Introduction
Biomass refining is a rapidly expanding field, using the newest technologies to convert biomass into clean energy and a variety of marketable bioproducts. The Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering – Biomass Refining takes students to the front lines of renewable energy and biomaterials development.
Study objectives
In the coming decades, the development of sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and high pollutant materials is more crucial than ever. Biomass refining is a rapidly expanding field, using the newest technologies to convert biomass into clean energy and a variety of marketable bioproducts. Students choosing Biomass Refining as their major gain a deep understanding of biomass and its components on microscopic and molecular levels. The diverse and multidisciplinary study environment together with top-notch research centres and dedicated faculty prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career on the front lines of renewable energy and biomaterials development.
Upon graduating from the Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering – Biomass Refining, graduates will have:
A thorough understanding of the technologies and processes involved in creating products and harnessing energy from biomass. Graduates have a comprehensive foundation in how wood, crops, plants and organic waste can be converted and used to create marketable bioproducts and renewable energy.
Gained insight from industry leaders regarding the growing role of biomass in the low-carbon economy. Graduates understand the realities and opportunities of the biomass industry, including its environmental impacts and challenges faced.
The ability to take part in scientific discussions about biomass and formulate scientifically justified arguments. Graduates are able to describe the global availability and importance of biomass feedstocks and the sustainable use of biomass.
Technical and analytical skills to perform biomass fractionation experiments in the laboratory. Graduates know how to use the most relevant analytical methods and equipment for monitoring the processes and the products.
An in-built sustainable approach to their profession. Graduates see planetary health, society and people as the starting point for successful engineering solutions.
Language of instruction
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.
Tuition fees
The tuition fee is €15 000 for non-EU/EEA students per academic year. More information on Scholarships and Tuition Fees page (aalto.fi).
Content of the studies
The core of the Biomass Refining major is in the deep understanding of biomass and its components on microscopic and molecular levels. The core compulsory courses in the first year lay a strong scientific foundation upon which the students will further develop their knowledge of common biomass conversion processes.
The Biomass Refining major applies knowledge of the fields of chemistry, chemical and process engineering, and biotechnology. Students can choose between two specialisation pathways, one in pulp and fibres and another in fuels and chemicals.
Topics
Many of the courses are organised in co-operation with industry, and thus the topics usually deal with present-day phenomena and current challenges. For example, the new wood-based textile fibre technology is a growing field of research. Rated as one of the most carbon-polluting industries in the world, the textile market urgently needs alternative production methods. The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems is currently piloting a production facility for cellulose-based textile fibre. In addition to textiles, wood material science and technology offers many fascinating opportunities for students interested in research and development of new sustainable and diverse wood products.
In the major, students have the opportunity to delve deeper in their areas of interests that are listed, but not limited to course examples, below:
Sustainability in the Bioproduct Industry (5 ECTS)
Biomass Pretreatment and Fractionation (5 ECTS)
Bioproduct Mill Recovery Processes (5 ECTS)
Thermochemical Energy Conversion (5 ECTS)
Planning and Execution of a Biorefinery Investment Project (5 ECTS)
Plant Biomass (5 ECTS)
Methods
Students benefit from a highly innovative and interactive learning environment at the intersection of research and industry co-operation. A key focus area is to provide industry-ready students with advanced career management skills. For example, in different project courses students will acquire experience in an engineer’s work at a consultancy company, as well as work with real-life tools for project planning. In addition, different group work assignments develop students’ interpersonal skills and prepare them to work in multidisciplinary teams in 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.
Structure of studies
Overall, the Master’s Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering – Biomass Refining 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)
Career opportunities
It is envisaged that in the coming years, biomass conversion and biorefinery will be one of the main methods of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and replacing fossil carbon sources. As many businesses and sectors have or are looking to shift to renewable energy, there are plenty of opportunities for biomass engineering experts.
