Science rocks

SCIENCE ROCKS JYU.FI/SCIENCE/EN

JYU. Since 1863.

University of Jyväskylä The Faculty of Mathematics and Science

Overcoming challenges with science

TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT and environmental changes have created a growing societal demand for the knowledge created by the University of Jyväskyläs’s research in the natural sciences. Natural scientists and mathematicians play a central role in solving such global challenges as climate change, impoverished biodiversity and the need for sustainable technology. Our graduates are employed in expert positions in business and industry or in research and educational institutions.

Our international faculty comprises four departments: Biological and Environmental Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and Statistics.

One of our research focus areas is the bio- and circular economy, which provides new solutions for a more sustainable, resource-efficient and low-carbon future.

The faculty’s evolution research is internationally renowed. Nanoscience research – which combines chemistry, physics and biology – and accelerator-based research on the structure of matter in physics produce new data and consequently generate faster, more efficient technologies as well as new materials and devices.

In mathematics research, our strengths include mathematical analysis and its applications to research on inverse problems. Our statistics strengthens a quantitative research approach in the human sciences as well.

You are most welcome to study with us!

Dean Mikko Mönkkönen

International university close to nature THE UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ (JYU) is an internationally renowned research university – an open and collaborative community with about 2,500 staff members and 14,500 students. It was founded in 1863 as a teacher seminary. Today, natural sciences, humanities, and sport and health sciences as well as teacher education are the university’s areas of special expertise. JYU’s research is among the top three per cent of all universities in global rankings such as Times Higher Education, CWTS Leiden, Best Global University and QS World University.

JYU is a student-friendly university where everything is close and accessible. As a multidisciplinary university, we offer our students a wide range of possibilities to undertake and combine studies and research, even in brand new areas. Student wellbeing support is important for us.

We promote student wellbeing with a unique Student Life concept.

WE TEACH STUDENTS TO DISCUSS, ARGUE, SOLVE PROBLEMS AND ASK FOR HELP IF NEEDED. Pekka Koskinen UNIVERSITY LECTURER, PHYSICS DEPARTMENT

Join research groups at an early stage!

THE FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE was founded in 1965.

Its four departments are located on two campuses that are close to each other: Ylistö and Mattilanniemi. It is the largest and most international faculty of JYU. We have more than 1,700 students and 500 staff members in research, teaching and support roles. Our staff includes more than 30 nationalities, with nearly 30 per cent of us coming from an international background.

The research in the faculty is influential and often multidisciplinary. We teach students to use our infrastructure and encourage them to ask critical questions. Almost every field in the faculty has laboratory courses in the curriculum. In the courses, students work independently or in small groups.

They can join research groups at an early stage of their studies, and our staff members are eager to help in studies and career planning.

Jyväskylä

You can easily feel at home in Jyväskylä JYVÄSKYLÄ IS A LIVELY AND ATTRACTIVE CITY in the heart of Finland, where you can easily feel at home and safe. The city is modern but also offers peaceful forests and clean lakes within walking distance. When the winter is at its best, you can ski, skate and wander along snowy forest paths.

The growing city is known for its active cultural life and sports activities.

It is also a popular venue for major international events and conferences.

Students make Jyväskylä more vibrant and international, and they are warmly welcomed by local residents. In a population of over 140,000, every fourth person is a student.

The relaxed atmosphere of the city is another factor that makes student life enjoyable. It is easy to find a home here; cosy student accommodation is available close to the university, both in the city centre and closer to nature.

You can easily reach the campuses on foot or by bike. In addition, there are good bus and train connections between Jyväskylä and other cities. There is an airport at Jyväskylä with several flights a day.

“Aiming at deep understanding” AS A DOCTORAL STUDENT, I find the University of Jyväskylä a great opportunity to work with open-­minded researchers who support and inspire your work on new ideas.

Not only researching but also studying is enjoyable: classes are not about earning credits but the most important thing is a deep understanding – that is what tutors consider!

I have chosen JYU for two reasons: the studying environment here is international and the quality of research is high. At the moment I’m working in Hannu Häkkinen’s research group. He is a wellknown professor in the fields of nanoscience, computational chemistry and physics.

Jyväskylä is surrounded by amazing nature, there are lakes everywhere in the city.

The one close to campus is for me the best place to go, walk and think.

I found it very peaceful and it helps me to concentrate. Because there are so many international students studying here, there are a lot of events you can attend where you can meet new people from different cultures. All in all, choosing JYU was one of the best decisions I have ever made. In my view, this is a perfect place to study, do research and get trained – all in a stunning environment!

