Advanced Analytical Chemistry: Arctic Pollution Research
PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE at University of Copenhagen
This is a specialised course where 50% of the seats are reserved for PhD students enrolled at the Faculty of SCIENCE at UCPH and 50% of the seats are reserved for PhD students at other faculties and universities. Seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and according to the applicable rules.
Anyone can apply for the course, but if you are not a PhD student, you will be placed on the waiting list until enrollment deadline. After the enrollment deadline, available seats will be allocated to applicants on the waiting list.
Applicants must apply for the course and at the same time also submit a motivational letter detailing analytical chemistry experience or other relevant competencies.
The letter must be sent to course coordinators by e-mail.
Aim and Content
This specialized PhD course provides comprehensive training in assessing Arctic environmental pollution.
Core activities include field sampling, advanced analytical chemistry techniques, quality assurance, data processing, spatial modelling, and scientific writing.
Fieldwork in the Faroe Islands focuses on applying analytical methods under challenging conditions for sediment, soil, air, water, or biota samples.
Students will also engage in meta-data retrieval, contaminant data analysis, GIS visualisation, and manuscript preparation.
Learning outcomes
Intended learning outcome for the students who complete the course:
Knowledge
• In-depth understanding of Arctic environmental pollution assessment.
• Expertise in analytical techniques for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and derivatives.
• Proficiency in planning and executing field-based research and laboratory analysis.
Skills
• Design research projects addressing Arctic environmental pollution issues.
• Adapt analytical protocols for use under field conditions.
• Apply chromatography and mass spectrometry for pollutant quantification.
• Process and visualize environmental data using statistical tools and GIS.
• Draft scientific manuscripts and present findings effectively.
Competences
• Independently perform environmental research in complex, challenging environments.
• Collaborate internationally on multidisciplinary environmental studies.
• Generate new knowledge important for Arctic environmental pollution monitoring and research dissemination
Target Group
PhD students interested in analytical chemistry, environmental monitoring, pollution research, and Arctic/Sub-Arctic environmental studies.
Recommended Academic Qualifications
Strongly recommended: Analytical chemistry background. Other relevant competencies in environmental sciences considered.
Research Area
Analytical chemistry, environmental monitoring, pollution studies, Arctic and Sub-Arctic ecosystems.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, theoretical and practical exercises, and colloquia.
Intensive laboratory sessions and fieldwork.
Project-based learning with group collaborations.
Type of Assessment
Field and lab performance (20%)
Written manuscript and lab records (40%)
Oral presentation and questioning session (40%)
Literature
Literature provided via Absalon. Students to integrate peer-reviewed articles in weekly project developments.
Course coordinator
Nikoline J Nielsen, Associate Professor, njn@plen.ku.dk
Jan H Christensen, Professor, jch@plen.ku.dk
Guest Lecturers
Kirsten Seestern Christoffersen, Professor and Station Manager, Arctic Station on Disko Island, UCPH (2-hour lecture on Arctic research).
Dates
Teaching period: April 14 – June 18, 2027
Examinations: Completed by July 1, 2027
Course location
Frederiksberg Campus (12 days)
University of Faroe Islands, Torshavn (9 days)
Course fee
• Participant fee: DKK 20.000
• PhD student enrolled at SCIENCE: DKK 0
• PhD student from Danish PhD school Open market: DKK 0
• PhD student from Danish PhD school not Open market: DKK 9.000
• PhD student from foreign university: DKK 9.000
• Master's student from Danish university: DKK 0
• Master's student from foreign university: DKK 9.000
• Non-PhD student employed at a university (e.g., postdocs): DKK 9.000
• Non-PhD student not employed at a university (e.g., from a private company): DKK 25.200
Cancellation policy
• Cancellations made up to two weeks before the course starts are free of charge.
• Cancellations made less than two weeks before the course starts will be charged a fee of DKK 3.000
• Participants with less than 80% attendance cannot pass the course and will be charged a fee of DKK 5.000
• No-show will result in a fee of DKK 5.000
• Participants who fail to hand in any mandatory exams or assignments cannot pass the course and will be charged a fee of DKK 5.000
Course fee and participant fee
PhD courses offered at the Faculty of SCIENCE have course fees corresponding to different participant types.
In addition to the course fee, there might also be a participant fee.
If the course has a participant fee, this will apply to all participants regardless of participant
type - and in addition to the course fee.