Science
Study programme title in Est.
Loodusteadused
Study programme title in Engl.
Science
TalTech study programme code
LALD22
MER study programme code
230083
Study programme version code
LALD22/22
Faculty / college
L - School of Science
Head of study programme/study programme manager
Maria Cecilia Sarmiento Guerin
Language of instruction
Estonian, English
Study level
Doctoral study
ECTS credits
240
Volume (in hours)
6240
Self-paid study programme
no
Nominal study period
8 semesters
Study programme group
Physical Sciences
Broad area of study
Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics
Study field
Physical science
Access conditions
Master’s degree or an equivalent recognised qualification. In accordance with TalTech admission regulations.
Study programme aims and objectives
The aim of the study programme is to provide knowledge, skills and experience for independent interdisciplinary research,
development, academic or professional activity in science as well as related fields of engineering and ICT. Show more...
Learning outcomes of the study programme
The graduated PhD student:
- is a highly qualified expert in sciences,
incl. physical sciences and related engineering and ICT field, with in-depth knowledge of theoretical background, terminology, scientific literature and methods of his/her specific field of research;
- has the knowledge and skills for leadership in research in governmental agencies, business enterprises, academic and research institutions;
- has a broad overview of research methodologies and ability to use various scientific methods in finding solutions to complex problems in practical spheres of life;
- publishes his/her results in recognized high-level scientific journals and gives presentations at seminars and conferences;
- has practical skills and experience in planning and teaching at BSc and MSc level within his/her field of research;
- follows the principles of science ethics and is knowledgeable about humanistic, social and economic issues of the society. Show more...
Graduation requirements
Completion of the curriculum in required capacity, and successful defence of doctoral thesis in accordance with the rules established by TalTech Senate.
Degrees conferred
Doctor of Philosophy (Applied Physics and Mathematics), Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedicine and Health Technologies), Doctor of Philosophy (Chemistry and Biotechnology), Doctor of Philosophy (Earth Sciences)
Study programme version structure :
Module type
total ECTS credits
Transferable skills
12.0
Professional proficiency
18.0
Research
210.0
Total
240.0
  • +
       SPECIALITY Earth Sciences
    • +
         MODULE: Transferable skills 12.0 ECTS credits (Transferable skills)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to acquire transferable skills for various career models in research and development.
      Learning outcomes
      After completing the module, the student:
      - has acquired basic knowledge about conducting research,
      reasons and proves his/her claims with scientific evidence, has an overview of scientific methods and social aspects of research;
      - identifies and uses scientific approach for solving complex real-world problems, including working in teams or leading a team;
      - has a basic overview of the processes and practices in research, development and teaching in a university and in research intensive companies.       Show more...
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Didactics of Higher Education - Theoretical Bases and Application
      EME9030
      6.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Didactics of Higher Education - Theoretical Bases
      EME9040
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Philosophy of Science
      MNF9010
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      SK
      Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology Management
      MNI5160
      6.0
      3.0
      1.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Managing Research Projects
      MNI9060
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Career Development
      UTT9011
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      K
      Career Development
      UTT9012
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Academic Writing Workshop
      UTT9102
      3.0
      1.5
      1.5
      0.0
      0.0
      H
      K
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Earth sciences 18.0 ECTS credits (Professional proficiency)
      Aims
      The aim of the module is to prepare a specialist who has a good general background in the theoretical foundations and practical aspects of Earth sciences,
      thorough knowledge of the narrower field of his / her doctoral thesis and who is proficient in professional research methodologies, including modern data management and analysis tools.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing the module, the student:
      - has versatile and systematic knowledge of the field of his/her doctoral thesis and its current research highlights and problems;

      - can independently and critically analyse scientific literature of the field and associate it with his/her research work;
      - uses modern professional terminology in the field of the doctoral thesis;
      - applies modern research methods, including data analysis tools, in solving problems related to his/her work.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Doctoral Examination in Earth Sciences
      NSO9082
      6.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Total: 6.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Statistical Methods in Earth Sciences
      NGG9025
      6.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Circular Economy of Mineral Exploitation
      NGG9044
      6.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Enivironmental Big Data Analytics
      NSO9040
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      1.5
      1.5
      E
      SK
      Mathematics for PhD Students
      YMX9303
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Research 210.0 ECTS credits (Research)
      Aims
      The aim of the research module is to:
      - provide the skills to define and solve scientific and applicational issues in the field of Science;

