Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies

The School of Natural Sciences, Technology, and Environmental Studies offers education at all levels, from undergraduate to doctoral studies. The academic subjects include environmental science, global development studies, informatics, media technology, and tourism studies. We have many educational programs and independent courses.

Education

Our education is based on important societal issues and is conducted in collaboration with industries and authorities. Through both theoretical and practical exercises, you will gain the tools to work for change – both locally and globally, anchored in the UN’s global goals. Climate, environmental impact, growth, and the conditions for future generations to live in a sustainable world are highly relevant issues. At our department, you can study how people, the environment, and technology interact and influence each other from ecological, social, and economic perspectives in relation to various aspects of sustainable development.

We offer several different educational programs at both the undergraduate (bachelor’s programs) and advanced levels (master’s programs). You can obtain a degree in Environmental Science External link., Global Development Studies External link., Tourism Studies External link., Media Technology, External link. and Informatics External link.. Within the various subjects, there are opportunities to take independent courses, which you can read more about on the subjects’ websites.

Our department conducts research in many areas and in collaboration with researchers in other countries. Both subject depth and multidisciplinary or transdisciplinary approaches are prioritized in research methods and theoretical approaches. We conduct research in laboratory environments, in the field, in global projects, and in collaboration with various industries, such as the media industry, the tourism industry, and with authorities and public sectors with challenge-driven questions. The department also conducts commissioned education and commissioned research.

At the School of Natural Sciences, Technology, and Environmental Studies, research is conducted in the subjects of environmental science, global development studies, media technology, informatics, and tourism studies. The subjects differ in content but are united by their interdisciplinary approach, high degree of collaboration, and focus on sustainable development.

Environmental Science research spans a wide range of questions, such as the sustainable use of natural resources, the rights of indigenous peoples, and how knowledge of prehistoric environments can contribute to understanding ongoing climate and environmental changes. Geographically, we focus on the Baltic Sea region and regions in the Global South, such as areas in Latin America and Africa. The research has two themes: "Environment and Sustainability: Challenges and Opportunities."

Research in Global Development Studies is based on various theoretical and methodological approaches that analyze political, economic, social, cultural, and environmental aspects of complex societal change, from local to global levels. The research is characterized by interdisciplinarity and primarily focuses on conditions in the Global South.

Informatics research is conducted in various sub-areas of Digital Business Development, such as Business Intelligence, Digital Business Development, Organizational Development, and Digital Service Innovation. Informatics research often collaborates with actors from companies and society.

Research in Media Technology is organized into three areas: User Experiences, Critical Perspectives and Digital Design, and Emerging Media Technologies. Together, these areas cover a broad research field, including the role of digital technology in shaping and creating social phenomena, as well as research on AI (Artificial Intelligence) in games, interaction with drones and robots, and Data Visualization and Service Design. Other research areas include Bodily and Physical Interaction and Materiality.

In Tourism Studies, the main theme is Urban Tourism. The research focuses on Destination Development, Cultural Heritage Attractions, Events and Meetings, Higher Education Institutions’ Collaborative Networks, Sustainability, and Hospitality Management.

The School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies has approximately 110 employees, consisting of teachers/researchers, doctoral students, and administrative staff. Both education and research prioritize cross-disciplinary activities. Researchers and students with different academic backgrounds work together and actively contribute to strengthening the multidisciplinary climate. The department consists of three academic departments and one administrative department:

Department of Informatics and Tourism Studies
Department of Environment, Development, and Sustainability Studies
Department of Media Technology
Department of Administration

The school also includes the doctoral education area of Environmental Studies, External link.the SustainLab research center, and the research platform EcoJust External link..

Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies

Education

Research and Collaboration

Activities and Organization