Study Instructions

Courses offered through the Biodiversity Education Network are available only for the degree students enrolled in the eligible degree programmes at the Universities of Helsinki, Eastern Finland, Jyväskylä, Oulu and Turku and Åbo Akademi University.

Click on your university’s name below to view the eligible degree programmes.

Through the network’s course offerings, students have the opportunity to learn more about biodiversity-related topics and to take courses that may not be available at their home universities.

The courses vary in level and target audience, and some may have limitations on the number of participants. More detailed information is available on the Studies page and in the university study guides linked there.

The network’s courses are intended to complement a student’s degree and cannot be accepted as a minor subject.

Courses completed through partner universities are not automatically recognised as part of the degree structures of a student’s home university. Students are therefore responsible for discussing the inclusion of courses completed through the network in their degree with the appropriate academic advisor or study counsellor at their home university.

Studying Biodiversity Network Courses

Explore the course offerings: Browse the courses that interest you on the Course Offerings page.

Consult your study counsellor: Discuss your study plans with the person responsible for academic advising at your home university (for example, HOPS-advisor) and ensure that the courses you intend to take can be included in your degree.

Register for a course: Registration for cross-institutional studies takes place through your personal study plan (HOPS) in Peppi or Sisu. If necessary, consult the registration instructions provided by your home university. Please remember to register within the registration period specified in the host university’s study guide.

Course admission: Once the registration period has ended, you will be informed whether you have been admitted to the course and will receive instructions on how to complete it.

Studying the course: Complete the course according to the provided instructions and schedule. If you have any questions regarding the teaching or course requirements, the course teacher will be able to assist you.

Course completion and credits: After successfully completing the course, you will receive study credits and a course completion record in the same way as for courses offered by your home university.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I take courses offered by other universities through cross-institutional study?

• The Biodiversity Education Network allows you to complement your study path with topics and courses offered by other partner universities.
• You can take courses that are not available at your home university and broaden your expertise.
• You will have the opportunity to meet students from other universities and build professional networks around biodiversity-related topics.

Who can study courses offered by the Biodiversity Education Network?

• You may enroll in the network’s courses through cross-institutional study if:
  • You are a degree student at one of the universities participating in the network.
  • You are studying in the eligible degree programme (see the list of eligible programmes above) and meet the prerequisite requirements specified in the course description.
  • The course can be included in your degree programme (this should nbe confirmed with your HOPS advisor).

What if I was not admitted to the course I wanted?

• Unfortunately, some courses have a limited number of places available. As a result, not all applicants may be admitted.
• If you are not admitted to a course, we encourage you to explore the course offerings and register for another course that matches your interests.

I need help with completing a course

• Please contact the course coordinator or responsible teacher, who will be able to provide the most appropriate guidance.

I need help with course registration

• Please contact your HOPS advisor or another academic advisor at your home university who is responsible for study guidance.