      - acquire thorough knowledge in the fields related to the PhD thesis;
      - provide the skills to present research results to various target groups in the society;
      - provide practical experience in supervision and teaching.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing this module the student:
      - has acquired the
      knowledge necessary for conducting research in the field related to his/her PhD thesis and has the ability to apply the knowledge in solving any related issues;
      - critically reads and analyses scientific literature, defines scientific issues and evaluates the novelty, significance and effect of possible solutions to such issues;
      - presents his/her research in a logical and understandable manner both to specialists and wider audiences;
      - instructs and supervises students and has practical teaching experience;
      - acts in accordance with the practices and norms of his/her field, is familiar with the international and local research community and is able to find possibilities for cooperation;
      - is able to evaluate possible applications of his/her research and find such possibilities also outside the university.       Show more...
    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
  • +
       SPECIALITY Applied Physics and Mathematics
    • +
         MODULE: Transferable skills 12.0 ECTS credits (Transferable skills)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to acquire transferable skills for various career models in research and development.
      Learning outcomes
      After completing the module, the student:
      - has acquired basic knowledge about conducting research,
      reasons and proves his/her claims with scientific evidence, has an overview of scientific methods and social aspects of research;
      - identifies and uses scientific approach for solving complex real-world problems, including working in teams or leading a team;
      - has a basic overview of the processes and practices in research, development and teaching in a university and in research intensive companies.       Show more...
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Didactics of Higher Education - Theoretical Bases and Application
      EME9030
      6.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Didactics of Higher Education - Theoretical Bases
      EME9040
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Philosophy of Science
      MNF9010
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      SK
      Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology Management
      MNI5160
      6.0
      3.0
      1.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Managing Research Projects
      MNI9060
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Career Development
      UTT9011
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      K
      Career Development
      UTT9012
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Academic Writing Workshop
      UTT9102
      3.0
      1.5
      1.5
      0.0
      0.0
      H
      K
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Applied Physics and Mathematics 18.0 ECTS credits (Professional proficiency)
      Aims
      The aim of the module is to ensure that the knowledge of the
      doctoral students in physics and mathematics has reached standard levels expected from graduates with a PhD degree in applied physics and mathematics.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing the module, the student:
      - is fluent in the basic and advanced concepts of mathematics and physics;

      - applies modern research methods in solving problems of applied physics and mathematics;
      - analyses identified problems and finds related solutions, working either individually or as a leader of a research team;
      - works with scientific literature, finding solutions to his/her research problems.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Doctoral Qualifying Exam
      LTX9200
      6.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Total: 6.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Advanced Mechanics for PhD students
      LTX9120
      6.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Advanced Physics for PhD Students
      YFX9100
      6.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Mathematics for PhD Students
      YMX9303
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Research 210.0 ECTS credits (Research)
      Aims
      The aim of the research module is to:
      - provide the skills to define and solve scientific and applicational issues in the field of Science;

      - acquire thorough knowledge in the fields related to the PhD thesis;
      - provide the skills to present research results to various target groups in the society;
      - provide practical experience in supervision and teaching.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing this module the student:
      - has acquired the
      knowledge necessary for conducting research in the field related to his/her PhD thesis and has the ability to apply the knowledge in solving any related issues;
      - critically reads and analyses scientific literature, defines scientific issues and evaluates the novelty, significance and effect of possible solutions to such issues;
      - presents his/her research in a logical and understandable manner both to specialists and wider audiences;
      - instructs and supervises students and has practical teaching experience;
      - acts in accordance with the practices and norms of his/her field, is familiar with the international and local research community and is able to find possibilities for cooperation;
      - is able to evaluate possible applications of his/her research and find such possibilities also outside the university.       Show more...
    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
  • +
       SPECIALITY Chemistry and Biotechnology
    • +
         MODULE: Transferable skills 12.0 ECTS credits (Transferable skills)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to acquire transferable skills for various career models in research and development.
      Learning outcomes
      After completing the module, the student:
      - has acquired basic knowledge about conducting research,
      reasons and proves his/her claims with scientific evidence, has an overview of scientific methods and social aspects of research;
      - identifies and uses scientific approach for solving complex real-world problems, including working in teams or leading a team;
      - has a basic overview of the processes and practices in research, development and teaching in a university and in research intensive companies.       Show more...
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Didactics of Higher Education - Theoretical Bases and Application
      EME9030
      6.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Didactics of Higher Education - Theoretical Bases
      EME9040
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Philosophy of Science
      MNF9010
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      SK
      Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology Management
      MNI5160
      6.0
      3.0
      1.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Managing Research Projects
      MNI9060
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Career Development
      UTT9011
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      K
      Career Development
      UTT9012
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Academic Writing Workshop
      UTT9102
      3.0
      1.5
      1.5
      0.0
      0.0
      H
      K
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Chemistry and biotechnology 18.0 ECTS credits (Professional proficiency)
      Aims
      The aim of the module is to provide the knowledge and skills for independent professional scientific and academic activity in chemistry,
      biotechnology and food science. The study program is aimed at preparing highly qualified R&D specialists with strong scientific background; skills in supervising of research team; extensive knowledge of scientific literature in the field; skills in scientific presentations and discussions; experience in teaching in university; oral/written communication skills; professional attitude in a multidisciplinary environment, understanding and respect to the ethics of research.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing the module, the student:
      - has acquired the knowledge and skills required for independent professional research and development in the field on chemistry,
      biotechnology or food science;
      - has extensive knowledge about the theoretical bases and research methods in the field and can formulate, analyse and solve scientific problems;
      - can independently and critically analyse scientific literature in the field;
      - respects the principles of ethics in research.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Doctoral Qualifying Exam
      LKX9070
      9.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Total: 9.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Ethical, Legal and Business Aspects in Gene Technology
      LKG0080
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      A
      S
      Structural biology
      LKG9030
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Green Chemistry
      LKK9030
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      S
      Special Course in Bioanalytical Methods
      LKK9040
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Interactomics
      LKK9080
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Advanced food physics and chemistry
      LKT9020
      6.0
      3.0
      3.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Sensory and Aromics Speciality Course
      LKT9030
      6.0
      3.0
      3.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Biotechnology
      LKT9060
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Special Course in Bioinformatics
      YSX9030
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      1.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Special Course in Neurobiology
      YTM9030
      3.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Total: at least 9.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Research 210.0 ECTS credits (Research)
      Aims
      The aim of the research module is to:
      - provide the skills to define and solve scientific and applicational issues in the field of Science;

