Doctoral studies in Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science

The programme leads to a Degree of Doctor of Philosophy or a Degree of Licentiate of Philosophy in Geobiosphere Science with a specialization in Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science. A doctoral degree comprises four years of full‑time study, of which approximately one year is devoted to courses and seminars and the remaining time to independent research and thesis writing.

Subject Area: Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science

Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science is an interdisciplinary research field that examines the structure, function, and long‑term development of landscapes and ecosystems. The subject is grounded in an understanding of natural processes and their connections to climate, geology, hydrology, biogeochemistry, and vegetation dynamics.

Research ranges from analyses of climate variability and atmosphere–ecosystem interactions to studies of geomorphological processes and ecosystem responses to environmental and climate change. A significant component involves the development and application of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) to observe, map, and model environmental change.

Research Areas

The research area includes, among others:

• Studies of climate change, climate processes, and energy exchanges between ecosystems and the atmosphere.
• Ecosystem structure and function, including vegetation dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, and soil–plant–atmosphere interactions.
• Geomorphological processes and landscape development across different climates and environments.
• Remote‑sensing‑based methods for observing and analysing the Earth’s surface, including the development of new approaches for measuring and modelling environmental change.
• Interdisciplinary studies of local and global environmental and climate change, and their consequences for natural resources and ecosystems.