Biomaterials Science specialization track at Aalto University has a strong focus on natural polymers, renewable recourses based polymers, biodegradable polymers and the interphase between polymer science and biological sciences.  Teaching methods like laboratory and group work, individual work, lecturing, project work, and problem based learning are being used. This track is for students with a solid background in chemistry or chemical engineering.

The goal of the Biomaterials Science track is to give the students skills and knowledge for utilizing biomass in an ecologically, economically and sustainable way, by adapting methods offered by modern polymer technology. The graduates will be able to work as experts in the field.

After completing their studies, students will understand the synthesis and characterisation of polymeric materials, both synthetic and natural polymers. These studies offer tools for developing expertise in tailoring materials based on structure/property relationships. In addition to skills in engineering, polymer technology, and bio product technology, the students will receive comprehensive knowledge in business, communication, problem solving and teamwork. Studies in this specialization track deepen understanding of plant-based raw materials, and give knowledge to assess alternative uses of them for sustainable development.

After completing the MSc degree, the student will have:

1. good overall knowledge and understanding of synthesis and characterization of biobased polymeric materials
2. knowledge and skills needed to apply scientific knowledge and scientific methods, as well as knowledge and skills for continuing and flexible learning
3. knowledge and skills to understand the problems from the point of view of the end-users, technical and social systems, and of environment, ability to solve undefined problems
4. skills to work in an international working environment, good language and communication skills proficiency in both oral and written communication, and ability to present professional results in a convincing manner

The courses are defined and confirmed annually, as a part of the curriculum of the Aalto School of Chemical Engineering.

You can view your degree structure and information on courses and study modules in Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) once you’ve made a HOPS study plan (Sisu instructions). 

Your study plan automatically shows the courses and study modules that are compulsory, i.e. those you are required to complete in order to graduate. For your elective (optional) studies module, you can find courses by using the search function either in Sisu’s ‘selection assistant’ or on the Search page (click Search on the upper banner).

Master’s thesis in Aalto University is equivalent to 30 ECTS. Aalto University sets the following formal requirements for the Master’s thesis:

1. the topic of the thesis has to be accepted by Aalto University,
2. the supervisor or co-supervisor of the thesis must be a professor in Aalto University,
3. master’s thesis must have one or two advisors, holding minimum M.Sc. degree,
4. the thesis must be assessed at Aalto University.

The Master’s thesis work is typically done in collaboration with one or more industrial companies, and the advisor(s) can also be from industry. The topic, supervisor, advisor(s), and the language for the thesis are approved officially by the Degree Programme Committee. 

Mandatory language studies are included as part of the Finnish bachelor’s degree for students who have studied in Finland and whose language of education is Finnish or Swedish.  If the mandatory language studies have not been completed in the Finnish bachelor’s degree, the student must take 2 credits in the second national language and 3 credits in one foreign language, including both oral (o) and written (w) proficiency, as part of their master’s degree.

Students who have received their education in a language other than Finnish or Swedish or received their education abroad, are required to complete only 3 credits in one foreign language.

In the Master’s Programme in Advanced Materials for Innovation and Sustainability, English is recommended as the mandatory foreign language.

Students who have received their education abroad and who already have excellent command of English (e.g. English as their first language) may choose 3 credits of Finnish/Swedish courses instead, hence not covering the requirement of oral/written proficiency but meeting the language requirement of the degree.

Language studies are incorporated into students’ elective studies.

Courses offered are available at Teaching