You will be able to study the diversity of wild and cultivated plants from the Arctic to the Tropics, as well as plant functions from the molecular level, such as ontogeny and regulation of growth and differentiation, to the ecosystem level.
English is the main teaching language. Because the programme is multilingual, you can take your examinations, write your thesis and fulfil other programme requirements in English, Finnish or Swedish.
The extent of the programme is 120 credits (ECTS), to be completed in two years of full-time studies. The degree consists of:
The curriculum contains a personal study plan and can contain career planning, transferable skill studies, exchange studies at another university, or an internship or apprenticeship period.
You can find below the degree structure 2023-2026 of the Integrative Plant Sciences (IPS) as a simplified figure. Under the figure, you can download the IPS degree structure 2023-2026 and a two-years' IPS model study schedule 2024-2025 and (tentative) 2025-2026 as a detailed pdf.
As a joint programme of two faculties, the programme can offer an exceptionally comprehensive curriculum. You study the diversity of wild and cultivated plants from the Arctic to the Tropics, as well as plant functions from the molecular level, such as ontogeny and regulation of growth and differentiation, to the ecosystem level.
The teaching is diverse, consisting of lectures, modern laboratory and computer courses, field courses, seminars and excursions. The curriculum is closely intertwined with research. You will be introduced to the research groups from the beginning of your studies, so you will swiftly become familiar with research methods as your studies progress. Much of the study material is in various digital learning platforms (such as Moodle), which allow distance learning. You will have a personal tutor who will help you tailor an individual study plan according to your requirements.
Within the programme, you can choose among several alternative study modules and focus on:
All modules are worth 20 credits. They are interlinked to ensure a coherent and balanced degree that allows you to obtain a broad perspective. Alternatively, you can focus on your primary research interest while acquiring the skills needed to follow your career goals on completion of your degree.
A translational perspective is emphasised in courses in which it is relevant. That will allow you to apply the acquired basic knowledge in problem-based research, bridging the gap between basic and applied research.
The advanced studies (100 credits) consist of joint courses (30 credits), two alternative study modules (40 credits) and the Master's thesis (30 credits).
With your choices of alternative study modules, you can deepen your expertise in particular areas of integrative plant sciences. Your degree can thus be tailored depending on your aspirations, whether you want to be a university researcher, entrepreneur, or environmental/agricultural consultant. You will also be free to pick individual courses from any module to your optional studies, without having to take all courses in it. However, each module is a coherent entity so we recommend that you take all of the courses in it.
You will have a personal supervising PSP teacher, who will help you tailor an individual study plan according to your requirements.
Within the programme, you can choose among four study modules:
All the modules are worth 20 credits. They are interlinked to ensure a coherent and balanced degree that allows you to obtain a broad perspective. Alternatively, you can focus on your primary research interest while acquiring the skills needed to follow your career goals on completion of your degree. A translational perspective is emphasised in courses in which it is relevant. That will allow you to apply the acquired basic knowledge in problem-based research, bridging the gap between basic and applied research.
More information about the alternative study modules as well as the other courses.