Master's Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering
Curriculum 2022–2024
Discontinuation of the Master's programme
This master's programme is being discontinued on 31 July 2024. Although students who have a right of study to this programme before its discontinuation are able to continue their studies in the programme, no curriculum is going to be published for 2024-2026.
On the Master's portfolio renewal - Student information page you can find out about how to continue studies in one of the discontinued MSc majors or how to transfer to one of the new MSc programmes during the transitional period, which ends on 31 December 2025. The page is being regularly updated, and will eventually also include the course substitution tables and link to the transfer application form.
Degree structure
The master’s degree programme consists of 120 study credits. This means two study years including master’s thesis.
The programme includes:
- Academic Learning Community (CHEM-E0105) 3–5 cr
- Course common to all majors in Master's Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering
- Major studies 60 cr
- Master's thesis 30 cr
- Electives 25–27 cr
The aim of the education leading to the degree of Master of Science (Technology) is to:
- provide students with in-depth knowledge of the field of the major and give them the knowledge and skills needed to understand the challenges of the field from the points of view of users, technical and social systems, and the environment;
- provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for operating as an expert and developer of the field;
- provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to apply scientific knowledge and scientific methods independently;
- provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for scientific postgraduate education and
- provide students with the language and communication skills needed to follow the scientific development of the field and to engage in scholarly communication in the field of science and technology.
The education shall be based on scientific research and the professional practices of fields requiring expertise in science and technology.
The learning outcomes of the master's degree are based on the aims set for education leading to a Master of Science (Technology) as defined in the Aalto University degree regulations. The learning outcomes of the degree are further specified in the major- and course-specific descriptions of learning outcomes.
The focus areas of the education are the sustainable use and processing of natural resources and new materials, including their technical applications. In the studies towards the major, students acquire advanced knowledge in a specific area of biotechnology, chemical technology or material science and technology. The education leading to a master’s degree is based on the professional practices of fields requiring expertise in science and technology and on scientific research generating new knowledge. Students may choose their minors or elective study modules so that their degree is a combination of technology, business, and art, typical of Aalto University.
Students will adopt a responsible, goal-oriented and systematic way of working, and develop skills to work as experts in their area of specialisation both independently and in cooperation with experts of different fields, also in an international working environment. They will be able to express themselves clearly and unambiguously both orally and in writing and to tailor their communication to the target audience.
The School of Chemical Engineering trains Masters of Science (Technology) who have the skills and knowledge to work as pacesetters of the fields of biotechnology, chemical technology and material science and technology in various managerial, planning and research duties serving industry or related stakeholders, the scientific community or public sector. The studies of the programme provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for applying scientific knowledge and scientific methods independently and for continuing to doctoral education.
Graduates of the programme will have achieved the key scientific and professional working methods of their area of specialisation and will be able to continuously deepen their knowledge by acquiring, evaluating and processing scientific, technical and professional information. They will gain the knowledge and skills to understand the challenges of the field from the point of view of users and technical and social systems, as well as from that of the environment and be able to use this knowledge in developing new solutions, also as members of multidisciplinary teams.
Language studies are mandatory according to Aalto degree regulation. This means 3 ECTS credits including both oral and written part. You can select courses that have letters O (for oral) and W (for written) in their name. In addition, basic Finnish or Swedish courses can be applied here. If you have taken equivalent language studies in your bachelor’s degree, you do not have to take them in your master’s degree.
You can freely choose courses so that the extent of the degree is 120 credits. However, please note the language requirements mentioned above, if needed. If you wish, you may choose a minor as a part of elective studies. The content of the electives are confirmed in your study plan (HOPS).
Major studies 60 cr
Code: CHEM3021
Credits: 60 + 3–5 ECTS cr
Professor in charge: Tapani Vuorinen
The Biomass Refining major provides competences that are essential in meeting some of the world's biggest challenges, especially the climate change and the plastic problem. For its part, circular bioeconomy, based on elaborate use of biomass, offers countless possibilities in replacing fossil carbon sources in production of healthy materials, chemicals and energy.
The core of the Biomass Refining major is in deep understanding of biomass and its components on microscopic and molecular levels. This knowledge forms the scientific basis for mechanical, chemical, biochemical and thermochemical fractionation of biomass into its components and their conversion into fibre products, polymers, chemical compounds and fuels. The approach pays great attention on sustainability, resource efficiency and process integration, taking into account recycling and waste management.
The Biomass Refining major offers two specialization pathways, one in pulp and fibres and another in fuels and chemicals. The major applies knowledge of the fields of chemistry, chemical and process engineering and biotechnology, depending on the study track.
Learning outcomes
After graduating from the major, the students
- are able to describe the global availability and importance of biomass feedstocks and can formulate scientifically justified arguments on the sustainable use of biomass.
- can give an overall description of biomass structure, from macro structural aspects to microscopic and molecular level, with emphasis on the cell wall and its components.
- can describe and predict chemical reactions of biomass components in different conditions and can design and perform experiments to test the hypotheses.