      - acquire thorough knowledge in the fields related to the PhD thesis;
      - provide the skills to present research results to various target groups in the society;
      - provide practical experience in supervision and teaching.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing this module the student:
      - has acquired the
      knowledge necessary for conducting research in the field related to his/her PhD thesis and has the ability to apply the knowledge in solving any related issues;
      - critically reads and analyses scientific literature, defines scientific issues and evaluates the novelty, significance and effect of possible solutions to such issues;
      - presents his/her research in a logical and understandable manner both to specialists and wider audiences;
      - instructs and supervises students and has practical teaching experience;
      - acts in accordance with the practices and norms of his/her field, is familiar with the international and local research community and is able to find possibilities for cooperation;
      - is able to evaluate possible applications of his/her research and find such possibilities also outside the university.       Show more...
    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
  • +
       SPECIALITY Biomedicine and Health Technologies
    • +
         MODULE: Transferable skills 12.0 ECTS credits (Transferable skills)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to acquire transferable skills for various career models in research and development.
      Learning outcomes
      After completing the module, the student:
      - has acquired basic knowledge about conducting research,
      reasons and proves his/her claims with scientific evidence, has an overview of scientific methods and social aspects of research;
      - identifies and uses scientific approach for solving complex real-world problems, including working in teams or leading a team;
      - has a basic overview of the processes and practices in research, development and teaching in a university and in research intensive companies.       Show more...
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Didactics of Higher Education - Theoretical Bases and Application
      EME9030
      6.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Didactics of Higher Education - Theoretical Bases
      EME9040
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Philosophy of Science
      MNF9010
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      SK
      Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology Management
      MNI5160
      6.0
      3.0
      1.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Managing Research Projects
      MNI9060
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Career Development
      UTT9011
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      K
      Career Development
      UTT9012
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Academic Writing Workshop
      UTT9102
      3.0
      1.5
      1.5
      0.0
      0.0
      H
      K
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Biomedicine and health technologies 18.0 ECTS credits (Professional proficiency)
      Aims
      The aim of the module is to acquire thorough knowledge in the specific research area of biomedicine and health technologies,
      learn to apply the knowledge and to communicate the results.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing the module, the student:
      - has acquired thorough
      knowledge in the field of biomedicine and health technology research required for conducting independent research in the field and applies the knowledge to solve problems related to his/her research topic;
      - proceeds from the course of conduct and best practices of his/her specific research field in communicating the research results;
      - assesses the commercialisation potential of his/her research and finds opportunities for the application of the research results outside the university.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Doctoral Qualifying Exam
      LKX9080
      9.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Total: 9.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Basics of e-Health
      DMK1021
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      S
      Principles of anatomy, disease and medical aid with practice
      DMK1022
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Biomedical signal processing
      IHB9010
      6.0
      3.0
      1.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Optosensorics
      IHB9060
      6.0
      3.0
      3.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Ethical, Legal and Business Aspects in Gene Technology
      LKG0080
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      A
      S
      Interactomics
      LKK9080
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Special Course in Bioinformatics
      YSX9030
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      1.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Special Course in Neurobiology
      YTM9030
      3.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Total: at least 9.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Research 210.0 ECTS credits (Research)
      Aims
      The aim of the research module is to:
      - provide the skills to define and solve scientific and applicational issues in the field of Science;

      - acquire thorough knowledge in the fields related to the PhD thesis;
      - provide the skills to present research results to various target groups in the society;
      - provide practical experience in supervision and teaching.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing this module the student:
      - has acquired the
      knowledge necessary for conducting research in the field related to his/her PhD thesis and has the ability to apply the knowledge in solving any related issues;
      - critically reads and analyses scientific literature, defines scientific issues and evaluates the novelty, significance and effect of possible solutions to such issues;
      - presents his/her research in a logical and understandable manner both to specialists and wider audiences;
      - instructs and supervises students and has practical teaching experience;
      - acts in accordance with the practices and norms of his/her field, is familiar with the international and local research community and is able to find possibilities for cooperation;
      - is able to evaluate possible applications of his/her research and find such possibilities also outside the university.       Show more...
    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study