Chemistry in the 21st century offers a world of possibilities. From breakthroughs in medicine to creating sustainable alternatives to plastics, chemistry plays a pivotal role in advancing the world that we live in. Education in the Chemistry major at Aalto University offers a strong scientific foundation in chemistry, both in theory and practical applications. The Department of Chemistry and Materials Science is home to international research groups and laboratories, and students will find themselves at the exciting frontiers of research and emergence of new technologies.
Upon graduating from the Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering – Chemistry, graduates will have:
Knowledge of organic and inorganic materials and chemical reaction mechanisms needed to synthesize these materials. Graduates have a broad expertise in materials, and synthesis processes.
Knowledge of chemical equilibria and kinetics in various chemical reactions. Graduates also possess knowledge of quantum mechanics related to the chemical bond and spectroscopy.
Both broad knowledge of different areas of chemistry and in-depth skills in a specialization area of their choice. Graduates have the benefits of both breadth of knowledge and specialization. Possible specialization areas include organic chemistry, inorganic and analytical chemistry as well as physical chemistry.
An inquiring mind to explore new frontiers in research. Graduates have the curiosity to explore and discover new grounds in research as well as courage to defend their findings.
Ability to act as chemistry experts in a vast range of industries. Graduates are prepared for a successful career in the industry, capable of working in multidisciplinary groups of experts and solving chemistry-related problems, such as planning reaction procedures and analyzing materials in detail.
User-centric, societal, and environmental perspective to chemical and related fields. Graduates have 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.
In all majors in the Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering the language of instruction is English. It is also possible to complete some courses in Finnish or Swedish.
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.
Overall, the Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering - Chemistry 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)
More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.
The core compulsory courses in the first year lay a solid foundation in the most important chemical phenomena: students get familiar with molecular and quantum mechanical level description of matter and chemical reactions. Students then choose from a wide range of specialization courses, depending on their own interests and aspirations.
Depending on the study path the major will offer comprehensive knowledge in:
· Analytical Chemistry
· Organic Chemistry
· Inorganic Chemistry
· Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry
· Computational chemistry
The organic and inorganic study paths provide good knowledge on synthesizing and analyzing organic or inorganic materials. The physical chemistry study path focuses on electrochemistry and computational chemistry. In addition to the natural science basis, the major provides good knowledge in chemical engineering practices, especially when complementing the major's courses with chemical engineering courses. Student may also choose some specialisation courses from Helsinki University as a part of shared chemistry studies in Helsinki region.
Topics
The structure of the studies is planned so that the students have the freedom and flexibility to tailor their studies according to their needs and interests. Students may want to have an emphasis on scientific research, or they may want to orient themselves outside the traditional chemical industry. For example, the recent surge in technology has produced new cross-disciplinary functions for chemical experts to work at the intersection of chemistry and technology in areas such as Li-ion battery development.
Students are encouraged to complement their studies with chemical engineering, functional materials or physics courses. For example, combining organic chemistry and polymer engineering will be useful when working with polymer-based industrial problems. Additional studies in chemical engineering will broaden the understanding in industrial processes. Combining inorganic chemistry and materials science provides a good background of materials development projects in the industry. Physics studies will help to better understand physical chemistry problems.
To give concrete examples of some of the topics covered in the programme, below is a selection of five courses from the programme’s extensive curriculum:
· Synthesis Strategies and Design (5 ECTS)
· Functional Inorganic Materials (5 ECTS)
· Computational Chemistry (5 ECTS)
· Laboratory Work in Organic Chemistry (5 ECTS)
· Laboratory Work in Inorganic Chemistry (5 ECTS)
Methods
Students benefit from a highly innovative learning environment where state-of-the-art research is conducted at the Department. The inorganic chemistry group is one of the leading laboratories in layered materials synthesis in Europe, whereas the organic chemistry group is internationally acclaimed in the fields of natural products synthesis and computational organic chemistry. The physical chemistry group exhibits a unique combination of electrochemistry and molecular modelling with applications to next generation batteries and hydrogen fuel economy; thermodynamics and transport phenomena are also areas of expertise. Finally, the analytical chemistry group is developing hot electron electrochemical methods for in vitro diagnostics.
