Bioproducts Engineering, Master of Science (Technology)
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Webinar | Bioproducts Engineering
Want to hear more about the Master's Programme in Bioproducts Engineering? In this webinar the programme representatives will introduce the programme and answer your questions regarding the studies in the programme.
Description
In the midst of the green transition, the conversion of bio-based resources – such as wood, plants, natural fibres, and organic waste – into materials for varying products has become more crucial than ever. Although bioresources are increasingly used in, for instance, materials engineering, such as packaging, the possibilities for new innovations are endless. A prominent example of such innovation is Ioncell-F technology that transforms used textiles, pulp, and newspapers into new textile fibres without using harmful chemicals.
The world needs visionary experts who can create alternative ways to use bioresources and to develop recyclable alternatives to polluting materials and chemicals, e.g., fossil-based plastics and fuels. We also need to utilise industrial side streams and highly processed materials more efficiently to build a better circular economy.
In the Bioproducts Engineering Master’s Programme, you acquire the skills to develop tomorrow’s sustainable, marketable bioproducts that help our planet combat climate change and reduce waste. Aalto University's diverse and multidisciplinary study environment together with top-notch research centres and dedicated faculty give students an excellent foundation for a successful career in this rapidly evolving field.
Bioproducts Engineering graduates are able to:
- Utilise wood, plant fibres and other bio-based resources in the development of sustainable materials, products, and solutions. Graduates know the hierarchical structure of plant fibres from molecular level and understand its relevance in bio-based raw material processing and application. They also have the technical and analytical skills to perform fibre fractionation experiments in a laboratory.
- Describe value chains in a circular bioeconomy from raw materials to end products, recycling, and biodegradation. Graduates can identify and analyse the principles of transitioning to a circular bioeconomy. They know how to apply sustainable development tools in the engineering of bioeconomy value chain products and processes.
- Select and apply analytical techniques for the characterisation of biomass, wood products, fibres, polymers, and other relevant raw materials as well as end products. Graduates are skilled in utilizing models related to processes in the forest products industry and broader bio-based sectors.
- Design, execute, and report a research project. Graduates can take part in scientific discussions in the bioproducts engineering field and formulate scientifically justified arguments.
Language of instruction
In the Master’s Programme in Bioproducts Engineering, the language of instruction is English.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Aalto University’s tuition fee for master’s programmes taught in English is 15 000 euros per academic year. Tuition fees apply to citizens of countries other than those of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
Aalto University has a scholarship programme to support non-EU/EEA citizens who study in a fee-charging degree programme. The scholarship may cover 100% or 50% of the tuition fee.
More information on tuition fees and scholarships at Aalto University is available at the Scholarships and Tuition Fees webpage.
Structure of studies
The two-year Master’s Programme in Bioproducts Engineering comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits:
- Major studies (60–65 ECTS)
- Elective studies (25–30 ECTS)
- Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)
All the compulsory and specialisation courses are intended to be completed during the first year. The second year is dedicated to elective studies and the Master’s thesis. You can choose practically any combination of elective courses – from Aalto as well as other universities in Finland and abroad – that supports your studies and suits your interests.
Teaching methods
In this programme, teaching relies heavily on problem-based learning: in addition to lectures and seminars, there are project and group works in which students get to solve industry and research related problems given by, for example, companies the programme collaborates with. Some of the courses also organise field trips and excursions to companies and research institutes to give new perspectives to studying. All in all, there is a heavy emphasis on hands-on laboratory exercises throughout much of the program. On the other hand, some of the courses have more theoretical content arranged as online exercises.
Students have the opportunity to do experiments in top-notch research laboratories independently. Aalto University’s world-class chemistry and materials laboratories offer students an innovative learning environment where state-of-the-art research is conducted.
Specialisations
Students have the freedom to create their own individual study path based on their interests and aspirations. They can opt for a cross-disciplinary path that gives them a broad palette of skills. However, if a student wants to specialise in certain industries or topics, they can choose to complete a set of recommended courses. Such topics include, for instance:
- Biorefinery
- Wood material science and engineering
- Fibre-based packaging and technology
- Textiles
Get to know our professors
Luana Dessbesell aims to translate bioproducts research into commercial success
Professor Luana Dessbesell works on bridging the gap between academia and industry. Her research group Sustainable Bioproducts Innovation is a multidisciplinary group of people who seek to support the development and commercialization of new forest-based innovations.
