Department of Biological and Environmental Science

The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä trains researchers and experts in biological and environmental sciences. Teaching rests on top-level research, which covers topics from molecule and cell-level phenomena and structures to the functioning of ecosystems and human impacts on the environment.

Get to know the Department of Biological and Environmental Science

World-class research and education in biological and environmental sciences at all levels of the biological hierarchy, from molecular and cellular to individuals, communities and ecosystems. In addition to understanding the fundamentals of natural phenomena, research knowledge is used to find ways to use natural resources more sustainably and tools to improve the health and well-being and the environment, thus building a sustainable society. The Department is an active and visible operator both regionally and nationally and is internationally in high demand as a cooperation partner.

Department of Biological and Environmental Science in brief

The Konnevesi Research Station

Research at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Master’s Degree Programme in Biological and Environmental Science

Contact information and staff

Collaboration

Seminars at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Our focus is research and teaching, but we are much more than that. We welcome you to visit our activities and events!

Current news at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

The University of Jyväskylä are participating in Yle’s Miljoona roskapussia “Million Trash Bags” campaign. Join the campaign!

The University of Jyväskylä is involved in an extensive cooperation project to promote the circular economy of plastics. Everyone can participate in the A million trash bags campaign.

Jyväskylän yliopiston nanotiedekeskuksen uudet tutkimuslaitteet vahvistavat tutkimuksen asemaa kansainvälisessä kärjessä. Samalla aukeaa uusia yhteistyömuotoja.

A new research instruments of the University of Jyväskylä grow thin films and study atom-sized structures

The Nanoscience Center of the University of Jyväskylä has purchased new instruments to help in physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and materials research. For example, the instruments will enable high-resolution imaging of samples.

A Fulbright visitor offers new ideas for teachers in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science

In Spring 2024 the Faculty of Mathematics and Science organizes a special course on teaching STEM. The course is for all of you who are interested in university teaching and teaching development.

A biologist is a strong expert on living nature

Do you want a broad understanding of how nature works around us?

We aim to educate experts specialised in one of two sub-fields: studies in aquatic science focus on environmental and biological factors and processes that determine the characteristics and ecosystem services of inland waters and sustainable use of their renewable natural resources. Studies in ecology and evolutionary biology take a broad perspective from genes to ecosystems, covering both theory and practical applications. After completing a Master’s degree, it is possible to continue to study for licentiate degree or doctoral degree.

Master’s Degree Programme in Biological and Environmental Sciences

Doctoral School of the Faculty of Mathematics and Science

Konneveden tutkimusasema — Globally, there is a growing need for experts in the field of biological and environmental science.

Recently appointed Professor Lotta-Riina Sundberg develops virus-based treatments for bacterial infections

Professor Sundberg’s attention is focused on pathogenic bacteria. She investigates their functioning and distribution and especially how bacterial diseases can be treated by bacteriophages, which are viruses that kill bacteria.

Read the article

Research at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Research covers biotic levels of organisation from molecules through population levels to ecosystem levels.

Research at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences aims to understand the basic phenomena of living nature, the impact of human activities on nature and the sustainable use of natural resources, and to develop ways to reduce the adverse effects of human activities on the environment. For example, in biological nanoscience aims at understanding the functions of microbes and proteins at the nanoscale, as well as finding practical applications in biotechnology and medicine. Evolutionary research uses experimental approach within an ecologically realistic setting using research model taxa from viruses to vertebrate to understand the basic phenomena of nature, especially interactions that affect living organisms and their population properties and adaptations to a changing environs. The research of the natural resources and environment is interested in the functioning of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, together with the use and conservation of natural resources.