Introduction
The Master’s Programme in Biotechnology provides a strong multidisciplinary knowledge-base in biotechnology and bioengineering, and the tools for applying it in research and business environment. Biotechnology is gaining importance in our everyday lives and its impact on solving societal problems related to the environment, global warming and health are undeniable. Biotechnology is an enabling technology that ranges from the design of new biopharmaceuticals and production of novel biosynthetic materials and biochemicals to the use of cutting-edge synthetic biology concepts. Bioprocess development and modelling is an integral part of modern biotechnology.
Study objectives
In addition to the fundamentals of biotechnology, the Programme emphasizes its engineering and technological aspects. This allows multiple opportunities to apply the acquired skills during practical courses and in real-life problems in the industry. Biotechnology graduates have:
Multidisciplinary knowledge in biotechnology. Graduates understand both the fundamentals as well as the engineering and technological aspects of biotechnology and easily collaborate with many allied sections of science. Graduates will have an in-depth knowledge of molecular-level biological phenomena, their behaviour and application, as well as the key methodologies of bioprocess, genetic engineering and synthetic biology.
Strong hands-on experience. Graduates are able to use key laboratory methods and techniques to apply these tools for the development of biotechnological processes.
Analysis and simulation skills. Graduates can carry out quantifications, modelling and analysis on micro- and macromolecular-levels in research and commercial environment.
Co-working abilities. Graduates are goal-oriented and systematic, yet responsible professionals who collaborate fluently with experts of different fields and cultures.
Communications skills. Graduates express themselves clearly and unambiguously both orally and in writing, tailoring their communications to the target audience.
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
Studies in the Biotechnology major promote real-life problems from fundamental research or industries to students. Some courses also utilise a problem-based learning approach wherein students are encouraged to find a solution through trials. The teaching and learning methods emphasise the importance of presentation and communications skills through interactive teamwork, seminars, project work and laboratory courses. To ensure a hands-on experience with biotechnology tools, every student must take at least three laboratory courses that are seamlessly integrated with our research facilities.
At the core of teaching are biotechnologically important microorganisms and enzymes, other biomaterials and their properties, as well as their applications in products and processes. Here are a select few examples from the wide course selection:
Metabolism (5 ECTS)
Biophysical Chemistry (5 ECTS)
Bioprocess Technology (5 ECTS)
Cell Factory (5 ECTS)
Synthetic Biology (5 ECTS)
Various laboratory courses
Biotechnology students get to enjoy the excellent facilities at Aalto University. For example, they have access to research-level laboratories – some courses even have their own space reserved for experimentation.
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 – Biotechnology 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)
Final project
Students are required to complete a Master's thesis, which is a research assignment with a workload corresponding to 30 ECTS credits. Master's theses are typically performed in cooperation with the industry or in the research project(s) of the department(s).
Internationalisation
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. Many professors and researchers working in biotechnology have international backgrounds and experience, bringing the global network close to students. In addition, departments are engaged in academic cooperation with high-quality international universities and organisations. As a result, many students choose to complete part of their degree abroad, for example, at one of the many top-tier partner universities as an exchange student. Some students carry out their internships or even a master’s thesis research abroad.
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 an 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.
Career opportunities
The programme stands out with its close collaboration with industry, specifically in the form of real-life assignments and projects. Many industry collaborators also give lectures in various courses. Furthermore, field trips and excursions to companies and research institutes in the field provide new perspectives to learning. This keeps the alumni-student relations strong, forming a tight network that is welcoming of students, resulting in a high employment rate of fresh graduates. Most graduates begin to follow three typical career paths, ending up as either academically-oriented researchers, industry experts or entrepreneurs. Most of our students get the opportunity to write their master’s thesis at a company or in research institutes both within and outside Finland.
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. Finally, if an academic career is of interest, the Master’s programme in Biotechnology major is a great foundation for doctoral studies and post-doc positions.
Co-operation with other parties
One of the strengths of this Master’s programme is close cooperation with the industry: from industry assignments, projects in courses and special courses with teachers from the industry to conduct your Master’s thesis in a company. Furthermore, field trips and excursions to companies and research institutes of the field give new perspectives to studying. We recommend you to take part in these activities to enhance your position in the international job market. Many of the Finnish companies in the field operate internationally. In addition, departments have academic co-operation with high-quality international universities and organisations.
Students can include multidisciplinary studies to their degree by choosing courses from the fields of arts and business within Aalto University. They can also take courses from other Finnish universities via The Flexible Study Right Agreement (JOO). To help plan their studies, students are assigned an academic advisor who guides in choosing courses and minors in the fields that the student finds interesting. For example, some students blend chemistry and arts in the multidisciplinary Chemarts minor.
Aalto University is well-known for bridging the disciplines of business, arts, technology and science. The lively campus and freedom of choosing elective courses across the University bring students from different fields together. This spontaneous 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 – Biotechnology 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): Biotechnology, bioengineering, life sciences, bioinformatics, biomaterials, food science/technology, biomedical, chemistry, physics, pharmacy etc. Students with a BSc degree in economics or business/industrial management may be considered if the degree also contains relevant studies in the biosciences.
Examples of key subjects: Biochemistry, bioprocess technology, molecular biology, microbiology
Knowledge and skills: Knowledge and skills in general bioscience and their molecular level phenomenon are necessary. Knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry is desirable in addition to programming (MATLAB etc) in natural sciences.
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.
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.
