What is AMS ?

Applied Measurement Science (AMS) is a 120 ECTS international Master’s program at University of Tartu. The degree is issued as follows: Master of Science in Engineering. The program provides thorough knowledge and skills in the areas of laboratory and technological measurements, testing and chemical analysis methods, quality systems, metrology and related economic and legal aspects. Perhaps the best idea of what the programme is about and what problems measurement science addresses can be obtained from our Blog.

A good overview, why measurement science is important (on the example of chemical measurements) can be obtained from this recent presentation.

The program consists of obligatory courses (45 ECTS credits), practical placement (internship) (9 ECTS), master’s thesis (30 ECTS), elective courses (30 credit points), and optional courses (6 ECTS). It is also possible to take only part of the curriculum whereby granting the degree will be decided on case-by-case basis (taking into account previous studies, work experience, etc)

Measurements must be considered in the broadest sense and have many applications:

• toxic metals in drinking water;
• cholesterol level in blood;
• strength of construction materials;
• protein content in wheat;
• octane number of gasoline
• and many more …

Importance of measurements is enormous for economy, society, medical sciences and much more:

40% of the EU directives involve measurements

Critical economical, social, medical decisions are based on results of measurements

Estimated direct annual spending on measurements alone is 80 billion EUR or 1% of the GDP in Europe

Wrong measurements can have major consequences: direct (loss of profit, death of patient, failure of equipment, etc.) and indirect (incorrect environment protection measures, inefficient business plans, etc).

Erko Jakobson, PhD student at UT Institute of Physics:

UT Testing Centre provides calibration and measurement services to industry enterprises and has regular contacts with laboratories around Europe. I believe I get first-class hands-on education here and have great career prospects and job opportunities.

Gert Suurkuusk, MSc student at the AMS program:

This is an excellent programme for a practitioner working in a laboratory desiring to further his/her educational background. In addition to acquiring specific skills one will also gain knowledge in general fields such as economy, law, quality systems, etc. It is designed to meet the needs and expectations of a today’s modern laboratory. This programme will help improve the methods applied in our labs and introduce new ideas, making our work more reliable.