Chemistry holds promise for addressing global challenges – cross-institutional studies foster synergy and reduce expenses
Numerous advantages emerge when two higher education institutions collaborate to deliver education. The sharing of facilities, technology and knowledge benefits the university community, students and teaching staff, and ultimately society as a whole. Collaboration not only reduces costs but also creates synergies and fosters expertise.
Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) have mutually complementary curricula: the courses in chemistry and materials engineering at Tampere University provide students with a comprehensive understanding of theoretical chemistry, while the laboratory engineering courses at TAMK enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Students from Tampere University and TAMK have the opportunity to attend courses from both degree programmes and access the laboratory facilities available at both universities.
Each year, approximately ten students graduate from Tampere University with a Master of Science or a Master of Science in Technology degree, with chemistry as their major subject. Meanwhile, TAMK awards around 30 Bachelor of Engineering degrees annually to students specialising in laboratory engineering.
Diverse career opportunities for chemistry students
Broad-based education provides graduates with the essential skills to pursue careers in a broad range of fields, including design, research, product development and quality management in a variety of organisations.
A degree in chemistry opens doors to exciting opportunities in the development of the circular economy, biomaterials and renewable energy sources, such as solar technologies. Graduates can embark on careers in research or teaching or take on specialist roles in the private sector.
According to Alexander Efimov, a University Lecturer in Chemistry at Tampere University, highly educated MSc (Tech) graduates in chemistry are in high demand as specialists and developers in diverse areas, ranging from mechanical engineering and transportation to medicine, safety, environmental engineering, and the energy, processing and chemical industries.
Eeva-Leena Tuominen, a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Degree Programme in Laboratory Engineering at TAMK, notes that graduates from TAMK are sought-after specialists in environmental, bioscience and chemical companies, environmental laboratories, industrial plants and research institutions. In addition, they often pursue careers as sales professionals and product specialists or find opportunities in sectors such as food processing, forestry or plastics. Some go on to work with the Finnish Defence Forces or the Forensic Laboratory of the National Bureau of Investigation.
Students delve deep into theories and the intricacies of specialist equipment at the university
For five consecutive years, Alexander Efimov has delivered an annual introductory lecture on NMR spectroscopy (nuclear magnetic resonance) to students enrolled at TAMK. Each time, his lecture has inspired a few TAMK students to complete analytical chemistry courses at Tampere University. Delivered in English, the lecture provides TAMK students – whose primary language of instruction is Finnish – with valuable immersion in international chemical terminology.
Annually, approximately half a dozen students graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering degree from TAMK continue their studies towards a master’s degree at Tampere University, with some going on to complete a doctorate. Efimov commends students who originally graduated from TAMK for their excellent motivation to pursue further education.
The collaboration is reciprocal, as students from Tampere University also attend courses offered by TAMK.
“For instance, students from Tampere University participate in experimental analytical chemistry courses at TAMK, where they benefit from more extensive practical laboratory sessions and longer courses. While courses at Tampere University may include eight hours of laboratory work, TAMK offers up to 20 hours,” Efimov explains.
Many Tampere University students utilise the Microbiology Laboratory at TAMK, whereas TAMK students have access to the University’s laboratories housing rare and expensive equipment, such as mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) instruments.
Emphasis on experimentation and laboratory practice at TAMK
TAMK’s degree programme in laboratory engineering offers a versatile blend of theory, practice and close collaboration with the professional world. The curriculum emphasises chemical analysis, instrumental analysis and different areas within biotechnology. Teaching takes place in Finnish.
Members of the Tampere Universities community can attend courses and access laboratory facilities at both Tampere University and TAMK through the cross-institutional scheme. This arrangement is particularly beneficial for students whose home institution does not offer specific courses. For example, TAMK students complete polymer chemistry courses at Tampere University.
One major benefit for students at both TAMK and Tampere University is the Virtual Laboratory, a visual interface that provides a 360-degree virtual tour of the campus laboratories. The development of the Virtual Laboratory began in 2016 as a project initiated by TAMK, and it now includes a consortium of several educational establishments.
“The Virtual Laboratory is utilised in various courses across the Tampere Universities community as a teaching aid, particularly to illustrate lab safety issues,” says Eeva-Leena Tuominen.
While the teaching at TAMK has a strong practical focus, students interested in deepening their theoretical understanding can attend courses at Tampere University.
“Cross-institutional study is optional for students at both institutions. The laboratory course on instrumental analysis is mandatory only for our own students,” adds Piia Kanto, Senior Lecturer at TAMK.
Passion for chemistry paved the way for a research career
Eetu Karpiola, who graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree from TAMK in the summer of 2019, completed his final thesis within the Protein Dynamics research group at Tampere University. After graduation, he spent four years occupying various professional roles at the soil and rock laboratory of a local company in Tampere. However, the desire to pursue further education never left him.
“I ended up completing the Open University Track, which allowed me to gain admission to a master’s programme at Tampere University. I began working towards my master’s degree in the autumn of 2021. Some of the best features of TAMK were the required practical training sessions in diverse chemistry settings, enthusiastic teaching staff, and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Without these experiences, I might not have had the confidence to join an academic research group for my final thesis,” Karpiola points out.
Karpiola wrote his master’s thesis on perovskite solar cells within the Hybrid Solar Cells (HSC) research group, which is led by Associate Professor Paola Vivo at Tampere University. He recently graduated with a master’s degree in environmental engineering.
“Now I continue my research career within the HSC group. In January 2025, I will assume a new position as a doctoral researcher in the doctoral education pilot conducted within the Flagship on Photonics Research and Innovation PREIN,” Karpiola says.
Karpiola enjoys working in a laboratory and is grateful for the courage he found to continue his studies and specifically choose chemistry.
“Chemistry is all around us! A degree in chemistry opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Studying chemistry as a minor enriches any major subject. I wholeheartedly recommend studying chemistry to anyone interested in the natural sciences,” Karpiola concludes.
Read more about education in materials science and engineering offered at Tampere University.
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Author: Anna Aatinen
