Program Overview

Master's Programme in Bioproducts Engineering

About the Programme

The Master's Programme in Bioproducts Engineering is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the bioeconomy and its various applications. The programme focuses on the development of sustainable products and processes, with an emphasis on the circular bioeconomy.

Intended Learning Outcomes

A graduate of the programme 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

The programme consists of 120 ECTS credits, divided into:

• Major studies: 95 ECTS
• Elective studies: 25 ECTS

Major Studies

The major studies include compulsory courses, elective courses, and a Master's thesis.

Compulsory Courses (25 ECTS)

• Introduction to Sustainability in the Bioeconomy D (5 ECTS)
• Fibre Processes (5 ECTS)
• Characterization of Bio-based Materials (5 ECTS)
• Surface Chemistry of Bio-based Materials D (5 ECTS)
• Plant Resources (5 ECTS)

Elective Courses

Students can choose from a variety of elective courses, grouped into recommended paths:

• Biomass Refining
• Fiber-based Packaging
• Wood Material Science and Technology
• Textiles

Master's Thesis (30 ECTS)

The Master's thesis is a research-based project that demonstrates the student's ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems.

Elective Studies

The elective studies (25 ECTS) can be chosen from a wide range of courses offered by Aalto University. Students can also include language studies, professional training, or a minor in their elective studies.

Language Studies

Language studies are mandatory, and students can choose courses that include both oral and written parts.

Professional Training

Students can include training in their studies, either in Finland or internationally.

Minor

Students can also include a minor in their studies, which can be chosen from any of the minors offered by Aalto University.

Curriculum 2024-2026

The curriculum for the Master's Programme in Bioproducts Engineering is updated annually. The current curriculum includes the following courses:

• Introduction to Sustainability in the Bioeconomy D (5 ECTS)
• Fibre Processes (5 ECTS)
• Characterization of Bio-based Materials (5 ECTS)
• Surface Chemistry of Bio-based Materials D (5 ECTS)
• Plant Resources (5 ECTS)
• Sustainability Assessments for Bioproducts D (5 ECTS)
• Biomass Fractionation I D (5 ECTS)
• Biomass Fractionation II (5 ECTS)
• Planning and Execution of a Biorefinery Investment Project D (5 ECTS)
• Bioproduct Mill Recovery Processes (5 ECTS)
• Introduction to the Packaging Value Chain (5 ECTS)
• Board Manufacture Project Course (5 ECTS)
• Packaging Surface Modification and Coating (5 ECTS)
• Nanocellulose Technology D (5 ECTS)
• Wood Material Science (5 ECTS)
• Wood Science Laboratory (5 ECTS)
• Wood Products and Processes (5 ECTS)
• Advanced Wood Science D (5 ECTS)
• Applied Mechanics of Wood Materials (5 ECTS)
• Textile Finishing D (5 ECTS)
• Textile Coloration D (5 ECTS)
• Textile Fibres D (5 ECTS)
• Biopolymers D (5 ECTS)