Maryam Sabooni Asre Hazer DOCTORAL STUDENT IN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY/ NANOSCIENCE CENTER, THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE BOTH GLOBAL AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS make studying biological and environmental sciences important and meaningful. Due to climate change and disappearing natural resources­and biodiversity, there is a growing need for specialists in the field.

Studies in our international Master’s Degree Programme in Biological and Environmental Science provide you with a comprehensive understanding of different phenomena of life, from interaction between molecules to the functioning of ecosystems.

The programme combines two focus areas: aquatic sciences and ecology and evolutionary biology. Because our univer-

sity is surrounded by lakes and forests in the diverse landscape, you are in an ideal position to combine field work in natural environments with laboratory and theoretical sciences during your studies.

The aquatic major focuses on environmental and biological processes that determine the characteristics and ecosystem services of inland waters and ecologically, economically and socially sustainable use of natural resources.

The ecology and evolutionary biology major focuses on fundamental concepts and theories of ecology, genetics, and evolutionary biology as well as the ability to use these at the individual, population, community and ecosystem level.

LONG LASTING FRIENDSHIPS BEGAN AT KONNEVESI I came to Jyväskylä to study molecular biology, but soon got fascinated by ecology, genetics, and evolutionary biology as well.

I was so happy to be able to study all of these and get myself a diverse and interesting Master’s degree. Studying in Jyväskylä was great!

In addition to the main campus and the city area, I remember all those lovely moments spent at the Konnevesi Research Station. At Konnevesi I got to hold young great tits on my hand, catch dragonflies, follow vole researchers in their work and much more. Many long lasting friendships begun when sitting around the fire with my fellow students.

I was still working on my master’s thesis project when I was given an opportunity to continue my studies as a doctoral student. Working as a member of a research group, I got to deepen my understanding in conservation genetics and improve my skills in research and scientific communication.

Nina Pekkala DOCTORAL DEGREE IN BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE / STUDENT AND ACADEMIC SERVICES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ

Konnevesi Research Station AS PART OF JYU’s Department of Biological and Environmental Science, the Konne­vesi Research Station is a high-profile hub of biology research. It is renowned for its experimental research in evolutionary and behavioural ecology conducted on mammals, birds, invertebrates and fish.

As a student, you can attend the station’s field courses or the international Jyväskylä Winter School of Ecology organised annually in February, where field

research methods are taught by top experts. The station also provides premises for symposia and seminars.

The station was established in 1983.

Since then, more than 50 doctoral dissertations have been produced there on life cycles, reproduction biology, predator– prey and host-parasite pathogen interactions. The Konnevesi Research Station is part of the national RESTAT Finland network of universities.

MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS PHYSICS IS THE BASIS for more advanced technologies. Physics education enhances your logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, which are essential assets for present-­day professional careers. A physics degree gives you the freedom to follow your interests and to choose exciting careers in research or development, in either industry or academia.

For a valuable physics degree, join our international Master’s Degree Programme in Nuclear and Particle Physics. The programme allows you to profile your studies toward experimental or theoretical orientations.

Experimental studies are supported by the Accelerator Laboratory (JYFL-­ ACCLAB). You can focus your studies on

different experimental techniques or new isotopes – about 50 of which have been discovered in JYFL-ACCLAB. Theoretical studies are carried out under the inspiring influence of the leading groups in quantum chromodynamics theory, nuclear structure theory and cosmology. This excellent environment is especially valuable during your master’s thesis project, which integrates you deep into the research groups and their cutting-edge research projects.

You will find yourself studying and doing research in an atmosphere that is warm, welcoming, and supports equality.

Eligible applicants will have a bachelor’s degree in physics with the necessary know-how in quantum mechanics – and ­ a curious mind.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree RADMEP STUDYING THE BEHAVIOUR of electronic components in harsh radiation environments is important reliable operation of spacecrafts, satellites and accelerator facilities. The 2-year European Master programme in Radiation and its Effects on MicroElectronics and Photonics Technologies (RADMEP) will provide a multidisciplinary and innovative studies covering the interactions between Radiation and microElectronics and photonics, two Key Enabling Technologies for the future of Europe.

RADMEP objective is to educate students in those advanced technologies, providing methodologies and introducing practical applications for their implementation in a variety of natural and/or man-made radiation-rich environments.

RADMEP has two goals: firstly to improve career prospects of students, and

secondly to respond to the needs of the industry, agencies and society.

The programme has a strong international network​. The program is based on strong collaboration between international partner universities: University Jean Monnet (coordinator of the programme, France), University of Jyväskylä (Finland), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium) and University of Montpellier (France). In addition to the studies in these universities, the RADMEP students will undertake a 6-months master thesis either in an industrial, an agency or in a research center, from the large RADMEP network of more than 35 associate partners.

