Chemistry and Materials Science: Diving into the Alchemy of the Science and Technology Bachelor’s – Elfi And Nargiz (Azerbaijan)

Hey, hey, future students! The application deadline for the international bachelor’s programmes at the University of Tartu is approaching (already on the 15th of April). Have you already decided on your prospective major? Or do you have any concerns or questions about your specialisation? We know how important it is to choose the major you love as well as have your expectations met. Sometimes it might be hard to come to any particular decision on such an important topic, but don’t worry! We have got you covered! In this blog, we will talk about one of the specialisations, Chemistry and Material Science, that you can choose within the Science and Technology bachelor’s programme. For this, we interviewed Anna Soosaar, an alumna of the University of Tartu who had completed her BSc in Science and Technology. 

Anna in the Lab

BSc Science and Technology is an innovative and modern programme that combines both natural and exact sciences as well as a technological approach. It lasts three years, and in the second year, students have to choose their main specialisation among the following three: Bioengineering and Robotics, Genetics and Biotechnology, Chemistry and Material Science. Anna Soosaar has chosen and successfully completed her major in the field of Chemistry and Material Science. In this interview, she gladly answered all of our questions about her programme and her experience in the field. We hope that the answers she gave us will help you in making a decision towards your future career. Enjoy the interview!

  • Why did you decide to specialise in Chemistry and Materials Science?

I’d like to say that it was “love at first sight”, but that would not be true. When applying to the university, I was sure I was going to select Bioengineering and Robotics. However, the expectations of studying biology and reality did not match for me. Meanwhile, I started noticing my interest in subjects related to physics and materials science, and eventually, I chose Chemistry and Materials Science as my specialisation. In this case, I was aiming more for materials science, but these two fields always come in a package, so chemistry had to become one of my friends as well.

  • What was your first impression of the course specialisation as soon as you started?

First impression: “Where is everyone?” – I was thinking this while walking into the classroom with five people, me included. Among two other specialisations the one I chose was the least popular. The advantage of this, however, was that the professors could focus their attention on us more than if we had, let’s say, 30 people in a group. On the other side of the coin – if you skip a lecture, it is very noticeable.

  • What were some unexpected challenges you faced within this degree?

Eight exams in one semester. No comment.

  • Tell us about a course you took during your studies which was really interesting.

There were several courses that I really liked as they increased my interest in the field even more. But if I had to present one here, I would say “Measuring and Instrumentation”. I would describe it as a stress-free course. It gives an overview of different methods of measurement of everything, and when it comes to the exam, you are not afraid, as what is asked is what was taught. Also, oral exams are my personal favourite, as you have a chance to correct a mistake on the go and explain your point more clearly. On the other hand, it requires much more preparation, but this way, the information stays in the brain for longer, which is also an advantage. This is what I call “learning”, compared to when you have to memorise the whole book and project the memory on paper later. Understanding the subject is the key.

  • Can you highlight any specific research projects or experiences from your time at the university that have had a significant impact on your career trajectory?

The experience that influenced my career trajectory was joining the laboratory working with gas sensors. Before that, I stayed in two other laboratories with very different topics but quickly realised that those areas were not really for me, and I was searching for a more suitable option. After finding myself in the sensors lab, I saw that I had found a field in which I could stay further in my career. That served as a calming thought for me as I could stop switching between the labs, searching for what I liked. I like what I do here, and it is nice. I am glad I found something that makes my eyes light up.

Anna’s lab samples
  • What technical skills did you develop during your studies that you find most valuable in your current role?

1. Taking naps anywhere, anytime.

2. All the practical experience in the laboratory while writing my thesis and taking practical courses, as seeing something once sometimes is better than if it is explained a thousand times.

3. Using different software for analysing data and making models.

  • How did your education at the University of Tartu prepare you for your career in the field?

At this point, my career has not exactly started yet, as I am currently studying Materials Science and Technology at a master’s level. I do not feel that 1.5 years of Chemistry and Materials Science at a bachelor’s level provides me with enough knowledge for the career I would like to have, so I went further with my studies. University gives lots of opportunities for networking and meeting new people, and that opens the doors for the future. I have already found some companies I would want to work with later and the people connected with them. A master’s degree would give me even more knowledge and open many doors.

  • What piece of advice would you give to students thinking of specialising in Chemistry and Material Science?

Chemistry and Materials Science specialisation would give you valuable experience and a variety of skills. The programme provides a wide spectrum of subjects, from purely theoretical to practical, which supports the learning process well. Also, after completing the programme, you have a diverse range of options for a master’s degree if you decide to continue your education. So, if you are up for a challenge, become a part of a small chemistry and materials science family!

Graduation

We would like to thank Anna Soosaar for sharing her experience with us. In case you are interested in beginning and pursuing your career in Chemistry and Material Science specialisation in the Science and Technology bachelor’s programme, make sure to look for additional information on the application process and the programme modules by following the link below: www.ut.ee/scitech 

Good luck with your application, and see you in Tartu!

Cover image courtesy of Andrea Rotenberg and Andero Kalju

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We are International Student Ambassadors of the University of Tartu. Through our experience, you can start planning your studies at the University of Tartu. We hope you enjoy our blog.