What Thomas says about the Master's in Applied Computational Science, Environmental Science
Thomas from China
Why did you choose Lund University?
"I chose Lund because it is one of the best universities in Sweden, and Sweden is considered one of the most advanced countries, with a high level of happiness according to statistical data. So, I wanted to seize the opportunity to enjoy both the advantages of a good university education and a relatively happy life at the same time."
What are your first impressions of your programme? Does it meet your expectations?
"This is an interdisciplinary programme that applies mathematical modelling thinking and problem-solving skills to the field of environmental science. I consider it an excellent opportunity for deepening my studies. I find the current experience to be fantastic, as it provides numerous opportunities to engage with experts in the field, not only from Europe but also from around the world."
What have been the highlights of your first months in Lund?
"In the first month of our studies, we had the opportunity to participate in some PhD courses. During these courses, we engaged in discussions and learning sessions with professors and PhD students from Lund University and other international universities. We also conducted analyses and debates on various case studies. I found that this experience broadened my thinking and sparked a desire to delve further into exploring certain examples."
What do you think of the teaching style in Sweden?
"I believe that learning has always been a self-motivated and enjoyable process. Here, teachers actively communicate with you to assess whether you need additional assistance. Students can also freely share their interests and ideas with teachers. This interactive style of teaching is a very positive experience for both parties."
How international is your programme?
"Our programme consists of a total of five separate subfields, and participants come from all around the world, including Europe, Asia, and other regions. While learning, we also have the opportunity to discover how people from different cultural backgrounds have varying perspectives on the same events. This is a very interesting and meaningful process."
What are you most looking forward to in your programme?
"What I'm most looking forward to is the opportunity to apply methodologies and computational models for risk analysis in my future studies. This is a very intriguing aspect because uncertainty is always present and cannot be completely avoided. Many times, it requires collaborative discussions to address. It's a very exciting prospect."