Nanotechnology – Introduction to Molecular Programming

3 – 14 August 2026:  Lectures and workshops on-site at Aalto University campus

• Daily lectures and workshops (Monday-Friday) between 09-12
• Independent study time and group project work
• Optional social program in the evenings

Please note that the schedule is preliminary and may be subject to change

After completing the course, students will have knowledge of the building blocks of self-assembled systems for building chemical computers, and the tools to design such systems further. The students will understand dynamic self-assembled systems, such as DNA-based soft robotics and nucleic acid-based chemical reaction networks.

Some of the subtopics covered: 

• Basic biology and thermodynamics
• Introduction to experimental methods
• Molecules as building blocks and construction material
• Nucleic acid sequence design, hybridization, and dissociation principles
• Programming of self-assembled structures
• Interaction with external stimuli
• Basic chemical reaction networks
• Nucleic acid-based circuits
• The use of nucleic acids in therapeutics

The course will be based on the upcoming book The Art of Molecular Programming. The course features computer-based design, programming, and simulation assignments, structured as a series of sections with respective challenges. 

Course workload

Preparation readings 5h
Contact hours 30h
Individual or teamwork 25h
Total workload 60h (2 ECTS)

The course is graded as pass/fail.

Please note that the undergraduate courses offered by Aalto University Summer School can not be included in Aalto degree studies.

This course is suitable for bachelor's and master's students with a basic understanding of chemistry and physics.  

Requirement: one (1) year minimum of bachelor studies in some STEM field, physics, chemistry, computer science, or biology. The ideal student would have done at least the basic STEM courses. 

Participants must have completed a high school or vocational degree or equivalent by the time the course starts. However, they do not have to be a degree student at a university to participate in our courses.

Additionally, all summer school course students must be 18 years or older, as it is the legal age in Finland.

Please include a motivation letter or video in your application. In your motivation letter or video, describe your motivation for taking this course. The recommended length for the motivation letter is 150-250 words, and 1-2 minutes for the video.

Tuition fees for Summer School courses

One course: 1270€ (incl. VAT 25,5%) 

• The course fee includes academic course sessions and assignments, an official digital Aalto University certificate and support from the Summer School team. The fee does not cover accommodation, daily meals, or transportation during the course
• Unfortunately, Aalto University Summer School does not offer scholarships for participants.

Social program fee

More information about the social program coming soon!

If you need a visa, we recommend applying by April 15th 2026.

• This is to ensure that we have enough time to process your application and that you have time to make the tuition fee payment, book a visa appointment and wait for the application to be processed.
• You can apply and be accepted to the courses after April 15th. In that case, we recommend that you pay at your earliest convenience so that we can deliver your invitation letter to you promptly.
• According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, the processing time for a visa application is 15 days. However, the processing time may be longer if a more detailed application examination is required.

Learn about the Aalto University Summer School cancellation terms. You will receive the full terms before making the payment and confirming the course participation.