Get to know us: Associate Professor Michael Hummel
Michael Hummel had plans to stay in Finland for only a year or so. In the end, he enjoyed his work at Aalto so much that he decided to stay.
Internationalisation
Aalto University is known for its international study and research environment. Every year, Aalto welcomes thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad. Additionally, many of our professors and researchers have international backgrounds and experience, bringing their global networks close to students. In the Bioproducts Engineering Master’s Programme, international postdoctoral researchers often instruct students in their laboratory work.
At Aalto, students can improve their global competence by, for example:
- Completing part of the degree, e.g., a minor, abroad in one of the international partner universities as an exchange student.
- Choosing courses with an intercultural approach, learning foreign languages, and/or becoming a student tutor for international students.
- Conducting practical training or the Master’s thesis outside Finland.
- Taking summer courses abroad.
Further study opportunities
The Bioproducts Engineering Master’s Programme is considered a great foundation for doctoral studies. When choosing their specialisation courses, students have the opportunity to focus on the research-based courses in particular to prepare for PhD studies even more.
Career opportunities
As the green transition continues, skills to develop sustainable bio-based materials and chemicals are globally in high demand across different industries – such as chemical, energy, wood as well as pulp and paper.
Our graduates work in various advisory, managerial, planning, and research positions in, e.g., consulting, IT, and equipment manufacturing companies. There are many startups in the field that offer employment opportunities as well. Of course, graduates can also choose the entrepreneurial path themselves. There is a very active entrepreneurship community at Aalto, working as a springboard for founding a company. Additionally, many students choose to get a PhD and become researchers.
Aalto University has well-established career services to support students’ employment in Finland and abroad. Thanks to the flexible curriculum, many Aalto students already work during their studies and guarantee themselves entry positions before graduation. In the Bioproducts Engineering Master's Programme, students get a chance to network with the industry through course projects and assignments carried out in cooperation with companies. In addition, students often write their Master’s thesis for a company.
Research focus
In the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (Bio2), the aim is to develop innovative products and solutions from textiles and biomaterials to energy and biomedicine. The research is focused on varying topics, including:
- Producing new materials using plant-based resources
- The structure of plant fibres
- The processing and use of wood-based biomass
You can read more about the research at Bio2 here.
Co-operation with other parties
At Aalto University, bridging different disciplines is made easy – students may choose their elective study modules so that their degree is a combination of science, technology, business, and arts. They can supplement their studies with courses from other Aalto schools and programmes as well as courses offered by other universities, including international. This multidisciplinary environment sparks new ideas, friendships, networks, and every so often, startups.
One excellent example of the interdisciplinary collaboration at Aalto is the CHEMARTS initiative, merging The School of Chemical Engineering (CHEM) and The School of Arts, Design, and Architecture (ARTS) together. CHEMARTS aims to inspire students and researchers to create new bioeconomy concepts by combining design, business thinking, and natural materials science. The initiative organises various activities and learning opportunities, such as externally funded research projects, study courses, and an interdisciplinary summer school.
As mentioned before, the Bioproducts Engineering Master's Programme also cooperates closely with the industry in the form of projects and assignments. Additionally, many students write their Master’s thesis for a company.
