme is English. It is possible to include courses given by the local languages of the ABS network universities (i.e. Finnish, Swedish, Danish or Estonian). Master's thesis The Master's thesis is the final thesis done independently by the student for the MSc degree. The aim of the thesis is to show that the MSc graduated from the Programme is familiar with the scientific methodology, is capable to carry out a demanding project work, and knows the conventions of written scientific presentation. The extent of the thesis is 40 credits. In the ABS Programme, the Master's thesis is usually written during the second year of studies. The topic of the thesis is agreed upon with a professor of the Programme. Usually the topic is related to research problems of a research group. Maturity test The maturity test required for the Master's degree is taken as a separate exam when the Master's thesis has been submitted for evaluation. A new test is required even if the student has given the test at the Bachelor level. Computer access There are several computer classrooms in the Kumpula campus freely available for students. To access the computers, you need a personal user account. Study scheme The typical temporal scheme of the studies in the ABS Programme is presented below. Year 1, I period 530150 Personal study plan (HOPS), 1 cr 530188 Introduction to atmohsphere–biosphere studies, 3 cr 530189 Statistical analysis of environmental field observations, 5 cr 53051 Aerosol physics I, 5 cr 53311 Environmental physics II, 5 cr Year 1, II-III period Other introductory courses depending on the study line and personal study plan Year 1, IV period 53328 Physics and chemistry of air pollution and their effects, 5 cr Exchange period in another university Year 2, I period Exchange period in another university Year 2, II period Advanced courses depending on the study line and personal study plan Year 2, III-IV periods Advanced courses depending on the study line and personal study plan 53192 Seminar in aerosol and environmental physics, 5 cr 50111 Master's thesis, 40 cr 50039 Maturity test 181 ml-opas10-11 17.6.korjsivut 18.6.2010 10:25 Sivu 182 master’s degree programme in atmosphere–biosphere studies Course descriptions The descriptions of the courses given by the University of Helsinki are available through http://www.atm.helsinki.fi/ABS/. A full list, including the courses given by the other universities, is given in the Nordic portal of Atmosphere–Biosphere Studies (http://www.nordic-abs.org). POST-GRADUATE STUDIES Post-graduate studies aiming for a Doctor of Philosophy or Licenciate of Philosophy degree are typically pursued in conjunction with research groups. A list of such groups can be found on the web pages of the Master's Programme. The Graduate School in Atmospheric Composition and Climate Change: From Molecular Processes to Global Observations and Models The national Graduate School started in the beginning of 2010 with eleven partners: University of Helsinki (coordinating institution) Aalto University University of Eastern Finland Tampere University of Technology Finnish Meteorological Institute Finnish Geodetic Institute VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Finland's Environmental Administration (SYKE) Vaisala Oyj Beneq Oy Space Systems Finland Oy 182 There are currently over 100 PhD students in the Graduate School. The central research areas in the Graduate School include Aerosol-cloud-climate interactions; Biosphere-atmosphere interactions; Global climate modeling; Land use change quantification methods in relation to climate change and methods for early signalling to adaptation to climate change impacts; Development of aerosol, remote sensing, radar, and environmental technology; Linking aerosol and environmental technology to 3D city models and built environment; Improved positioning to improve in-situ measurements; Ubiquitous remote sensing; Snow and ice studies: evolution of sea ice and snow conditions; Carbon, water, nitrogen and aerosol cycles and balances; and Air quality. The Graduate School involves training and mobility on the national level, multidisciplinary studies and research topics, and collaboration with the industry.