Master's Programme in Chemistry in Environmental Forensics, 120 credits

Åke Bergman is a world-renowned figure within environmental chemistry – he has worked for the UN and is involved in several EU projects. Since the spring 2018, he is a visiting professor at Örebro University.

“Åke Bergman seems to be involved in almost everything. He has many good ideas,” says Lisanna Sinisalu.

Together with Pontus Larsson and Pascal Camoiras, she is a student on the Master’s Programme in Chemistry with a Focus on Environmental Forensics. The symposium for Åke Bergman included several international scientists as speakers and the students took the opportunity to attend the event.

World free from chemicals

Professor Juliette Legler from Utrecht University was one of the speakers. She was looking ahead. What would a safe world look like in terms of chemicals – a world where both humans and animals are protected from harmful chemicals?

Children and chemicals

The students also got to listen to Joelle Rüegg, researcher at Karolinska Institutet. Her research involves looking at the link between early life exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and conditions such as obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Thyroid hormone affects brain

Thomas Zoeller is professor of biology at University of Massachusetts and visiting professor at Örebro University. His research focuses on how thyroid hormone deficiency affects foetal brain development.

The event closed with a lecture by Åke Bergman.

“The symposium made me realise the importance of communication and collaboration between the different natural science disciplines in order to achieve the best results,” says Pontus Larsson.

“One thing that spoke to me was the importance of applying a critical eye to your own data. It is easy to overlook things, which will lead to inaccurate results,” adds Pascal Camoiras.

Just like the instruction on the Master’s programme, the symposium was entirely in English. In fact, it was the opportunity to study in English that attracted Lisanna Sinisalu from Estonia and Pascal Camoiras from Germany to Örebro.

“All research is conducted in English, and undertaking your studies in English is a step towards a career in research,” says Lisanna Sinisalu.

Pontus Larsson has a Bachelor’s degree from the Analytical Science Programme in Chemistry with a Focus on Forensics at Örebro University. Continuing his studies in Örebro was for him a matter of course.

“Örebro University is at the forefront of chemistry research. And the research conducted here is within a field that I would like to focus on in my career,” says Pontus Larsson.

Camilla Brus and Amelie Nordström have known each other ever since they were six years old. Perhaps it was then that they decided that chemistry and environmental work would be their future. Now some twenty years later, they are both studying on the international programme Master of Chemistry in Environmental Forensics at Örebro University.

They agree that they have made the right educational choice and that the best thing about studying the subject is the breadth that the programme offers. The opportunity to learn not only all the aspects of the various substances which can affect the environment, but also environmental legislation. They also appreciate the good relationship between students and their teachers here.

“We are a fairly small group of students and we have great contact with all of our teachers,” says Camilla, adding, “We are able to influence our education and provide feedback, while being at the forefront of development in the subject.”

After her Bachelor's degree, Camilla began working as an analytical chemist at Cambrex in Karlskoga, but environmental chemistry enticed her back to the University, where she began her Master’s studies in 2016. “I looked at other universities, but decided on Örebro and environmental chemistry,” says Camilla.

As for Amelie, she remained at the University following her Bachelor's degree, being employed at the Man-Technology-Environment research centre (MTM). “In my work I analyse all sorts of things, everything from thirty-year-old seal fat to turtles’ liver” adding, “And of course, I did some teaching too.”

Camilla and Amelie are still good friends, and agree that the students on the programme are a close-knit group. “We do a lot of things together, even in our spare. Like going for a coffee, to the movies or to the student union” says Camilla. She continues, “Going downtown for coffee, or eating lunch by the castle, is really nice. Örebro is a large town in a smaller format.”

“The programme offers great breadth, allowing us to choose what we want to do”, says Camilla. Amelie agrees, adding, “We will be able to work with airborne pollutants, or the legislation intended to regulate emissions.” Both are willing to work in the private sector, for an organisation or at a government agency, perhaps even coming back for a PhD in the subject.

Text and Photo: Micael Jonsborg

Translation: Jerry Gray

Why Örebro University?

"Örebro has a good reputation, a high ranking among international universities and is the perfect fit for my continued studies," says Pascal Camoriras González, from Germany, Master’s student in the Chemistry in Environmental Forensics programme. "And as an EU citizen, not having to pay tuition fees is a nice bonus." Örebro University topped his shortlist of four Swedish universities.

Stefania Rabasco came to a similar conclusion. "Since I had studied in England and wanted to continue living and studying abroad, it was very important to me that English was spoken in the country, not the least because I have my family with me."

She also praises the application process for being simple and straightforward, "almost everything was on one portal, which is quite effective." Pascal Camoriras agrees, "In the countries I considered, you had to visit each university’s homepage to find programme information."

"The fact that the University helps find accommodation for its Master’s students is very helpful. I just had to accept the room assignment. I’ve even got my own kitchen and bathroom," says Pascal Camoriras. For Stefania Rabasco’s family of three, it was deal-maker, "Yes, for me it was actually a major point for choosing Örebro. None of the other universities I checked offered this help. Orebro University offers help to small families."

Fascinating and informal curriculum

The small class size of Örebro’s Master’s programme – limited to ten students – is something that Stefania Rabasco points out as a real advantage. "I like this approach, it’s a different way to study. In a small study group, you’re more active in your learning. Not just reading books and attending lectures, you’re actively solving a problem, while learning from each other. I think everyone should experience this, it’s really great!"

Pascal Camoriras is also fascinated by the problem-based learning (PBL) approach at Örebro University, "I think it is a much better way to learn. Plus taking one course at a time is very positive," and adds, "We make field trips and do labs too. Instead of just studying the subject, we actually do it."

The informal lifestyle in Örebro is something they are both quite satisfied with. Getting to know the other students on the programme is much easier. Along with the Swedish culture of calling teachers by their first name, which they feel helps create a positive relationship between students and teachers.

A friendly campus close to nature

Many things in Örebro were as anticipated, while others were pleasantly unexpected. "Since the city and the people are European, it wasn’t that much of a cultural change for me. On the other hand, everything is so very well organised and the people I’ve met are so calm. It’s quite relaxed here, which is something I really appreciate," says Stefania.

Pascal points out, "On campus there’s a café and pub run by other students, which I’ve never seen before. It was a friendly surprise." Stefania add enthusiastically, "Oh, and there are microwaves in our building, so I can warm up my food, it’s so great!"

Both enjoy being active at the University and in the close-by nature. Stefania says, "I bike everywhere, all the time. It’s so green everywhere. Everyone is so mindful. Which is very relaxing." Pascal adds "Sweden’s well known for its beautiful nature and its wonderful environment, things that are important to me too." Then Stefania reminds Pascal, "We’ve both tried yoga! And visited a gym for the first time in our lives."