- can perform biomass fractionation experiments in laboratory and can use the most relevant analytical methods and equipment for monitoring the processes and the products.
- can describe industrial-scale mechanical, chemical, biochemical and thermochemical fractionation methods of biomass on scientific and technical levels.
- can model and simulate mass and energy phenomena in multiphase systems and are able to calculate material and energy balances of complex systems.
- are able to suggest feasible and sustainable production schemes for value-added products from biomass, including their LCA analysis.
- demonstrate an understanding of societal, economical, and environmental effects of engineering solutions.
Courses
You can view your degree structure and information on courses and study modules in Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) once you’ve made a HOPS study plan (Sisu-instructions).
Your study plan automatically shows the courses and study modules that are compulsory, i.e. those you are required to complete in order to graduate. For your elective (optional) studies module, you can find courses by using the search function either in Sisu’s ‘selection assistant’ or on the Search page (click Search on the upper banner).
Table 1. Common compulsory courses (3–5 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E0105 | Academic Learning Community | 3–5 | I–V / 1st |
Table 2. Compulsory courses (25-30 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E1100 | Plant Biomass* | 5 | I / 1st |
CHEM-E1110 | Lignocellulose Chemistry | 5 | II / 1st |
CHEM-E1150 | Biomass Pretreatment and Fractionation – in Class D | 5 | III–V / 1st |
CHEM-E1210 | Bioproduct Mill Recovery Processes | 5 | I/2nd |
CHEM-E1220 | Sustainability in Bioproduct Industry D | 5 | II/2nd |
CHEM-E7100 | Engineering Thermodynamics, Separation Processes, part I D | 5 | I / 1st |
*Compulsory course if not part of bachelor's degree
Table 3. Specialization courses in Pulp and Fibre track (30-35 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E0115 | Planning and Execution of a Biorefinery Investment Project | 5 | I–II / 2nd |
CHEM-E1160 | Biomass Pretreatment and Fractionation - in Laboratory | 5 | III–V / 1st |
CHEM-E2120 | Fibres and Fibre Products | 5 | I / 1st |
CHEM-E1105 | Advanced Fibreline Processes D | 5 | IV/1st |
CHEM-E1120 | Thermochemical Processes** | 5 | III–V / 1st |
CHEM-E2140 | Cellulose-Based Fibres D** | 5 | I–II / 1st |
AAE-E2005 | Thermochemical Energy Conversion | 5 | III–IV / 1st |
**Select one of these if CHEM-E1100 Plant Biomass is part of your compulsory studies
Table 4. Specialization courses in Fuels and Chemicals track (30-35 cr)***
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E1120 | Thermochemical Processes | 5 | III–V / 1st |
CHEM-E1130 | Catalysis | 5 | III / 1st |
CHEM-E2155 | Biopolymers D | 5 | III–IV / 1st |
CHEM-E2140 | Cellulose-Based Fibres D | 5 | I–II / 1st |
CHEM-E3140 | Bioprocess Technology II | 5 | II / 1st |
CHEM-E3190 | Metabolism D | 5 | I-II / 2nd |
AAE-E3100 | Energy Carriers | 5 | I/2nd |
***Select six of these courses if CHEM-E1100 Plant Biomass is part of your compulsory studies
Code: CHEM3022
Credits: 60 + 3–5 ECTS cr
Professor in charge: Paula Jouhten
Graduates from the Biotechnology major have a strong multidisciplinary knowledge of biotechnology and engineering and the ability to apply this knowledge in a research and business environment. The major gives an in-depth knowledge of molecular level biological phenomena, their modeling and application. At the core of the teaching are biotechnologically important organisms and enzymes, their properties, as well as their applications in products and processes. Students acquire practical skills and the ability to use key methods of biotechnology, including genetic engineering and synthetic biology, and learn to apply these tools to the development of biotechnological processes.
The major Biotechnology applies knowledge in the fields of biotechnology, chemistry and process engineering.
Learning outcomes
After graduating from the major Biotechnology, the students have the competencies to:
- Select methods for the molecular-level control, regulation and modeling of metabolic pathways and enzymatic reactions, to optimize the performance and physiology of microbial cell factory
- Apply methods for experimentation and analysis of the structure and function of biological macromolecules, genetic modification of cells, randomization, screening, and selection approaches
- Implement engineering approaches at the cellular level for protein modifications, secretion, signaling and control of biochemical pathways in industrially important producer microorganisms leading to generation of commercially interesting biohybrid materials
- Use rationale design for biocatalyst development to plan and perform in practice operations with biocatalysts and subsequent separation steps with various proteins, organisms and product types
- Quantify and model cellular unit operation and bioreactor performance in a process and suggest research questions for process developments and in the production value chain.
- Apply conceptual and mathematical modelling of physical, chemical and biological phenomena in biofactory operations including analytics and economic feasibility studies.
- Design and select the unit operations for the refining of biological raw materials to new value added products, including valorization of sidestreams for sustainable bioeconomy.