Partners include for example the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Airbus Defense and Space, and Intel, to name a few.

Creating important personal and professional contacts I WORK IN THE ACCELERATOR LABORATORY in a research group studying radiation effects on electronics using RADEF, the RADiation Effects Facility. I have always been interested in particle accelerators and the research opportunities that they bring, which is why I ended up coming to Jyväskylä. The accelerator laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä is well known around the world and held in high regard in many research fields, not only in the field of radiation effects where I work. It is a highly international work environment with students and researchers from all over the world.

Living in Jyväskylä these past few years has been a great experience for me, and I have been able to create important personal and professional contacts with great people. The university has very good support for international students and staff, which makes moving here easy and without complications. It is easy to get by in the day-to-day life in English, but studying here is a good opportunity to also get familiar with the Finnish language, which is quite different from most others.

Daniel Söderström DOCTORAL STUDENT IN RADSAGA INNOVATIVE TRAINING NETWORK

CHANCE TO WORK WITH EXCELLENT RESEARCHERS During my master studies, I wanted to go deeper into nuclear physics so I started to search for a Ph.D. position in different European countries. When I learned that there would be a chance in Jyväskylä I got extremely excited since JYFL-ACCLAB is one of the most important laboratories in this field. At the same time, I was a bit scared of the idea of living in Finland where the weather conditions and the language are so unusual for someone coming from Lebanon.

Fortunately, I applied and I was so lucky to get the position! Doing a Ph.D. here gave me the chance to work in this amazing laboratory with excellent local and international researchers, it also opened the door for me to do part of my studies in France which gives me more experience and knowledge.

Lama Al Ayoubi DOCTORAL STUDENT IN PHYSICS

Accelerator Laboratory JYFL-ACCLAB THE ACCELERATOR LABORATORY of the Department of Physics is the most significant international accelerator laboratory in Finland and an official testing laboratory recognised by the European Space Agency (ESA).

The laboratory is one of the few accelerator laboratories that operate in connection with a university department, which makes it a unique educational unit. During your studies, you will have the opportunity to work in this excellent laboratory, where students and young researchers develop research technologies and build research equipment.

Research in the JYFL-ACCLAB focuses on nuclear structure, particularly on exotic nuclei, and on nuclear astrophysics. Further research areas include ion source physics as well as materials processing and characterization with ion beams.

MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS is the fundamental building block of natural sciences and modern technologies. In the master’s­ programme, you learn modern mathematics from our department’s core research fields: analysis, non-smooth geometry, inverse problems, and stochastics. Logical reasoning and problem-solving skills are the most valuable skills in studying mathematics, and they are also highly appreciated by any employer of your future career. The aim of the master’s programme is to prepare you for a professional career in academia, industry or technology, depending on your own interests.

Our international master’s degree programme is research oriented and gives you a chance to work with our international

research groups led by world-leading experts. After learning the mandatory basics, you can specialize in different areas, for example, analysis, inverse problems or stochastics. The research group in inverse problems is part of the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Inverse Modelling and Imaging. Applications of inverse problems are found in numerous fields involving scientific, medical and industrial imaging.

Stochastics is a modern field of mathematics, based on the idea of randomness. Studying stochastics opens up career opportunities in many disciplines, such as statistics, physics, economics and computer science.

To apply for the Master’s Degree Programme in Mathematics, you should have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.

THE PRESENCE OF STRONG MATHEMATICIANS Every time I come back to Jyväskylä, I am filled with a sense of calm and attention, as if I’m coming home. Even though Jyväskylä is situated among the lakes and forests of Central Finland, the ties with the scientific community inside and outside Europe are active and thriving. The presence of strong mathematicians at the department attracts top researchers from around the world, while the good management of resources of the University offers many opportunities to travel.

After the exciting encounters, when one needs to collect one’s thoughts and focus, the silence of lakes and forests, and the good organization of spaces and activities, helps in doing the hard work of scientist.

The results are evident in the high quality of the research output of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, which is matched by the numerous grants awarded to its members. After visiting many universities, I consider Jyväskylä one of the best places in the world to live and work.

Sebastiano Nicolussi Golo DOCTORAL STUDENT AT THE DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS

MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN NANOSCIENCE NANOSCIENCE is a fascinating combination of physics, chemistry and biology.

The research at JYU’s Nanoscience Center (NSC) covers both the experimental and theoretical investigation of molecules, materials and structures on the scale below 100 nanometer down to the atomic scale.

