The Aalto Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering comprises of 6 research fields confirmed by the Academic Committee of the School (Biotechnology, Bioproduct Technology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, and Processing of Materials). The research fields and supervising professors are listed here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/doctoral-education/research-fields-and-supervising-professors-school-of-chemical-engineering

Education objectives and intended learning outcomes of the programme

After completing the degree, the doctoral student is able to carry out independent and original academic research.

Doctoral education at Aalto University is conducted within a multidisciplinary international academic community that provides opportunities for field-specific and multidisciplinary research, as well as for various forms of education and learning. High quality education, transferable skills training, and network-building ensure the development of doctoral students as independent researchers and experts of their research fields. Science communication skills are supported by providing tools for mastering the national languages in Finland.

The education prepares doctoral students for academic careers at top-level institutions. It provides competencies to pursue various career paths also outside of academia, for example working at demanding expert positions, as entrepreneurs or as independent artists.

The doctoral degree is a requirement to serve as a thesis advisor for doctoral students and as examiner for a doctoral degree.

Intended learning outcomes for General research studies

Depending on the studies chosen for this module, the doctoral student will be able to 

to comprehend and conscientiously address the fundamental ethical and sustainability considerations associated with their research.

choose and apply appropriate research methods to the research question at hand

adhere to the principles of responsible conduct of research (RCR) in both their research work and interactions within the research community

work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and international environment, engaging with diverse stakeholders. 

proficiently present their research in both scientific and professional settings. 

identify, utilize and communicate their transferable skills, such as communication, interpersonal, project management, leadership and pedagogical skills, to work successfully in academic and other professional positions. 

Intended learning outcomes for Research field studies

After completing this module, the doctoral student will be able to:

demonstrate advanced discipline-specific knowledge 

identify essential research methods for their own research and apply them proficiently.

disseminate research findings through relevant research forums and to the wider public.

Intended learning outcomes for Doctoral thesis

After successfully defending their thesis, doctoral students will demonstrate the ability to:

plan, execute, and report on their research and manage their data in accordance with established standards of academic research.

proficiently search for, critically evaluate, apply, and synthesize existing knowledge; formulate research questions; and employ scientific research methods to create new knowledge. 

independently carry out research that generates novel insights and theoretical advancements in their own field of research.

make syntheses and critical assessments required for addressing and resolving complex problems in the realms of research, innovation, and societal challenges.

General research studies prepare students for research work, the application of research results and to learn the principles of responsible conduct of research. General research studies can include transferrable skill studies.

Research field studies and doctoral thesis help students to gain comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of their research field and prepares them for the dissemination of research findings. 

In addition to the courses taught at the School in Chemical Engineering, the degree can include other courses taught in Aalto University or other universities, as agreed in the doctoral personal study plan of the student (DPSP). Courses suitable for the doctoral degree are indicated with the letter L in the course code (doctoral level) or with the letter E (master level) in the course code system of Aalto University.

If the student does not want to finish the doctoral degree, the licentiate degree can be completed as an intermediate degree. The licentiate degree consists of an approved licentiate thesis and the same 30 ECTS of studies as for the doctoral degree. Licentiate degree can be obtained if the student has been granted doctoral degree study right for Doctoral Programme of Chemical Engineering.

• * These are independent online courses, to be completed at findocnet.fi. Registration by email to [email protected]. More information at aalto.fi.

• ** These are independent studies, to be agreed with the supervising professor and completed in the agreed timeframe. More information https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/aalto-doctoral-programme-in-chemical-engineering/frames-and-approved-instructions-for-study-credits

  Other pedagogical studies available https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/aalto-university-pedagogical-training-for-faculty

  Other language and communication related courses https://www.aalto.fi/en/language-and-communication-studies/teaching

  As you can see from the table above, maximum of 6 ECTS of Finnish or Swedish language courses can be included, starting from level A1. Equally the doctoral students with advanced proficiency in Finnish or Swedish, may include Finnish and Swedish language academic presentation and writing courses to their doctoral degree study plan at max. of 6 ECTS.

These may contain a wide variety of forms of study, conventional courses, summer and winter schools, individual tailored studies such as examinations based on pre-set scientific literature or text books. Also reports or seminar presentation based on reading and reviewing the scientific publications etc. are important study methods. See more instructions https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/aalto-doctoral-programme-in-chemical-engineering/frames-and-approved-instructions-for-study-credits

The doctoral thesis is written on a topic related to the research field that the doctoral student has chosen and that has been approved by the doctoral programme committee of the School of CHEM and the supervising professor. Doctoral thesis for the Doctoral Progamme in Chemical Engineering must meet the criteria and follow the instructions of the Doctoral Progremme Committee https://www.aalto.fi/en/programmes/aalto-doctoral-programme-in-chemical-engineering/chem-instructions-for-doctoral-thesis

The approval of the thesis includes a public defence after a pre-examination process. 

Intended learning outcomes of doctoral thesis

After successfully defending their thesis, doctoral students will demonstrate the ability to:

• plan, execute, and report on their research and manage their data in accordance with established standards of academic research.
• proficiently search for, critically evaluate, apply, and synthesize existing knowledge; formulate research questions; and employ scientific research methods to create new knowledge. 
• independently carry out research that generates novel insights and theoretical advancements in their own field of research.
• make syntheses and critical assessments required for addressing and resolving complex problems in the realms of research, innovation, and societal challenges.

A doctoral thesis is a public document and is kept for public display at the university. All thesis works are public in Finland (law 621/1999). 

The degree structure of the programme in Sisu also includes a module called "Extracurriculum studies". This module will not be included in the doctoral degree, but it can be used to register for courses which the doctoral student wishes to take in addition to their degree studies.