If you’re ever thinking about pursuing a master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Excellence in Analytical Chemistry (EACH) – ERASMUS MUNDUS joint master’s program is undoubtedly one of the best programs available today. This two-year master’s program is hosted by the University of Tartu (Estonia) and collectively delivered by a consortium of four universities, which also includes Åbo Akademi University (Finland), Uppsala University (Sweden), and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (France). The program is built upon the foundation of the Applied Measurement Science master’s program at the University of Tartu. However, at the same time, it is designed to deliver a more international and a more specialized experience to the students.
Students in the program come from various backgrounds. So the first semester starts in such a way that everyone can be on common grounds, in terms of course work, by the end of it. The majority of the practical work is reserved for the second semester. Most of the lectures we took were already familiar, yet they were delivered in a much more detailed way and from a practical standpoint. My personal favorite part of the program, apart from being fully funded, is the fact that all the professors are very approachable, flexible, and they are willing to work one on one with students if any issue comes up. I just finished my first semester of this program and now I’m starting my second. That will be the end of my time at the University of Tartu, at least for now.
Essentially the students will spend their first year of the program at the University of Tartu, learning about the fundamentals of analytical chemistry and its metrological, socio-economical aspects. Then the students will continue to their second year of the program in one of the other countries in the consortium. Åbo Akademi University, Uppsala University, and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 offer three different study tracks for students to choose. Thus the second year of this program offers more specialization opportunities.
Study Tracks for the Excellence in Analytical Chemistry Program – Picture from EACH website http://each.ut.ee/
Students are selected to study tracks during the EACH winter school, which takes place in one of the countries in the consortium. Students have several opportunities to express their preferred study track and these preferences are given the utmost priority during the selection process. There haven’t been any issues where they have not been able to grant the first choice of the student so far. This year’s winter school took place at Erken Laboratory in Sweden, just a few weeks ago and it was a delightful experience. Now I know that I’m going to Finland for my second year of the program. So if you want to be a part of a wonderful program while having the maximum international experience, this is a brilliant opportunity. I believe the pictures from our winter school will tell a better tale than I ever will.
First and second year EACH students and faculty members – Standing on the frozen Lake Erken (Photographer: Jay)
The lab is located in a gorgeous area (Photographer: Jay)
We got to go see a Viking Village nearby (Photographer: Jay)
Sunset on the frozen lake was just breathtaking (Photographer: Jay)
Far away from light pollution, the sky is just amazing (Photographer: Jay)
Thank you the University of Tartu for the experience (Photographer: Jay)