Nanoscience influences many technological areas, from biotechnology to quantum technology, so there is an increasing need for multidisciplinary experts in nanoscientific research and development.

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in nanoscience, physics, chemistry, cell and molecular biology or other relevant fields are eligible to apply for the Master’s Degree Programme in Nanoscience. The multidisciplinary curriculum consists of physics, chemistry, cell and molecular biology and specialized nanoscience courses.

In the programme, you will use hightech methods and instruments. For example, you will learn to characterize and control single molecules, produce materials on a nanoscale, and modify them into functional devices.

THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH LED TO SUCCESSFUL CAREER

Nanoscience Center JYU’S NANOSCIENCE CENTER (NSC) is an interdisciplinary research organization where biologists, chemists and physicists work together to study natural phenomena on the nanoscale. NSC is an international scientific community with 30 research groups and about 140 researchers. It is the only research unit in Finland with a specific focus on nanoscience, which is also one of the key profiling areas of JYU. The research conducted at NSC aims at a deep understanding of the functioning of nanostructures, and projects span from fundamental research to the development of commercial products.

When you think of an international and multicultural university campus and city, I was shocked and pleasantly surprised that the University and the city fitted this description so perfectly.

The Department of Chemistry is of a very high standard, with highly skilled teachers, focused on student learning and success.

The department is research intensive. Students are seamlessly integrated into research, which prepares them for jobs in the chemical sciences.

The multidisciplinary research prepared me for a successful career in academics. Many of my classmates and research colleagues have jobs in all areas of the chemical sciences.

I highly recommend this department to any student, since it has a proven track record of accomplishment and success.

Dr. Ngong Kodiah Beyeh MASTER’S DEGREE AND DOCTORAL DEGREE IN NANOSCIENCE (CHEMISTRY) / ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT OAKLAND UNIVERSITY, ROCHESTER, MICHIGAN, USA

“ Exploring new machines bravely” SINCE THE BEGINNING of my nanoscience studies, I have been working in advanced biological science on the scale of nano-­meter, nano-liter and quantum mechanics. The new environment and state-of-art knowledge inspired me.

As the nanoscience at the JYU combines biology, physics and chemistry, I benefited from the possibility to learn all of them. Especially practical lessons in advanced microscopy courses sharpened my skills and are even helping me in my current work. The experience allows me to explore new machines bravely and efficiently.

The working culture was international; it allowed me to make friends from Finland, India, America, the Philippines, Spain, Greece, and Estonia. I also learned Finnish by participating in the Finnish language lessons!

Sisi Xie MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN NANOSCIENCE (CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY) / SCIENTIST AT DDBIO CO. LTD., SHANGHAI, CHINA

THE KNOWLEDGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES IS VALUED TODAY Many may think of natural sciences as hard subjects to study. I am not going to lie to you –they are. But knowledge of them is so valued today, it’s more than worth the trouble. At the JYU, you get all the support you need, so not an hour of your honest work will be wasted. The long list of bright JYU alumni working as my close colleagues is vital proof of it.

I joined one of the research groups at the JYU Nanoscience Center as part of my Erasmus internship. The environment is family-like, your supervisors trust you, and you get access to cutting-edge research equipment.

In addition, the faculty offers a wide selection of interesting courses you can use to build a curriculum tailored to your own interests.

Dr. Ján Borovský DOCTORAL DEGREE IN NANOSCIENCE (PHYSICS) / OPTICAL ENGINEER & TEAM LEADER AT MICROSOFT, FINLAND

Summer, sun and study – Jyväskylä Summer School EXPERIENCE THE SUMMER NIGHTS in Finland, enhance your academic knowledge of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), and create social networks and memories.

The two-week international Jyväskylä Summer School is held each year annually in August. It gives you an excellent opportunity to enhance your knowledge in different areas of the natural sciences, mathematics and information technology.

At the same time, you can explore the Finnish Lakeland, meet new friends, and expand your network.

The programme consists of several intensive courses (1–2 ECTS credits) taught in English. These interdisciplinary courses are intended for advanced master’s students, doctoral students, and

post-docs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Participation in courses is free of charge. The course offerings vary every year, and the social programme also enables you to discover Jyväskylä and its beautiful surroundings. Applications for the Summer School is ­­in March-April.

Jyväskylä Winter School of Ecology IN ARCTIC AND BOREAL ECOSYSTEMS, the snow-covered period can last for more than half a year. Winter conditions thus play a major role in shaping these ecosystems. Nature is not sleeping, and special adaptations are needed to survive the long and cold winter and to prepare for the next reproductive events.

