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Master's Programme in Bioproducts Engineering
Curriculum 2026–2028
About the programme
A graduate is able to:
- Describe value chains in a circular bioeconomy: from raw materials to end products and further to recycling/biodegradation
- Identify and analyse the principles for transitioning to a circular bioeconomy
- Apply sustainable development tools in the engineering of bioeconomy value chain products and processes
- Master the hierarchical structure of plant cells and understand its relevance in bio-based raw material processing and application
- Select and apply analytical techniques for characterizing biomass, fibres, polymers and other relevant raw materials and end products
- Apply models on processes relevant to the forest products and broader bio-based industries
- Design, execute, and report on a scientific or research and development project to address academic, industrial, and societal problems
- Identify challenges, ideate, experiment and implement feasible solutions, and has capability and perseverance for acting in an environment of risks and uncertainty
- Engage in scientific discussions in fields of science, engineering and technology and communicate the findings in oral and written form
- Follow development of one’s field and acquire and process new scientific, technological, and societal information
- Act and communicate as an expert in multidisciplinary teams on multi-dimensional problems, and being able to reflect, present and justify decision making in such teams
- Assess sustainability-related challenges and contribute with one’s field specific expertise for sustainable future solutions
Degree structure
Major studies 95 ECTS
Code: CHEM3091
Scope: 65 op
Programme director: Thaddeus Maloney
Pääaine suomeksi: Biotuotetekniikka
Huvudämne på svenska: Bioproduktteknik
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Teaching |
|---|---|---|---|
Compulsory courses (25 ECTS) |
|||
| CHEM-E1170 | Introduction to Sustainability in the Bioeconomy | 5 | I-II English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E2122 | Fibre Processes | 5 | II English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E2123 | Characterization of Bio-based Materials | 5 | I-II English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E2121 | Surface Chemistry of Bio-based Materials | 5 | I English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E1180 | Plant Resources* | 5 | I English / 1st year |
|
* Compulsory course, if not part of your Bachelor's degree. Choose 40-45 ECTS from the following courses**Courses are grouped under recommended paths (Biomass Refining, Packaging, Wood, Textiles), but you may mix them freely. |
|||
| Biomass Refining | |||
| CHEM-E1175 | Sustainability Assessments for Bioproducts | 5 | IV-V English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E1115 | Biomass Fractionation I | 5 | III English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E1125 | Biomass Fractionation II | 5 | IV-V English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E0115 | Planning and Execution of a Biorefinery Investment Project | 5 | I-II English / 2nd year |
| CHEM-E1210 | Bioproduct Mill Recovery Processes | 5 | II English / 2nd year |
| CHEM-E7121 | Separation Processes 1 | 5 | I-II English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E1130 | Catalysis | 5 | III English / 1st year |
| Packaging | |||
| CHEM-E1175 | Sustainability Assessments for Bioproducts | 5 | IV-V English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E2126 | Introduction to the Packaging Value Chain | 5 | III English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E2240 | Fiber Engineering Project Course | 5 | I-II English / 2nd year |
| CHEM-E2230 | Packaging Surface Modification and Coating | 5 | II English / 2nd year |
| CHEM-E2129 | Nanocellulose Technology D | 5 | III-IV English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E7130 | Process Modeling | 5 | I-II English / 2nd year |
| Wood | |||
| CHEM-E1175 | Sustainability Assessments for Bioproducts | 5 | IV-V English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E2225 | Wood Material Science | 5 | III English, Finnish / 1st year |
| CHEM-E2128 | Wood Science Laboratory | 5 | IV English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E2235 | Wood Products and Processes | 5 | V English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E2170 | Advanced Wood Science | 5 | II-III English / 2nd year |
| CHEM-E2127 | Applied Mechanics of Wood Materials | 5 | IV English / 1st year |
| Textiles | |||
| CHEM-E1175 | Sustainability Assessments for Bioproducts | 5 | IV-V English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E0200 | Textile Finishing | 5 | I-II English / 2nd year |
| CHEM-E0205 | Textile Coloration | 5 | III-IV English / 1st year |
| CHEM-E0215 | Textile Fibres | 5 | I-II English / 2nd year |
| CHEM-E0225 | Exploring Textiles: Workshop in Production and Analysis | 5 | V English / 1st year |
**Select 45 ECTS, if CHEM-E1180 Plant Resources formed part of your Bachelor's studies. Those who included CHEM-E1180 Plant Resources in their compulsory studies must select 40 ECTS.
| Code | Course name | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM.thes | Master's thesis | 30 |
Elective studies 25 ECTS
The degree contains 25 ECTS of elective studies. As elective studies, you are free to choose various kinds of courses. Some suggested options for elective studies are listed below.
- complete compulsory language studies (see below for details),
- select additional courses from the major,
- select individual courses from other programmes at Aalto University,
- select a minor, if it fits into your degree (see all Aalto minors). For non-Finnish students, the Language Centre minor Finnish as a second language is recommended, enabling them to achieve and demonstrate a wide range of Finnish language skills.
- select individual courses from other Finnish higher education institutions,
- participate in an international student exchange programme,
- take courses at a partner university through an international university network that Aalto is a member of, such as the Unite! Alliance. See International university networks for details,
- complete professional training in Finland or abroad; courses CHEM-E0130 Professional Training or CHEM-E0135 International Professional Training.
Elective studies must be bachelor or master’s level studies that fulfill the degree requirements and, in general, studies that are offered as degree studies at the university in question. Universities also offer courses that are targeted for a larger audience. The suitability of these studies is evaluated taking into consideration the learning outcomes of the degree that the courses are planned to be included in. All studies planned to be taken at another Finnish University or abroad should be approved in the personal study plan before taking the courses.
Elective studies may not overlap with student's other studies. For this reason, the programme may restrict the choices in elective studies.
Detailed information about the contents of courses can be found in . No login needed.
Compulsory language studies
According to , student shall demonstrate proficiency in Finnish and Swedish language that is required of central government staff in bilingual public organisations under subsection 1 of section 6 of the Act on the Knowledge of Languages Required of Personnel in Public Bodies (424/2003) and that is necessary for their own field; and proficiency in at least one foreign language that enables students to monitor progress in their own field and operate in an international setting.
Students with Bachelor's degree not from Finland
Students who have received their pre-university education in a language other than Finnish or Swedish, or received their education abroad, are required to complete only 3 ECTS in one foreign language, including both oral and written proficiency. Relevant courses (marked with ‘o’ and ‘w’) are offered by the Aalto University Language Center. Basic Finnish and Swedish courses also meet the language requirement.
Language studies are included in students’ elective studies and are agreed in the personal study plan (HOPS).
You can find more information about language courses and language requirements from the Language Centre.