Nordic Master's Program in Chemistry with a specialization in Arctic Environmental Forensics
Örebro University
Key Information
Campus location
Örebro, Sweden
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
120 hours
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
SEK 56,750 *
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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* first instalment: 56750 SEK, Total fee: 227000 SEK
Scholarships
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Introduction
Chemicals are transported to the Nordic and Arctic environments from the low latitude regions due to industrial and agricultural activities causing accumulation and toxic effects along the food chain. The ongoing climate change leads to the melting of icebergs that may release contaminants trapped in icebergs back into the environment. Here, we will study and investigate the consequences on human and environmental health.
Environmental forensics is a multidisciplinary science combining various disciplines for increased knowledge of chemicals released into the environment and their effects on humans and the environment. The program offers an education in close connection to research related to chemical safety, health, and the environment with a focus on the Arctic environment.
This is a joint master's program with collaboration between Örebro University, Norwegian University of Life Science, and the University of Southern Denmark. The program covers a wide range of sciences focusing on environmental chemistry, field sampling, human and environmental health, and (bio)analytical and environmental analysis. The education ensures students gain practical experience in the field and in the laboratories as well as computer modeling work and real-life cases adopted from industry and research projects. Problem-based learning (PBL) is used to encourage active learning and to develop key competencies, such as good problem solving and communication skills, for shaping a better future.
The Nordic Master
The Nordic Master (NM) is the Nordic Council of Ministers’ funding programme for joint Nordic Master’s programmes based on research, excellence and high quality. Master’s Programmes are executed by universities from at least two different Nordic countries or their autonomous regions. Participating students are welcome from all over the world.
The programme aims towards high-standard Master’s Degrees, providing good career opportunities and networks, internationalising higher education, and developing collaboration between higher education institutions, industry and the labour market in the Nordic region. Nordic Master is administered by Finnish National Agency for Education.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Program Structure
Year 1
The program begins in ORU with The Transport of Pollutants in Soil, Water, and Air (15 credits), followed by Analytical Methods in Environmental Forensics I (15 credits).
In the spring semester, Organic Spectroscopy (10 credits), Environmental Pollutants and Ecotoxicology (10 credits), and Soil pollution and sustainability (10 credits) are offered at NMBU. Alternatively, students may take courses at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS); availability is subject to the courses.
Year 2
There are several options for students who can take:
- an independent work of 60 credits at ORU/NMBU, or
- an independent work of 45 credits combined with 15 credits of courses in the main areas of chemistry/environmental science at ORU, or
- an independent project of 30 credits at ORU/NMBU combined with 30 credits of courses in the main areas of chemistry/biology/environmental science at one of the universities.
Program Content
The education comprises 120 higher education credits given in collaboration between Örebro University (ORU), the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU).
The program leads to a double degree from ORU and NMBU with a Degree of Master of Science, 120 credits, main field of study: Chemistry, from ORU and a Degree of Master of Chemistry, 120 credits, focus area: Arctic Environmental Chemistry, from NMBU.
Students are offered a broad, in-depth theoretical background in environmental forensics, including documentation of polluted areas, identification of pollution sources, transport modeling, and analysis of pollutants. Aspects of human and environmental health, toxicology and bioanalytical methods for assessing the effects of chemicals and mixtures, statistics, chemical safety, and risk assessment are also covered. Students will participate in field sampling (e.g., (sub-) Arctic area) and real-life cases to gain practical experiences in combination with a problem-based learning approach. The program has strong links to research at higher education institutions.
The program begins in ORU with The Transport of Pollutants in Soil, Water, and Air (15 credits), followed by Analytical Methods in Environmental Forensics I (15 credits).
In term two, Organic Spectroscopy (10 credits), Environmental Pollutants and Ecotoxicology (10 credits), and Soil pollution and sustainability (10 credits) are offered at NMBU. Alternatively, students may take courses at the University Centre in Svalbard; availability is subject to the courses.
The 2nd year of studies includes:
- an independent work of 60 credits at ORU/NMBU, or
- an independent work of 45 credits combined with 15 credits of courses in the main areas of chemistry/environmental science at ORU, or
- an independent project of 30 credits at ORU/NMBU combined with 30 credits of courses in the main areas of chemistry/biology/environmental science at one of the universities.
Rankings
Örebro University in rankings
Örebro University is on several ranking lists made by different organizations. These rankings compare universities with respect to research and education, among other things. Below are some of the rankings where Örebro University is included.
Örebro University in Times Higher Education rankings
For several consecutive years, Örebro University has come out strong in a number of Times Higher Education (THE) world rankings.
Örebro University on Shanghai ranking
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai ranking, has ranked the world’s top universities since 2003. Since 2009, ShanghaiRanking Consultancy is the official publisher of the ranking.
Program Outcome
On completion of the program, the student shall be able to
- explain how environmental pollutants are spread in complex environmental systems in relation to their effect on man and natural environments,
- account for the toxicity and global environmental impact of chemicals,
- conduct toxicological risk assessments of chemicals,
- plan, execute and assess advanced analytical laboratory experiments, including field experiments, and explain complex links,
- explain what bearing environmental pollutants have on the global goals for sustainable development,
- adopt a scientific and evidence-based approach to environmental-forensic investigation,
- explain the workings of international agreements on hazardous substances to limit the harmful effects of chemicals on man and the natural environment,
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge of research and project management within environmental forensics,
- evaluate and validate data from environmental forensic investigations, and
- account for the possibilities and limitations of environmental forensic investigations and their role in society.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Career
Chemists with a focus on environmental forensics are sought in business, industries, research, and governments. The education makes you eligible for high-end work in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, toxicology, chemical safety, and environmental management and consulting.
The master's degree qualifies for Ph.D. studies for a possible academic career in advanced analytical chemistry and environmental chemistry.