The Jyväskylä Winter School of Ecology offers our international students an excellent window to understand natural processes in far-north eco­ systems, populations and between individuals.

The Winter School is designed especially for students majoring in biology, particularly for those with emphasis on ecology, evolution,

microbiology, aquatic ecology, limnology, hydrobiology or environmental science.

The courses are intensive one-week courses at the advanced level (1–2 ECTS credits) and are taught in English. The Winter School is organized annually in mid-winter at the Konnevesi Research Station, which is located about 70 kilometres north of Jyväskylä. It is free of charge, but students are responsible for the cost of accommodation, food and travel costs. Applications for the Winter School is in November-December. Social programme offers the opportunity to make the most of Finnish winter and culture through different activities, such as skiing, going to the sauna, ice hole swimming and ice fishing!

CARRIED AWAY WITH FASCINATING NANOSCIENCE

MODELLING SKILLS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND

I did consider several universities in Finland, and Nanoscience programme in Jyväskylä University seemed to have the strongest emphasis on multidisciplinary approach to nanoscience unifying physics, chemistry and biology under the same “roof”. For me that meant broader research areas and possibly unusual collaborations between faculties.

The location was also nice, Jyväskylä is situated in the region surrounded by the beautiful nature of Central Finland and it is not far from Helsinki and St Petersburg with several commuting options to both cities. ­ I was worried that there will not be enough practical courses as the university seemed to be theoretically inclined. However, that was not the case and I have been doing a variety of lab works through the entire year learning to do experimental work using a broad range of tools available in the University.

Thanks to an Erasmus traineeship grant, ­ I came to Jyväskylä. Here, a research group was studying the interaction between ecology and evolution using a little Caribbean fish, the guppy, to model it.

With them, in the barely four months I spent here, I learned more about biology, evolution, coding and statistics than I ever had in the previous three years of my degree studies. This experience left me eager for more, and when it came time to decide on a master’s degree programme to further my education, the University of Jyväskylä was at the top of my list.

As part of the programme, I have taken extremely useful courses, especially in statistics, coding and modelling applied to biology. From what I could gather, courses like these are hardly ever taught in similar

The city is the “sports center” of Finland, and the University itself provides with facilities for ball games and fitness sessions.

Throughout the year I was visiting volleyball and table tennis sessions.

Alex Plyushch MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN NANOSCIENCE (PHYSICS)

master’s degree programmes of other universities and they have proven essential for my career time after time.

In the context of the programme, I was also able to take an internship in Trinidad and Tobago. There I got to work on rivers flowing down the rainforest, studying guppies to see how fast evolution can be. That was the best experience as a biologist I’ve ever had, and I also got many scientific contacts out of it that have proven really helpful for my career.

My master’s thesis is based on modelling and I am really happy to have this opportunity since modelling skills are in high demand in my field.

Guillermo Garcia Costoya MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Master’s Degree will make you an expert!

If you have a B.Sc. in biology, ecology, environmental science, evolutionary biology

Get a M.Sc. in

UNIVERSITIES

Degree in Biological and Environmental Science INDUSTRY

mathematics

Degree in Mathematics

nanoscience, cell and molecular biology, chemistry, physics

Degree in Nanoscience

physics

Degree in Particle and Nuclear Physics

physical engineering and physics

EMJMD RADMEP – Radiation and its Effects on MicroElectronics and Photonics Technologies

(ca. 180 ECTS, 3 years)

(120 ECTS, 2 years)

SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES

PUBLIC SECTOR

Join us as an exchange or a visiting student DO YOU FEEL LIKE COMING TO VISIT OUR UNIVERSITY? Student exchange is based on exchange agreements between us and our partner universities. Please, contact your home university to find out more about possibilities to apply. At the Faculty we host exchange students, visiting doctoral students and visiting student trainees.

If you are doing your Master’s, Bachelor’s or Doctoral Degree, you can apply as an exchange student for one semester or a full academic year.

As a doctoral student, you can also apply to the University of Jyväskylä as a visiting doctoral student, if your home university does not have a cooperation agreement with our university. Visiting doctoral students can study here from three months to a full year.

You also can study at the Faculty as a visiting student trainee. The status of a visiting student trainee will give you a right to study also courses. You can stay with us from few months to a full year.

Applying: jyu.fi/science/en/admissions/student-exchange About doctoral studies: www.jyu.fi/science/en/research/doctoral-studies

SCIENCE ROCKS

JYUscience APPLY: www.jyu.fi/science/en/admissions/masters-degrees ASK: study-sci@jyu.fi

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