Study options

Life Science Technologies - Master of Science (Technology)

The Master's Programme in Life Science Technologies educates a new generation of engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs who are committed to improving human health and wellbeing through development of innovative scientific and engineering solutions. The programme has a strong focus on the technological aspects of Life Sciences and is closely connected to the world-class research at Aalto University in the fields of biological data analysis and modelling, bioinformatics, bioelectronics and biosensing, biomedical engineering, human neuroscience and neurotechnology, biomaterials engineering and synthetic biology.
Aalto University / students at Aalto University / photo by Aino Huovio

Degree:

Master of Science (Technology)

Application period:

30 Nov 2023 – 2 Jan 2024

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 Science

Tuition fees:

For non-EU/EEA citizens, €15000/y (Master’s studies) Read more

Applying to master’s programmes

Description

Technological advancements have a major impact on human health and wellbeing. There is an increasing need for experts who develop technologies and methodologies that can help shape and equalise healthcare systems, lower the production costs of medicine, advance diagnostics and therapeutics, and simply put, get people to live healthier and better lives. To meet the demands of rapidly growing and constantly evolving health and wellbeing sectors, the Master's Programme in Life Science Technologies educates a new generation of engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs who are all committed to creating a lasting impact on people’s lives. Upon graduating from the Master’s Programme in Life Science Technologies, graduates will have: 

  • have relevant fundamental and applied knowledge and competencies within the specialization area as well as a good overview of current and emerging technologies and methodologies in the field of life sciences. 
  • have the necessary skills to develop innovative scientific and engineering solutions for health and wellbeing sectors, acknowledging the importance of responsible use of technology. 
  • be able to plan and execute research in life science, analyze data and report the outcomes both orally and in writing to different stakeholders. 
  • have a solid foundation for further learning of professional skills by acquiring, evaluating, and processing scientific, technical and professional information. 
  • be able to work individually or as a member of a multidisciplinary expert team. 

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 Master’s Programme in Life Science Technologies comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. The two-year programme consists of: 

  • Major studies (60-65 ECTS) 
  • Elective studies (25-30 ECTS) 
  • Master’s thesis (30 ECTS) 
Master's Programme in Life Science Technologies

Specialisations

The Master's Programme in Life Science Technologies offers six majors. The students selected to the programme may freely choose their major, provided they have the required background. The major will be selected as part of the personal study plan in the beginning of the studies.

Bioinformatics and Digital Health

Bioinformatics and Digital Health covers a wide range of topics in bioinformatics and computational systems biology. To better understand the methodological basis commonly used in the field, the major provides students with a comprehensive background in probabilistic modelling, machine learning, and data science. 

The major is designed to give strong competences in: 

  • computational and data science, 
  • skills for developing new computational methods and models, and 
  • applying them to real-world biomolecular data. 

Examples of research questions studied include: 

  • predicting drug-target interactions 
  • reconstructing biological networks 
  • finding associations between genotypes and diseases, and 
  • modelling dynamical behaviour of complex biological pathways. 

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering builds on a solid basis of physics and technology to characterise, monitor, image and influence biological systems. This major introduces the student to physics of biological systems and to key concepts of related imaging and signal analysis. In addition, the major provides knowledge and skills for developing novel engineering solutions for diagnostic and treatment needs in healthcare. The Biomedical Engineering major offers excellent foundations for pursuing a career in the medical technology industry or in academia. 

After completing the major, the student will be able to: 

  • characterise biophysical systems by conceptual and quantitative models 
  • explain how the laws of physics enable and constrain the operation of biological systems 
  • follow the progress of biomedical engineering 
  • deepen their knowledge and skills on specific topics within biomedical engineering 
  • apply existing scientific knowledge in the field to research and development in the industry 
  • start translating new research results into product development in biomedical technology. 

Biosensing and Bioelectronics

The Biosensing and Bioelectronicsmajor educates engineering experts who have versatile comprehension of detection, processing and analyses of biosignals from various sources. To accomplish this, the student is introduced to nanoscale phenomena, microfabrication techniques, biomaterials science, biochemical recognition of biomolecules, physical transducers, sensor technologies and to various clinical equipment. The basic knowledge needed in the development of innovations in the field of biosensors and bioelectronics is provided. Students are also strongly encouraged to consider practical aspects and possible applications of their knowhow throughout their studies. 

Students of the Biosensing and Bioelectronics major are introduced to: 

  • nanoscale phenomena, 
  • microfabrication techniques, 
  • biomaterials science, 
  • biochemical recognition of biomolecules, 
  • physical transducers, 
  • sensor technologies, and 
  • clinical equipment like medical imaging. 

Biosystems and Biomaterials Engineering

Biosystems and Biomaterials Engineering provides a solid understanding of biological phenomena, biomaterials and small organic molecules important to the field of life science. At the core of the teaching are: 

  • the understanding of molecular and cellular level phenomena, 
  • reprogramming of cells, 
  • molecular design and characterisation of small pharmaceutically active molecules, and 
  • the synthesis and characterisation of biomaterials. 

Specialisation during the major allows acquiring in-depth understanding in one of the selected fields or studying at the interface of the different fields. 

The major in Biosystems and Biomaterials Engineering is strongly research-driven and is tightly linked to research activities related to the fields of biotechnology, organic chemistry, chemical and biological microdevices, and polymer science at the School of Chemical Engineering. Employment sectors for graduates are within the broad context of engineering combined with chemistry and biotechnology within the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries. 

Complex Systems

Complex Systems is a transdisciplinary research area that builds upon statistical physics, computer science, data science, and applied mathematics. The major in Complex Systems provides the students with tools to understand systems with large numbers of interacting elements from the human brain to social networks and from living to technological systems. 

