Master's Programme in Physics

The Master's Programme in Physics is a two-year study programme offered in English by the Department of Physics at Umeå University. The programme, which gives the student the possibility to acquire wider and deeper knowledge and abilities within one or several sub-areas of physics, is fully adapted to the Bologna structure of higher education in Europe.The students have great freedom to choose courses according to their own interests and ambitions. For courses offered in English, see the link Courses in the Programme Menu to the right. Some recommended specializations within the programme are:

Master's Programme in Chemistry

Umeå University offers a two-year Master programme in Chemistry given in English with three profiles:

The chemistry programme aims to provide knowledge and skills for solving and critically assessing chemistry-related problems. You will learn how to compile, analyze, critically review, and present scientific texts and your own data.

The first year include three in-depth courses that cover tools and theories in modern chemistry that bring you to a level required for the following profile courses. The training provided in these courses primarily focuses on advanced instrumental methodologies for chemical analysis, and modelling and interpretation of physico-chemical and biochemical phenomena. These courses also offer intense laboratory training to prepare you well for more advanced courses and work towards your Master´s thesis in the second year.The Master´s project is a research project completed under the guidance of a supervisor, defended in public, and by a written thesis. The programme is open for autumn or spring intake. ... [-]

Master's Programme in Computational Science and Engineering

Computational Science & Engineering (CS&E) is a field of knowledge which aims at the development of methods that rely on computers and mathematics to model, simulate, and visualize various kinds of systems. CS&E combines several different disciplines such as computer science including numerical analysis, applied mathematics, physics, and technology. The applications are literally found everywhere. They often deal with complicated and/or complex systems, and often require the management and analysis of large data sets. Applications include analysis of pictures, optimization of industrial processes, web-based search for information, risk analysis, the mechanism behind aurora borealis, pricing of financial derivates, computer games, and special effects in movies.... [-]

Our Master Programme in Computing Science is directed towards students how want to develop a deep understanding of the field, together with a scientific attitude characterized by logical reasoning and critical analysis. We want to make sure that you cannot only repeat and apply the facts you have learned, but also extend that knowledge by drawing your own conclusions. In the best of cases, this will enable you to continue your education on a PhD programme at Umeå University or somewhere else. At the very least, you should have acquired the knowledge and skills making it possible for you to work with challenging scientific problems in industrial research and development. Our teachers, who at the same time are successful scientists in the areas they teach, will help you to reach this goal.... [-]

Master's Programme in Ecology

This is an education for you that have a bachelor degree in biology and wish to get a more advanced knowledge in ecology to increase your possibilities to get an advanced job within companies and governments or the merit yourself for future studies as a PhD student.The master program in ecology will give you an advanced knowledge of ecological theory that is necessary for planning and executing research and nature conservation. The education is closely linked to the research conducted at the department of Ecology and Environmental Science. Most of the practical exercises have their focus on northern ecosystems but the education is still highly international since general theory and global environmental problems like overfishing, forestry, river regulations, pollution and climate changes are central themes in many courses.The education gives skills to identify and characterize ecological problems plan and execute investigations and determine and study biological material. You will also learn how to analyze data statistically and how to present and interpret the results in a report. All courses in the master program are given in English.... [-]

Master's Programme in Environmental Chemistry

Umeå University offers a master in Environmental Chemistry. The training covers most environmental chemical topics and provides a deeper understanding of organic and inorganic environmental pollutants occurrence, origin and processes in biota, soil, air and water, such as transport, distribution, transformation and availability. The training primarily focuses on advanced methodologies for chemical analysis and modeling of environmental chemical and biogeochemical processes.

TeachingThe master program in Environmental Chemistry provides the compulsory courses "Environmental Chemistry" and "Measurement and Modeling" in which environmental chemical and biogeochemical issues and processes are presented along with methodologies for studying them. Among the elective courses, we recommend in particular toolbox courses where you have the opportunity to study instrumental techniques in detail. The program ends normally with a degree project of research-like nature. The training is given in English and in an international environment.... [-]

Master's Programme in Geoecology

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science at Umeå University offers a 2-year Master of Science Programme for students that would like to specialize in Geoecology. Geoecology integrates the fields of Geosciences and Ecology. With an emphasis on the Nordic landscape, you will study natural earth processes, climate change and the effects of anthropogenic impact, such as resource utilization and pollution. These processes result in a more dynamic environment than what is generally recognized, and you will develop an awareness of environmental changes on timescales from years to millennia.

InstructionThe Study Programme starts with a field course, Field Methods in Geoecology. After that, you will have opportunities to take theoretical courses and applied courses directed towards field studies, as well as courses directed towards Geographic Information Systems.The programme is very flexible, as the only compulsory courses are the first course, Field methods in Geoecology, 15 ETCS, and the final Degree thesis, 30 ECTS. Courses can otherwise be chosen freely, as long as the requirements for the M.Sc. degree are met.... [-]

Master's Programme in Molecular Biology

Present-day molecular biologists now have at their disposal an extensive molecular toolbox capable of taking on and answering most biological problems. If your wish is to enter a master programme that is in the forefront of presenting exciting scientific discoveries, the master programme in Molecular Biology at Umeå University is for you.The master programme in Molecular biology, Umeå, is an advanced 2-year 120 ECTS credit education. It is guaranteed to train in a wide variety of tools necessary for state-of-the-art molecular biology research. Our courses typically include lectures and group discussions as well as seminars, report writing, data production and analysis exercises. To maximize your educational experience, training is purposely held in small class sizes and are lead by internationally distinguished scientists. The majority of the courses place important emphasis on relevant hands-on experimental training in modern molecular techniques. The curriculum includes advanced courses in Molecular biology and Molecular genetics and several optional courses within related disciplines such as Biochemistry, Plant molecular biology, Infection biology and Tumour biology.Another notable feature of this programme is the opportunity to perform an extended phase of intense and strategic theoretical and practical training in an active research laboratory of your own choosing. This training in the form of master thesis projects in molecular biology provides the necessary knowledge to graduate from the programme. Projects are generally conducted in a local research group at Umeå University, such as those found at the departments of Molecular biology, Chemistry or... [-]

Master's Programme in Plant and Forest Biotechnology

Plant biotechnology is becoming increasingly important as a tool to solve some of the global problems related to feed, fuel and ecosystem management in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. The Master of Science Programme in Plant and Forest Biotechnology offers students a specialized competence and skills to recognize, understand and find solutions to these challenges. The programme is based upon a set of coordinated courses which together amount to 80 credits (120 ECTS credits) spread over two years. Up-to-date knowledge is provided about plant cell and molecular biology as well as plant growth and development. This is applied in the fields of plant breeding, biotechnology and functional genomics. The programme is organized by the Department of Plant Physiology (Umeå University) and the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) which together form the Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC). The education is anchored around the various research topics of UPSC.... [-]

Master's Programme in Robotics and Control

The Master's programme in Robotics and Control provides a comprehensive foundation for a professional career in the field of robotics. The programme is interdisciplinary, covering robotics related to both artificial intelligence and control systems, with contributions mainly from the Departments of Computing Science and Applied Physics and Electronics.

TeachingFocus may be put on either artificial intelligence related robotics or control related robotics, depending on the student's interests and qualifications.A relevant curriculum is guaranteed by lectures and hands-on assignments relating directly to ongoing research projects. Many courses in the program contain a large portion of laboratory work in order to provide experience with relevant software and hardware.... [-]