Evaluation criteria for the Master’s Programme in Bioproducts Engineering
| What is evaluated | GPA of the bachelor’s degree |
| What we look for in an applicant? | The applicant's success in his/her previous studies (those that give basis for applying to the programme) will be evaluated based on the grade point average (GPA). Applicants are required to have a GPA equivalent to a minimum of 3.0 (on a scale 1.0 - 5.0, 1.0 being the minimum passing grade). |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Transcript of records, degree certificate |
| What is evaluated | Content and quantity of previous studies in relation to the applied study option-specific requirements |
| What we look for in an applicant? |
BSc or equivalent degree in a relevant field in the natural sciences or engineering. Relevant degrees (fields): chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, materials science and/or engineering and/or technology, mechanical engineering. Degrees in similar fields or environmental engineering or bio sciences may also be relevant. Examples of key subjects: organic, physical, and analytical chemistry; process engineering; unit operations; pulp and paper engineering; bioproducts technology; wood technology; textile technology; engineering physics Knowledge and skills: Applicants are expected to have sound knowledge of university-level mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Previous studies must include laboratory courses in chemistry. Preference is given to applicants with core engineering skills, particularly in chemical process engineering or materials properties and processing. In addition to the studies giving basis to apply to the programme, other possible studies may also be evaluated. However, the study option should provide genuinely new knowledge and enhance the career prospects of the applicant. Thus, applicants who already have a master’s degree in a closely related field will only be admitted with well-justified reasons which should be explained in the motivation letter. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s) |
| What is evaluated | Recognition and quality of the applicant's previous institution |
| What we look for in an applicant? | The applicant's previous institution (where the degree giving basis to apply was completed) will be evaluated based on the recognition and quality of the institution. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | International and national rankings of higher education institutions |
| What is evaluated | Applicant’s further applicability to the study option, motivation and commitment for the studies |
| What we look for in an applicant? |
The applicant must clearly demonstrate genuine motivation to study the chosen field. The applicant must also explain how his/her previous studies support studying in the chosen study option and why he/she would be a good candidate for the study option. Please see further instructions for the motivation letter below. The studies should provide genuinely new knowledge. If the applicant already has a master's degree, he/she should clearly indicate why he/she is applying to complete another master's degree. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Motivation letter and CV |
| What is evaluated | Work experience and other acquired knowledge/achievements e.g. publications |
| What we look for in an applicant? |
The applicant's other relevant achievements or experiences are evaluated if documented in the application:
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| Method of demonstrating competence | Recommendation letters, proof of employment, publications |
Applicant evaluation process
The applicants are first evaluated based on Aalto’s general eligibility requirements (found on https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes). Applicants meeting the general eligibility criteria for master's studies are evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria decided in advance for each study option.
The selection process for those who meet the general eligibility criteria is described next. First, the applications are evaluated based on the following (critical) criteria:
- Academic performance
- Relevance of previous studies
- Suitability
Only the applications that fulfill the requirements for these criteria will be evaluated against the full set of evaluation criteria.
After the evaluation of the remaining criteria below, the best applicants will be selected based on the joint evaluation of all criteria.
- Recognition and quality of institution
- Other areas of competence
The programme does not have a minimum quota to be filled, and not all eligible applicants will necessarily be admitted.
Study option-specific documents
The documents required from all applicants are listed on https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes. In addition, applicants to this programme are requested to provide the following study option-specific documents (if applicable):
Lack of this motivation letter will result in your application being rejected.
The letter should be maximum 4000 characters (with spaces) and fit in a single A4 page. The letter must be written in English. This character limit does not apply to the CV.
You should write a separate motivation letter for each study option you apply to.
In your motivation letter, please comment specifically:
1 Your reason(s) for applying to this programme: Why are you applying to this Master’s programme? What do you expect to gain from your studies in this Master’s programme?
2 Your future plans: In which sector would you like to work in the future? How do you think this Master’s programme would support your goals?
3 Areas of interest: What are your particular interests in the field of the study option?
4 You as a candidate: Why do you think you are a good candidate for this Master’s programme? How will your previous education, work experience, knowledge and skills support your studies?
Attach your CV (max. 2 pages) to the motivation letter. The CV must be written in English. The character limit of the motivation letter does not apply to the CV.
Please note that any experiences/achievements cannot be evaluated solely based on the CV. Applicants always need to submit supporting documents (e.g. proof of employment).
If you have already completed another Master’s degree in a closely related field or have a study right to another Master’s or doctoral programme, you must explain why you are applying to complete another Master's degree.
- Max. 2 recommendation letters.
- The letters should be in English and written by a senior member of academic staff. Please note that an academic recommendation letter cannot be used as proof of employment.
Work experience in a field related to the study option. Please note that an academic recommendation letter cannot be used as proof of employment.
- Scientific publications, conference presentations or posters in a field related to the study option.
- Please provide DOI or other clear reference of your publication.
Contact information
School of Chemical Engineering
For enquiries regarding the application process, application documents, and language tests, please contact [email protected]. If you want more information about the content of the programme and studies at the School of Chemical Engineering, you can reach out to our Learning Services: [email protected]
+358 50 362 3017
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