Possible career paths may include:
Working in advisory, research, planning, or management positions in the forest or chemical industries or in equipment manufacturing companies chemical industry
Working as a consultant in engineering consultancy companies (e.g. Sweco, AFRY)
Working as a renewable energy expert in big energy companies (e.g. St1, Neste, Fortum)
Embarking on an entrepreneurial path and starting one’s own company
Following an academic path and becoming a researcher in the field
Aalto University has well-established career services to support students’ employment in Finland and abroad. Many of the Biomass Refining major students carry out their M.Sc. thesis work as an industry-funded project, often guaranteeing themselves with an entry position even before graduation. There is also a very active entrepreneurship community at Aalto, working as a springboard for founding a company.
Internalisation
The study environment in the programme is strongly international and studies are conducted in multicultural groups. The international atmosphere can be seen in everyday life at the School of Chemical Engineering, where approximately 35 per cent of academic personnel and 20 per cent of master’s students are from abroad. Our teaching methods support networking with people from diverse backgrounds.
Aalto University offers many possibilities for students to develop their global competencies. Students can, for example:
complete part of the degree, e.g. a minor, abroad in one of the international partner universities as an exchange student
choose courses with the intercultural approach, learn foreign languages and/or become a student tutor for international students
conduct practical training or Master’s thesis outside Finland
take summer courses abroad
benefit from several funding options available for internationalisation
Aalto University is international by nature, welcoming thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad every 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. Active tutoring programs and support services work hard to help international students integrate to the Nordic culture and feel at home in Finland.
Co-operation with other parties
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 have the opportunity to take courses from other Finnish universities via The Flexible Study Right Agreement (JOO).
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 organises 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.
Postgraduate study opportunities
The Master’s programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering – Biomass Refining at Aalto is considered a great foundation for doctoral studies and post-doc positions.
Programme-specific Admission Requirements and Evaluation Criteria
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.
Academic performance
Relevance of previous studies
Only the applications who fulfil 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.
Recognition and quality of an institution
Suitability
Other areas of competence
The programme does not have a minimum quota to be filled, and not all eligible applicants will necessarily be admitted.
Academic performance
Assessed area
GPA of the bachelor’s degree
Admission requirements
The applicant's success in his/her previous studies (those that give a 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
Relevance of previous studies
Assessed area
Content and quantity of previous studies in relation to the applied study option-specific requirements
Admission requirements
BSc or equivalent degree in a relevant field in the natural sciences or engineering.
Relevant degrees (fields): Chemistry, biotechnology or chemical engineering or its subfields, such as process systems engineering, polymer engineering, or pulp and paper engineering.
Examples of key subjects: Mathematics, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, chemical process engineering.
Knowledge and skills: The major applies chemistry, chemical engineering, and biotechnology in the processing of biomass and, therefore, adequate knowledge and skills in mathematics and general and organic chemistry are a mandatory prerequisite for the studies. Basics knowledge and skills in biochemistry and chemical process engineering are highly appreciated.
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)
Recognition and quality of the institution
Assessed area
Recognition and quality of the applicant's previous institution
Admission requirements
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
Suitability
Assessed area
Applicant’s further applicability to the study option, motivation and commitment for the studies
Admission requirements
The applicant must clearly demonstrate a 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.
The studies should provide a genuinely new knowledge. If the applicant already has a master's degree, he/she should clearly indicate why he/she is applying to complete another master's degree.
Method of demonstrating competence
Motivation Letter
Other areas of competence
Assessed area
Work experience and other acquired knowledge/achievements e.g. publications
Admission requirements
The applicant's other relevant achievements or experiences are evaluated if documented in the application:
work experience in a field related to the study option
participation in scientific research related to the field of the study option which has led to publications or posters
recommendations stating the applicant’s academic competence and suitability in the field of the study option
Method of demonstrating competence
Curriculum vitae, recommendation letters, proof of employment, publications
Complementary studies
Students admitted to the Master's Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering may be required to take complementary studies, maximum 20 credits. Complementary studies may not be included in the degree of Master of Science (Tech).
The content and number of the complementary courses depend on your previous studies. The complementary studies will be set latest in September.
