Greetings Reader! Welcome to my blog, where we talk about science and pursuing natural sciences at the University of Tartu. What can the University of Tartu (UT) offer you? Will UT be an excellent fit for you and help you move ahead on your path in science? If you are currently contemplating these questions about UT, or if you are currently looking at prospective universities to apply to, then you are in the right place! My blog about Science at UT can help you gain some perspective and answer some of these burning questions!
That being said, “science” is an umbrella term that harbours a lot of disciplines. However, in my blog, I will be focusing on the natural and formal sciences, namely,
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Earth Sciences
Space Sciences
Mathematics
Statistics
Computer Sciences,
all of which belong to the Faculty of Science and Technology at UT.
The University of Tartu, back when it was founded in 1632, was primarily focused on philosophy, law, theology, and education in medicine. But along its long, long history throughout the years, UT transformed amid adversity to become one of the top 1% of the world’s most cited universities and research institutions in 15 scientific fields. Regarding rankings, UT has consistently been ranked among the top 450 universities in the world for these disciplines during the past five years. UT is also the home to many influential and highly cited researchers in the world. These amazing stats were one of the key factors that motivated me to pursue my studies at UT. Almost two years in, and in my final semester, I have to say, it was one of the best decisions I made in my academic life!
That being said, here are the 11 institutes that deal with natural sciences at UT.
Institute of Computer Science – Embracing the Present and Innovating for the Future!
The Institute of Computer Science is one of the fastest-growing institutes within UT.
The main building where studies and research take place is the UT Delta Centre, which is a sight to behold! With state-of-the-art tech and multifunctional spaces, it is one of the most technologically advanced centres for technology in the Nordics and also one of its most diverse hubs because a significant part of the student body and staff are from different parts of the world.
To check out all the different research groups and chairs of this institute – click here: https://cs.ut.ee/en/content/research
Take the Delta Centre Virtual Tour
Institute of Technology – Bringing Interdisciplinary Solutions to Modern-day Issues.
The Institute of Technology fosters combinations between disciplines. It combines the fields of computer engineering, robotics, electronics, material science, life science, and environmental technology. In this institute, you hear terms like bioinspired robotics, green chemistry, and biological matter engineering.
Check out fascinating projects ongoing at the Institute of Technology – https://tuit.ut.ee/en/research-groups
The Institute of Bioengineering – Where Biology Meets Engineering!
When studying biology as a subject, it sometimes can seem endlessly theoretical. You learn a lot about principles, but at the Institute of Bioengineering, you learn how to apply them in real life! The Institute of Technology and the Institute of Bioengineering go hand in hand, and the collaborations create versatile opportunities to bring interdisciplinary solutions to modern-day issues.
Estonian Maritime Institute – The Largest Marine Research Organisation in Estonia!
The Estonian Maritime Research Institute is the regional leader in marine research, and the expertise provided here is unique almost exclusively to Estonia. Not only in terms of expertise but also in terms of facilities, this institute is fully equipped with research laboratories, a specialised library, diving and sample collection facilities, a wide array of devices, instruments, sonars, and even research ships, boats, and its very own autonomous research base!
Check out projects run by the Estonian Maritime Institute – https://mereinstituut.ut.ee/en/projects
Institute of Physics – UT’s Nucleus of Physics
The Institute of Physics – you guessed it – is all about physics! Physics is the fundamental science of all natural sciences, and UT’s Physicum (The Physics Institute building) has taken it upon itself since 2014 to host all things physics. This includes study programmes, research, training specialists, assisting entrepreneurs in the field, and educational excursions and seminars.
Official Website of UT’s Institute of Physics: https://fi.ut.ee/en/node/113652
Institute of Genomics – Keeper of the Estonian Biobank!
Genomics is a vast and complex field of research, and UT features an entire institute dedicated to unravelling the mysteries of the genetic code. In addition to studies and research, the Institute of Genomics offers laboratory services in its core lab that include next-generation sequencing and genotyping among other services. They maintain and develop the Estonian Gene Repository, which, in short, is a haven for those passionate about genomics.
Services and Studies at the Institute: https://genomics.ut.ee/en/node/60221
Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences – Solid as a Rock for Over 200 Years!
Yes, you read it right: this Institute’s geology department, in particular, has been functioning for over 200 years! Fascinating fun facts aside, this is where UT’s geology, geography, botany and zoology studies and research take place.
To learn more about the projects, visit this link: https://omi.ut.ee/en/structure
Institute of Chemistry – Revolutionising the World at the Atomic Level!
The Institute of Chemistry is dedicated to training professionals, educators, businesses, and entrepreneurs through its excellent bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes. Not only that, the Institute of Chemistry hosts a variety of optional subjects that you can take, so even if you are a student at any other science institute, you can check on your student information systems portal to see if there are any. I took a few optional courses at UT’s chemicum, and they are arguably a few of my favourite courses at UT!
Find information about projects at the Institute of Chemistry: https://chem.ut.ee/en/node/113427.
Institute of Mathematics and Statistics – It’s All About the Numbers!
The Delta Center is also the home to the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics. Here, collaborations at the national and international levels are conducted to explore the depths of pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics. The Institute of Mathematics champions extracurricular activities such as competitions, internships, seminars, clubs and much more to provide a well-rounded learning experience to its students!
Check out more information about the research groups at the institute here: https://math.ut.ee/en/content/research-groups
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology – Exploring the world at the Cellular and Molecular Level!
The world at the cellular and molecular level is so interesting and complex, and UT’s Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology is dedicated to exploring the unknown depths of the field. Here, you have the unique opportunity to complete an educational path from bachelor’s to doctoral studies. Additionally, you can apply for a micro-degree programme, where you can brush up your knowledge and skills as part of continuing your education.
Research groups at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology: https://tymri.ut.ee/en/research-groups
Tartu Observatory – Reaching for the Stars!
The University of Tartu is so well-rounded in the sciences that not even the sky is the limit! The Tartu Observatory focuses on research and studies dedicated to astronomy and space technology. UT is also involved closely with the European Space Agency, and coincidently, did you know that At the end of April, Tartu will become the centre of the space mission?
More information about this project – https://kosmos.ut.ee/en/content/tartu-becomes-space-mission-centre-end-april
Ongoing projects at the Tartu Observatory – https://kosmos.ut.ee/en/projects
Well, that’s a long account of UT’s standing in the exact sciences, but this does not even scratch the surface of the projects, research, and work that go on in the faculty of science and technology at the University of Tartu.
Hope you enjoyed the read, and maybe you found a potential place to continue your next step in science! If you did, Tartu – our city of happy thoughts – awaits you!
References :
https://reaalteadused.ut.ee/en/node/73324
Institute websites
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