Biomass Refining (minor)

Code: CHEM3029
Extent: 20–25 cr
Please check the minimum scope of the minor from your own programme
Language: English
Professor in charge: Tapani Vuorinen
Target group: Master's students
Application procedure: Open for all students of Aalto University.
Quotas and restrictions: Please note, that in some courses the number of participants can be limited. Then major students (Biomass Refining) have the priority.
Prerequisites: While making your study plan, you should verify that you have the prerequisites needed for the courses.

Objectives

The Biomass Refining minor provides competences that are essential in meeting some of the world’s biggest challenges, especially the climate change and the plastic problem. For its part, circular bioeconomy, based on elaborate use of biomass, offers countless possibilities in replacing fossil carbon sources in production of materials, chemicals and energy.

The Biomass Refining minor builds on understanding of biomass and its components on microscopic and molecular levels. This knowledge forms the basis for mechanical, chemical, biochemical and thermochemical fractionation of biomass into its components and their conversion into fibre products, polymers, chemical compounds and fuels. The approach pays great attention on sustainability, resource efficiency and process integration, taking into account recycling and waste management.

The compulsory course CHEM-E1100 Plant Biomass gives a broad overview on biomass and its conversion into a spectrum of marketable products and energy. With the selection of elective courses, the student can specialize in certain aspects of biomass refining.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this minor students are expected to be able to:

• describe the composition and availability of biomass.
• explain the basic principles of sustainable conversion of biomass into a spectrum of material, chemical and energy products.
• describe technologies required for different applications and products of renewable resources.
• demonstrate deeper knowledge in some aspects of biomass refining.

Content and structure of the minor

Besides one compulsory course, the minor (20–25 cr) can be any combination of the elective courses listed below.

Structure of the minor

Code: CHEM3029
Extent: 20–25 cr
Language: English
Professor in charge: Tapani Vuorinen
Target group: Master's students
Application procedure: Open for all students of Aalto University.
Quotas and restrictions: Please note, that in some courses the number of participants can be limited. Then major students (Biomass Refining) have the priority.
Prerequisites: While making your study plan, you should verify that you have the prerequisites needed for the courses.

Objectives

Biomass refining is the technology for sustainable processing of biomass into a spectrum of marketable products and energy. The minor in Biomass Refining provides an introduction to the most important principles of Biorefinery. This includes a descriptive overview on the sustainable raw material sources as well as the chemical and biocatalytic fractionation and separation principles used in biomass refining processes. Further, business cases of renewable resource applications, renewable energy and biobased material production will be presented and discussed.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this minor students are expected to be able to:

1. describe the composition and availability of biomass.
2. understand and apply the principles and practices in (bio)catalysis.
3. describe technologies required for different applications of renewable resources.
4. explain the term “sustainability” and the basic principles of Biorefinery.
5. explain strategies to replace petrochemical application by biobased technology.
6. evaluate the sustainability of biobased processes.

Content and structure of the minor

Minor (20–25 cr) can be any combination of courses belonging to the Biomass Refining major. Please check the list below.

Structure of the minor

Code: CHEM3029
Extent: 20–25 cr
Language: English
Professor in charge: Herbert Sixta
Target group: Master's students
Application procedure: Open for all students of Aalto University.
Quotas and restrictions: Please note, that in some courses the number of participants can be limited. Then major students (Biomass Refining) have the priority.
Prerequisites: While making your studyplan, you should verify that you have the prerequisites needed for the courses.

Objectives

Biomass refining is the technology for sustainable processing of biomass into a spectrum of marketable products and energy. The minor in Biomass Refining provides an introduction to the most important principles of Biorefinery. This includes a descriptive overview on the sustainable raw material sources as well as the chemical and biocatalytic fractionation and separation principles used in biomass refining processes. Further, business cases of renewable resource applications, renewable energy and biobased material production will be presented and discussed.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this minor students are expected to be able to:

1. describe the composition and availability of biomass.
2. understand and apply the principles and practices in (bio)catalysis.
3. describe technologies required for different applications of renewable resources.
4. explain the term “sustainability” and the basic principles of Biorefinery.
5. explain strategies to replace petrochemical application by biobased technology.
6. evaluate the sustainability of biobased processes.

Content and structure of the minor

Minor (20–25 cr) can be any combination of courses belonging to the Biomass Refining major. Please check the list below.

Structure of the minor