Elite studies on a COP15 scholarship

 

 

Eleven highly qualified students from ten different countries were granted a so-called COP15 climate scholarship by the Danish Government prior to the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen in December 2009. Denisa (BS in Biochemistry) was one of these students. She received the exclusive scholarship for LIFE’s elite programme Environmental Chemistry and Health, which is offered in collaboration with two other faculties at the University of Copenhagen.

Toxins affect human health in intriguing ways. These effects can lead to diseases which can be detrimental. The European Union has launched programmes such as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical Substances) to asses the risk of many potential harmful chemicals, save and preserve the ecosystem. Moreover, Denmark is one of the countries that has taken a lead role in these issues. These are some of the reasons why Denisa chose to apply for an MSc degree in Europe and came across the Environmental Chemistry and Health programme at LIFE.

"The world needs more educated people who have a scientific understanding of the environment and the changes we bring about by emitting thousands of chemicals, which can effect both the environment and human health", Denisa states on reasons for her interest in this academic field.

The programme has met Denisa's expectations in many ways, but the one thing she has been most enthusiastic about is the way the programme paves the road into becoming a scientist. In the programme, students conduct their own research, write papers in a scientific format and get introduced to poster presentations for conferences. Apart from the mandatory courses, students are allowed to choose 4 elective courses which will expand their knowledge in the interested area. The programme embraces areas of toxicology and ecotoxicology, epidemiology, terrestrial/aquatic environmental chemistry, air pollution and risk assesment of chemicals.

Additionally, the interfaculty classes at the University of Copenhagen provide students with different approaches as they learn how to manage in different study environments at the faculties. The block structure at the university, keeps students focused on two classes at a time, however seven weeks go by fast and exams approach very soon.

In touch with real life

The Environmental Chemistry and Health programme offers students many opportunities to be in touch with real life. Denisa highlights excursions, participation in symposiums and conferences, and real life cases from all over the world as elements of the programme. Moreover, the classes are taught by professors, along with specialists in the field of each topic discussed in class. This is really a unique feature of this programme.

“I have not yet decided what kind of career I want to pursue upon graduation, however, I am considering applying for a PhD relating to Toxicology/Ecotoxicology. Nevertheless, there are many local and global opportunities for Environmental Chemistry and Health students to get involved research, consultancy and teaching”, Denisa says.

 

International study environment

The international study environment is evident in class where 1/3 of the students in the programme are international students. This has been a nice experience for Denisa and the rest of the class. She mentions better intercultural communication skills, different approaches to studies and various real life cases, as some of the most positive aspects of an intercultural classroom.

Denisa also thinks that the international study environment at LIFE is highly prioritised when you look at the excellent services and welcome activities for international degree students.

“I highly recommend all international MSc students to participate in the International Graduate Orientation Programme in August, which runs prior to study start. You meet many students from different parts of the world and you get acquianted with the education system and life in Denmark”, Denisa says.

Outside of class, Denisa enjoys the company of her International and Danish class mates. Friday night student bar and sports offered by the student unions are great activities to meet other students.

Among the different faculties at the University of Copenhagen, Denisa finds that LIFE has the most beautiful campus with a beautiful botanical garden as its focal point. LIFE is nicely situated in the middle of Copenhagen, the capital for Denmark, which Denisa finds relatively small, but with an excellent setup for biking.