Laboratory works, either in groups or independently, form a major part of the learning. Teaching also includes lectures by professors and visiting experts, small group teaching, essay writing, as well as field trips and excursions to companies and research institutes. One of the strengths of the Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering is the close cooperation with the industry. Many projects and assignments in the courses are given directly by industry representatives, preparing students for their future careers.
Personal Study Plan (PSP)
The Personal Study Plan (PSP) is a practical tool to define a student’s own study path, compiling an optimal selection of courses that are aligned with the student's interests and programme requirements. PSP is also a useful tool for students to keep track of their studies. At best, it shows where students are with their studies and sets concrete milestones for them to follow.
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 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
The Master’s programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering – Chemistry at Aalto is considered a great foundation for doctoral studies.
There are so many areas indispensable for well-being – developing medicines, cutting air pollution, mitigating plastic problems – in which chemistry plays a vital role, prolonging and improving life. Experts and scientists with extensive chemical knowledge are urgently needed in various branches of chemical and related industries. Possible career options may include:
· designing organic synthesis for future technological solutions and analyzing the synthesis products in industries such as pharmaceutical (e.g. Orion, Fermion), organic materials, (e.g. UPM, Stora Enso) and polymer industry (e.g. Neste, Borealis).
· designing materials synthesis procedures (especially ALD companies, Picosun and BENEQ) and analyzing synthesis products
· Electrochemical applications, batteries (BASF), electroplating (Norilsk Nickel). Finland is building a supply chain from raw materials to battery chemical and batteries, which requires good knowledge of electrochemistry.
The chemistry major also offers an excellent starting point for doctoral studies, if you wish to pursue deeper learning. Our professors are international and have an extensive network that benefits the students’ education. The major has excellent links to industry.
Aalto University has well-established career services to support students’ employment in Finland and abroad. Thanks to the flexible curriculum, many Aalto students work already during their studies and guarantee themselves entry positions before graduation. There is also a very active entrepreneurship community at Aalto, working as a springboard for founding a company.
More information about the research: https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-chemistry-and-materials-science
Merging science, technology, arts and business is one of the defining strengths of Aalto University, and the Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering is no exception. Students may choose their minors or elective study modules from other Aalto Schools so that their degree is a combination of technology, business, and art. They also can take courses from other Finnish universities.
One fascinating example of the interdisciplinary collaboration taking place at Aalto University is the CHEMARTS initiative, where The School of Chemical Engineering (CHEM) and The School of Arts, Design and Architecture (ARTS) merge. CHEMARTS aims to inspire students and researchers to create new concepts for bioeconomy by combining design, business thinking and natural materials science. The initiative organizes various activities and learning opportunities, such as externally funded research projects, study courses and an interdisciplinary summer school. This spontaneous and vivid multidisciplinary environment sparks new ideas, gathers enthusiasts around them and gives birth to friendships, networks, and every so often, startups.
Development of renewable energy sources is becoming more and more crucial, Jarkko Larkio graduated from the Master’s programme: Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering in 2020.
Interview with 2nd year master’s student Erkka Vähä-Pietilä about his studies in Chemistry major
Interview with M.Sc. Mikko Stenholm about his studies in Chemistry major
Major Chemistry 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.
Are you wondering what it is like to study at Aalto? Come chat with our students about all things Aalto on Unibuddy chat platform.
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.
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.
The programme does not have a minimum quota to be filled, and not all eligible applicants will necessarily be admitted.
| 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): Chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, pharmacy with good knowledge of chemistry. Examples of key subjects: Chemical reactions, thermodynamics, chemistry of elements, chemical analysis Knowledge and skills: Preference is given to candidates with strong background in chemistry. 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 |
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):
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.
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