Studies in Complex Systems focus on system-level understanding and giving students hands-on experience in data-intensive research. The set of tools in the curriculum includes: 

  • network science, 
  • nonlinear dynamics, 
  • statistics and stochastics, and 
  • machine learning, together with 
  • the fundamentals of dealing with empirical data and computational data analysis. 

This interdisciplinary major is suitable for students from different backgrounds (e.g. physics, bioinformatics, computer science), and students can choose to emphasise computational data analysis, theory or application areas as per their own wishes and interests. 

Human Neuroscience and Technology

Human Neuroscience and Technology educates students on the structure and function of our most complex organ – the brain – as well on the methods to measure and influence brain activity on multiple spatial and temporal scales. The teaching draws from the world-class research conducted at the Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering on electrophysiology, systems-level neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience and neurotechnologies such brain imaging and brain stimulation. The bridge towards clinical applications is an integral part of this major. 

The aim of the major is to provide students with: 

  • a profound understanding of the structure and functions of human brain, 
  • a deep insight of brain research methods and instrumentation, and 
  • an overview of other neurotechnologies. 

The teaching faculty consists of recognized scientists that study e.g. human sensory functions, cognitive functions and develop brain research technologies. The curriculum reflects the research lines of the teaching faculty. 

The curriculum of the Human Neuroscience and Technology major is a carefully tailored combination of: 

  • brain structure and function from cells to systems 
  • cognitive neuroscience 
  • modern experimental methods, and 
  • modelling and computational analysis 

The curriculum emphasizes experimental science. Although regular lecture and course work is also required, part of the studies will take place in small groups under the guidance of a senior scientist. 

Methods 

The Master's Programme in Life Science Technologies embraces learning by doing. There are very few pure lecture courses as instead, group works and practical exercises form a significant part of the teaching methods. Gaining practical expertise of the latest technologies is essential for preparing to work at the forefront of scientific research and health technology. 

Students receive a firm methodological foundation that will remain relevant despite development of new technologies. They will have in-depth knowledge and expertise in the major of their choice, accompanied with a wide view of the topics covered by the whole programme in the joint studies. All majors combine lectures, seminars, visits, multidisciplinary projects, peer working and individual projects, and vary from contact teaching and face-to-face meetings to e-learning. 

More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide. There may be some changes to the courses for the academic years 2024–2026 — the new curricula will be published in April 2024, when they will also be visible in the Student guide

Internationalisation

The Master’s Programme in Life Science Technologies is international by definition. Education is acknowledged globally and – as science is a universal language – the graduates can take their skills to any country in the world. The schools involved offer diverse possibilities for student exchange all over the world. Exchange studies can be included in the degree as, for example, an international minor. Other possibilities for developing one’s global competence include conducting practical training abroad or taking a summer course abroad. 

Aalto University is international by nature, welcoming thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad each year. These students join the diverse Aalto community not only through their studies, but also through multiple free time events, celebrations and extracurricular activities around the campus. Programme administrators, active student tutors and student support services work rigorously to help international students integrate into Nordic culture and welcome them at home in Finland. 

Further study opportunities

The programme qualifies for doctoral studies (Doctor of Science in an applicable field). 

How to apply for doctoral studies?

Career opportunities

Health technology is one of the most significant high-growth technology sectors both globally and in Finland. It is also one of the fastest growing high-tech export sectors in Finland, with 300 companies currently employing over 12 000 people. Students in the Master's Programme in Life Science Technologies carry out their studies in the Greater Helsinki region, which is one of the most important hubs in health technology in Northern Europe. According to HealthTech Finland, Finnish health tech companies often combine advanced technology including artificial intelligence, robotics, internet of things, digital services, and information collected by national health authorities like genomic data. These products, services and solutions are also often based on new and innovative cooperation between the municipalities, hospital districts and private companies. 

Typical career paths for graduates of the programme include: 

  • Working in the R&D function of a global health tech company or a startup 
  • Working in consultancy in the medical and health technology industry 
  • Taking an academic path and becoming a researcher in the field 

The high number of research groups in life sciences (several hundred) in the region provide good opportunities for internship and thesis work. The majors offered within the Life Science Technologies programme provide graduates with cutting-edge scientific knowledge and skills enabling them to integrate into the international life science technologies job market or to pursue doctoral studies in specialist fields. 

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. 

Unto Rautio

School of Science graduates in working life

School of Science Master's graduates are highly successful in finding jobs corresponding to their education. On this page you can find information on job titles, job sectors and career development of our graduates.

School of Science

Research focus

The studies in the programme are linked to the world-class research conducted at several departments including Department of Computer Science, Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, and Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems

Co-operation with other parties

The Master’s Programme in Life Science Technologies strongly fosters cross-departmental interaction. The primary focus of the programme is on teaching the universal language of science. Students learn to apply advanced methods, theories and models to various disciplines. 

Aalto University is well-known for bridging disciplines of business, arts, technology and science. The lively campus and freedom of choosing elective courses across the University bring students from different fields under one roof. This spontaneous multidisciplinary environment sparks new ideas, gathers enthusiasts around them and gives birth to friendships, networks, and every so often, startups. 

Programme-specific admission requirements

Life Science Technologies applicants meeting the general eligibility criteria for master's studies are evaluated according to the below Evaluation criteria. The evaluation process is described under Applicant evaluation process. In addition to the obligatory application documents, this study option asks the applicants to submit also the documents listed under Requested documents.

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Contact information

Learning Services of Aalto University School of Science

For enquiries regarding the programme-specific application documents or studies in the programme, please contact Learning Services of Aalto University School of Science

[email protected]

Admissions Services

For enquiries regarding the application process, obligatory application documents or English language proficiency, please contact Admission Services

[email protected]

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