Ģ��ֱ��

The new Master’s Degree Programme in Chemistry and Analytics for Circular Economy (CACE) offers unique expertise in the chemistry of circular economy. The curriculum combines the basics of circular economy as well as the recovery and upcycling of both metals and bio-based materials, with a strong focus on analytical chemistry.

The programme is one of a kind, as it combines recovery and upcycling of critical raw materials and bio-based materials. The research on circular economy is very strong at the Department of Chemistry, in which the programme has its foundation. The programme focuses specifically on analytical chemistry but offers a unique combination of different emphases consisting of all the useful know-how needed in the future.

“The experts we educate will bring solutions to the large-scale problems that threaten our society, such as the scarcity of critical raw materials, and promote the transition to sustainable bio-based materials”, explains Kaisa Helttunen, Assistant Professor in Organic Analytical Chemistry, as well as the Person Responsible for Degree Education in CACE.

CACE offers a new way of combining studies

While the programme leans and focuses on chemistry, broader view is offered by combining optional studies from other disciplines. Students can build their own expertise according to their preference from a portfolio of optional studies.

Students are for example encouraged to expand their knowledge when it comes to the business world, and include courses from marketing, leadership or statistics into their degrees to widen career opportunities. Also, studies in planetary wellbeing, information seeking, communication, language studies and many other subjects are available.

Problem solving through chemistry

CACE is well suited for people broadly interested in chemistry and circular economy. The shift from linear economy to circular economy requires massive changes in the way we think, as well as new technological solutions to generate value from waste, and ability to upcycle it. CACE approaches these problems through chemistry.

We are looking for people interested in solving the world’s big problems, such as sustainable use of natural resources through chemistry, leaning to both theory as well as practice, says Helttunen.

The programme requires a strong basic knowledge in chemistry, and therefore former studies in chemistry or natural sciences is a prerequisite. There are 12 starting positions in the programme.

Unique career opportunities

The career opportunities for graduates from CACE will be excellent, as circular economy, forest and chemical industries grow. The students of CACE gain hands-on skills in analytical chemistry that are highly valued by potential employers which develop solutions for circular economy in transition towards a zero-waste future.

“The people who have gone through this programme will have exactly the kind of expertise that is needed in the future!” Helttunen emphasises.

Graduates of CACE will meet the needs of experts in the growing field of circular economy, and work among themes such as recovery, availability and supply of materials needed by the modern society. Graduates can be employed in private or public sectors as well as in academia and be eligible to apply for doctoral Studies in Natural Sciences.

The next application period for JYU's English-taught master's degree programmes is 3-17 January 2024.