Niklas Von Weymarn
In our December interview we have Niklas Von Weymarn, the CEO of Metsä Spring Ltd. He has also been selected as the first Alumnus of the Year of the School of Chemical Engineering in 2017.
Biotechnology - Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering, Master of Science (Technology)
The Biotechnology major empowers students to become active contributors and leaders in various fields, ranging from biochemicals and biofuels to pharmaceuticals and food. The programme provides a strong knowledge base in biotechnology and the skills to solve complex problems, be it in research or in a business environment.
Degree:
Master of Science (Technology)
Application period:
1 Dec 2022 – 2 Jan 2023
Language of instruction:
English
Duration:
2 years,
full-time
Eligibility:
Relevant Bachelor's degree
Field of study:
Technology and Engineering
Credits:
120 ECTS
Organising school:
School of Chemical Engineering
Tuition fees:
For non-EU/EEA citizens, €15000/y (Master’s studies)
Applying to master’s programmes
Description
The Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering - Biotechnology offers a first-hand look at one of the most crucial disciplines in supporting the sustainable development goals and leading society's transition toward a carbon-neutral bioeconomy. The programme stands out for its emphasis on real-life applications and problem-solving which makes the studies tangible and concrete for the students. Upon graduating from the Biotechnology major, graduates will have:
Multidisciplinary knowledge in biotechnology.
Graduates understand the fundamentals as well as the engineering and technological aspects of biotechnology. Graduates will have an in-depth knowledge of molecular and cellular level biological phenomena. They’ll be able to, for example, modify and reprogram selected molecules or biological processes for enabling improved product properties or production processes. Graduates will be proficient in designing and executing biotechnological production processes.
Strong hands-on experience. Graduates are able to use essential laboratory methods and techniques along the whole development chain – from strain design and genetic engineering to the development of the production processes.
Analysis and simulation skills. Graduates can carry out quantifications, modelling and analysis on micro and macromolecular levels. Graduates are proficient in interpreting data and are able to apply analytical thinking to identify and eliminate potential sources of errors.
Co-working abilities.Graduates are goal-oriented and systematic, yet responsible professionals who collaborate fluently with experts from different backgrounds.
Communication skills. Graduates communicate clearly and unambiguously using scientifically justified arguments, both orally and in writing, and can tailor their message to address the target audience.
Language of instruction
In the Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering - Biotechnology the language of instruction is English. It is also possible to complete some courses in Finnish or Swedish.
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
Overall, the Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering – Biotechnology comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. The two-year programme consists of:
- Major dependent studies (63-65 ECTS)
- Elective studies (25-27 ECTS)
- Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)
The major is intended to be completed in the first year of the studies, whereas the second year is dedicated to elective studies and the master’s thesis.
From the very beginning, students get to apply theoretical knowledge to address real-life problems. At least one fourth (25%) of the courses will take place in a laboratory – enabling students to have multiple opportunities to apply the acquired skills in a practical setting. In addition, many courses utilise a problem-based learning approach wherein students are encouraged to find a solution through trials.
More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.
Master's Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering
Specialisations
At the core of teaching are biotechnologically important microorganisms and enzymes, other biomaterials and their properties, as well as their applications in products and processes. Below are a select few examples from the wide course selection:
● Synthetic Biology (5 ECTS)
● Metabolism (5 ECTS)
● Biophysical Chemistry (5 ECTS)
● Bioprocess Technology (5 ECTS)
● Cell Factory (5 ECTS)
Biotechnology students get to enjoy the excellent facilities at Aalto University. For example, they have access to research-level laboratories – some courses even have their own facilities reserved for experimentation.
Internationalisation
Aalto University is known for its international study environment, with studies conducted in multicultural groups. The teaching methods support networking with people from diverse backgrounds – many of the Biotechnology professors and researchers have international backgrounds and experience, bringing their global networks close to students.
Developing one’s global competencies can include:
● 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 Master’s thesis outside Finland
● Taking summer courses abroad
● Benefiting from several funding options available for internationalisation
Further study opportunities
The Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering – Biotechnology at Aalto is considered a great foundation for doctoral studies.
Career opportunities
Most graduates choose one of the three typical career paths:
● Industry expert
● Academically-oriented researcher
● Entrepreneur
The programme stands out with its close collaboration with industry, specifically in the form of real-life assignments and projects. Many industry collaborators also give lectures in various courses. Most of our students get the opportunity to write their master’s thesis at a company or in research institutes. These activities keep the alumni-student relations strong, forming a tight network that is welcoming of students, resulting in a high employment rate of fresh graduates. Finally, if an academic career is of interest, the Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering - Biotechnology is a great foundation for doctoral studies.
Research
The research at the School of Chemical Engineering combines natural sciences and engineering in a unique way. Particular focus areas are as follows:
● Forest products technologies
● Chemical engineering
● Industrial biotechnology
● Materials science
● Nanotechnology, metals and minerals processing
● Energy technology
The school has two special research infrastructures: bioeconomy infrastructure that enables research from molecular level to biobased technology concepts, and raw materials research infrastructure, that supports the research of circular economy targeting closed metallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes and inorganic energy materials.
Research focus
More information about the research: https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-bioproducts-and-biosystems
Co-operation with other parties
Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering - Biotechnology cooperates closely with the industry. Students are given industry assignments, have special courses with teachers from the industry, and have the opportunity to conduct their Master’s thesis in a company.
