Studiengang Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy (TRACEE) [Master]

English language proficiency equivalent to CEFR level B2

The selection procedure and the selection criteria are regulated by the coordinating partner Stockholm University.
To get more information about the program visit: https://utbildning.su.se/english/education/course-catalogue/nc/nceeo

TRACEE in general tracee@aces.su.se 

The program is designed to train experts in the fight against climate change, in the energy transition and in environmental crisis management. It equips you with the knowledge to understand the complex problems in these areas and provides you with the tools to create innovative solutions. A holistic approach is provided by the integration of different perspectives from the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and law into the curriculum.

By the end of the TRACEE program, you will be able to:

• Understand the challenges of climate, energy, and the environment and develop solutions from natural science, societal and human perspectives
• Demonstrate advanced transdisciplinary knowledge of climate, energy, and environment
• Critically analyze global challenges through diverse disciplinary perspectives
• Apply innovative research methods to address sustainability issues
• Communicate your findings effectively to academic, professional, and public audiences

Study track 4 Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology
In the study track in Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, Students will focus on evaluation and solution of problems in the environment related to chemicals. Apart from theoretical studies, this study track also involves laboratory training in both chemistry and toxicology as well as field work where students will be trained in relevant sampling techniques. The Study Track aims for a comprehensive understanding of the linkages between physical, chemical, and biological process mechanisms. Students from various science backgrounds will learn to qualitatively and quantitatively address complex processes in soils, water and air as well as in organisms. In addition, students will address the ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks governing environmental protection, chemical safety, and toxicology and to evaluate environmental risks based on multi-disciplinary approaches.

Study track 6 Climate Change Science
In study track Climate Change Science, the student will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the climate system, including past and present climate variability as well as ongoing climate change. They will gain focused knowledge about how climate is studied using remote sensing atmospheric and climate science and geophysics, ecosystem responses and feedbacks, as well as vegetation and soils in the climate system. Extending beyond the natural sciences, students will learn about sustainability in its broader sense (including renewable energies), and about climate policies. Students will apply the multi-disciplinary skills they have learned about in the study track by conducting a research internship projects in climate science.

Why choose the Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy Master's program?

• Gain insights from a multicultural environment, with peers and educators from across the world
• Benefit from a network of 11 leading research higher education institutions across Europe that form the CIVIS European University Alliance
• Choose from nine specialized study tracks, allowing you to focus on areas like climate science, environmental law, or energy systems
• Apply your knowledge to practical challenges through case studies, collaborative research, and a transdisciplinary Master's thesis project and get hands-on experience
• Be part of the future. Join the inaugural class of this pioneering international program and make a difference!

CIVIS is Europe's Civic University Alliance works to foster cross-border collaboration and enhance mobility among students, faculty, and staff. With a strong focus on tackling global challenges, CIVIS emphasizes innovative approaches to education, aiming to increase access to quality education, create diverse opportunities, and reduce inequalities. To learn more about CIVIS, visit the CIVIS Alliance website.

The program spans two academic years, structured into four semesters, each worth 30 credits, for a total of 120 credits in the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS):

Semester 1 (30 ECTS): The first semester is common to all students across the program and takes place at Stockholm University (SU, Sweden). In your first semester at Stockholm University, you’ll develop foundational skills through the Climate, Energy, and Environment course, covering several topics; systems thinking, natural science, social science and humanities perspectives as well as transdisciplinary methods.

Semesters 2-3 (60 ECTS) at study track 4 or 6:

• Study track 4 Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology
  Semester 2 at Stockholm University (SU, Sweden): Laying the foundation with a transdisciplinary perspective on climate, energy, and environment, as well as providing knowledge on the toxicology and risk assessment frameworks of chemicals, and training in laboratory and field work.
  Semester 3 at  University of Tübingen (UT, Germany): Specializing in analytical chemistry and toxicology.
• Study track 6 Climate Change Science
  Semester 2 at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA, Greece): Offering expertise in climate variability and change as well as climate policies and diplomacy.
  Semester 3 at  University of Tübingen (UT, Germany): Specializing in Earth surface processes and climate modelling.

Semester 4, the Master's Thesis (30 ECTS): The final semester is dedicated to a mandatory independent Master's thesis in transdisciplinary studies of climate, environment and energy. Complete your academic journey with a Master's thesis project, working on a real-world challenge at one of the CIVIS partner universities within your selected study track. You can choose the university that aligns best with your research interests.

Continuous transdisciplinary stream: An extra-curricular transdisciplinary stream runs through the entire program. The stream will be offered on site during the first semester in Stockholm, and thereafter online. The purpose of the stream is to engage students in learning about transdisciplinarity, and offer support and checkpoints for development of independent projects. It also offers a meeting point for the whole student group throughout the program.

The cooperating universities in study track 4 and study track 6 award a joint degree "Master of Science" (M. Sc.) with the title "Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy" on the basis of the successfully completed program.