Students may choose their minors or elective study modules so that their degree is a combination of technology, business, and art, typical of Aalto University. They can also take courses from other Finnish universities. To help plan their studies, students are assigned an academic advisor who guides in choosing courses and minors in the fields that the student finds interesting. For example, some students blend chemistry and arts in the multidisciplinary Chemarts minor.
Aalto University is well-known for bridging the disciplines of business, arts, technology and science. The lively campus and freedom of choosing elective courses across the University bring students from different fields together. This spontaneous multidisciplinary environment sparks new ideas, gathers enthusiasts around them and gives birth to friendships, networks, and every so often, startups.
Applying to master’s programmes
School of Chemical Engineering
Major Biotechnology is a part of the Master's Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering at the School of Chemical Engineering. The School of Chemical Engineering combines natural sciences and engineering in a unique way. This allows the results of our research to be refined a long way and put into practice as ready products and processes. Each innovation secures both our renewable and non-renewable natural resources for the future.
The School provides education for a wide range of responsible future professionals. M.Sc. and Ph.D. graduates in technology work in diverse positions in Finland's largest industrial sectors, in the metal and electronics industry, wood processing industries as well as chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food industries. The research and teaching are supported by an extensive international academic and industrial cooperation network.
The focus areas of the education are the sustainable use and processing of natural resources and new materials, including their technical applications. In the studies towards the major, students acquire advanced knowledge in a specific area of biotechnology, chemical technology or material science and technology. The education leading to a master’s degree is based on the professional practices of fields requiring expertise in science and technology and on scientific research generating new knowledge. Students may choose their minors or elective study modules so that their degree is a combination of technology, business, and art, typical of Aalto University.
Students will adopt a responsible, goal-oriented and systematic way of working, and develop skills to work as experts in their area of specialisation both independently and in cooperation with experts of different fields, also in an international working environment. They will be able to express themselves clearly and unambiguously both orally and in writing and to tailor their communication to the target audience.
The School of Chemical Engineering trains Masters of Science (Technology) who have the skills and knowledge to work as pacesetters of the fields of biotechnology, chemical technology and material science and technology in various managerial, planning and research duties serving industry or related stakeholders, the scientific community or public sector. The studies of the programme provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for applying scientific knowledge and scientific methods independently and for continuing to doctoral education.
Graduates of the programme will have achieved the key scientific and professional working methods of their area of specialisation and will be able to continuously deepen their knowledge by acquiring, evaluating and processing scientific, technical and professional information. They will gain the knowledge and skills to understand the challenges of the field from the point of view of users and technical and social systems, as well as from that of the environment and be able to use this knowledge in developing new solutions, also as members of multidisciplinary teams.
Chat with Aalto students
Are you wondering what it is like to study at Aalto University? Or what student life is like at Aalto’s vibrant Otaniemi Campus or at the Mikkeli Unit? Come chat with our students about all things Aalto!
Requirements
Programme-specific admission requirements
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 then evaluated according to the evaluation criteria below.
Applications are first evaluated based on the following (critical) criteria.
- Academic performance
- Relevance of previous studies
Only the applications who 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
- Suitability
- Other areas of competence
The programme does not have a minimum quota to be filled, and not all eligible applicants will necessarily be admitted.
Evaluation criteria for Biotechnology
| 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): Bioengineering, life sciences, bioinformatics, biomaterials, food science / technology, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical engineering or similar. Students with a BSc degree in economics or business/industrial management may be considered if the degree also contains relevant studies in the biosciences of at least 30 ECTS. Examples of key subjects: Biochemistry, bioprocess technology, molecular biology, microbiology Knowledge and skills: Knowledge and skills in general bioscience and their molecular level phenomenon are necessary. Knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry is desirable in addition to programming (MATLAB etc) in natural sciences. In addition to the studies giving basis to apply to the programme, other possible studies are also 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.
|
| Method of demonstrating competence | Motivation letter |
| 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:
|
| Method of demonstrating competence | Curriculum vitae, recommendation letters, proof of employment, publications |
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):
- The lack of this application document will adversely affect the evaluation of the application.In particular, we pay attention to your ability of critical reflection.
- Max. 1 page, should be written in English.
- Examples of questions to consider when writing the motivation letter:
- Why are you applying to this master’s programme and major?
- What do you expect to gain from your studies in the master’s programme?
- 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?
- What are the areas in terms of knowledge and competences you need to develop
most to successfully complete the selected studies? - What are your professional goals? In which sector would you like to work in the future? How do you think this master’s programme would support the development of your professional profile?
- Why do you want to study at Aalto University and in Finland?
- In case the applicant already has completed another master’s degree in a closely related field or if he/she has a study right to another master’s or doctoral programme, he/she is asked to explain why he/she is applying to complete another master's degree.
- Max. 3 pages, must be in English.
- Any experiences/achievements cannot be evaluated solely based on the curriculum vitae. Applicants always need to submit supporting documents (e.g. proof of employment).
- Max. 2 recommendation letters.
- The letters should be in English and written by a senior member of academic staff.
- Work experience in a field related to the study option.
- Scientific publications in a field related to the study option.
- Please, provide DOI or other clear reference of your publication
Complementary studies
Students admitted to the Master's Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering may be required to take complementary studies, max 20 credits.
The content and number of the complementary courses depend on your previous studies. The complementary studies will be set latest in September.
Contact information
School of Chemical Engineering
For enquiries regarding the application process, application documents and language tests, please contact [email protected] For enquiries regarding the content of the programme and studies at the School of Chemical Engineering, please contact Learning Services of Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering, [email protected]
+358 50 362 3017
https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/masters-programme-in-chemical-biochemical-and-materials-engineering