Courses
You can view your degree structure and information on courses and study modules in Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) once you’ve made a HOPS study plan (Sisu-instructions).
Your study plan automatically shows the courses and study modules that are compulsory, i.e. those you are required to complete in order to graduate. For your elective (optional) studies module, you can find courses by using the search function either in Sisu’s ‘selection assistant’ or on the Search page (click Search on the upper banner).
Table 1. Common compulsory courses (3-5 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E0105 | Academic Learning Community | 3-5 | I–V / 1st |
Table 2. Compulsory courses (45 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E3110 | Biolab I | 5 | I / 1st |
CHEM-E3121 | Microbial Physiology D | 5 | I / 1st |
CHEM-E3190 | Metabolism D | 5 | I / 1st |
CHEM-E3130 | Biolab II | 5 | II / 1st |
CHEM-E3140 | Bioprocess Technology II D | 5 | II / 1st |
CHEM-E8120 | Cell Biology D | 5 | II / 1st |
CHEM-E3150 | Biophysical Chemistry D | 5 | III / 1st |
CHEM-E8115 | Cell Factory D | 5 | III / 1st |
CHEM-E3160 | Biolab III | 5 | IV–V / 1st |
Table 3. Specialisation courses (choose 15 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E3205 | Bioprocess Optimization and Simulation D | 5 | I / 1st or 2nd |
AAE-E3100 | Energy Carriers D | 5 | I / 1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E4210 | Molecular Thermodynamics D | 5 | II / 1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E3170 | Systems Biology | 5 | IV–V / 1st |
CHEM-E8125 | Synthetic Biology | 5 | IV–V / 1st |
CHEM-E7100 | Engineering Thermodynamics, Separation Processes, part 1 D | 5 | I / 2nd |
Code: CHEM3043
Credits: 60 + 3–5 ECTS cr
Professor in charge: Marjatta Louhi-Kultanen
Chemical and process engineering major provides you knowledge to meet the requirements to maximize the use of resources and maintain their useful value in long-term perspective. There is a need to develop sustainable carbon-neutral circular economy and bioeconomy. Our major gives you tools to tackle these global challenges in climate change and material adequacy. You as expert on chemical and process engineering will have core competence and skills to solve these global challenges.
The graduates from the Chemical and Process Engineering major will have the ability to develop and select sustainable production technology for new products and to find best available solutions for the challenges of energy utilization, circular economy and environment protection. Chemical and process engineering major focuses on process modeling based on computer aided tools and to design efficient process systems for the production of chemical products or/and energy. The major courses consist of unit operations, unit processes, process control, process development and plant design.
Learning outcomes
Core scientific and engineering knowledge:
- Comprehensive and fundamental knowledge of transport phenomena (heat, mass and momentum transfer) in single and multiphase systems, and general knowledge of their molecular origin. Knowledge of mutual interactions of the relevant transport phenomena in chemical processes, and how processes should be designed to meet desired production capacity requirements and to ensure safe and sustainable, energy and cost-efficient processes.
- Knowledge of chemical kinetics and catalysis in various fields related to chemical process industries, such as in oil refining and petrochemicals, polymer reaction technology and biomaterial conversions. A general knowledge in the related fields, such as metals production.
- Knowledge about applied thermodynamics, phase equilibrium and physical property calculations, and their relation to conversion and separation process design.
- Understanding on process dynamics, process control design, monitoring and automation systems and understand their connection to process design and integration.
- Knowledge of various requirements for innovative sustainable chemical processes, such as societal, economic, environmental, sustainable, and safe process development and plant design.
- Knowledge of simulation techniques to design and develop sustainable new processes from small scale to large industrial production.
Scientific and engineering skills (the students should be able to apply knowledge in these):
- Skills in the field of process engineering in chemical reaction/reactor engineering, polymer engineering, catalysis, unit operations, separation techniques, plant and process design and simulation, control and possible process improvements.
- Model, simulate, analyze, design, and optimize chemical processes
- Assessment of techno-economic, safety and sustainability issues in design.
- Act as a chemical engineering expert in multidisciplinary groups of experts designing. sustainable, economically feasible, safe and environmentally friendly chemical and recycling plants.
Courses
You can view your degree structure and information on courses and study modules in Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) once you’ve made a HOPS study plan (Sisu-instructions).
Your study plan automatically shows the courses and study modules that are compulsory, i.e. those you are required to complete in order to graduate. For your elective (optional) studies module, you can find courses by using the search function either in Sisu’s ‘selection assistant’ or on the Search page (click Search on the upper banner).
Table 1. Common compulsory courses (3-5 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E0105 | Academic Learning Community | 3–5 | I–V / 1st |
Table 2. Compulsory courses (35 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E7100 | Engineering Thermodynamics, Separation Processes, part I D | 5 | I / 1st |
CHEM-E7120 | Laboratory Project in Chemical Engineering | 5 | III–V / 1st |
CHEM-E7130 | Process Modeling | 5 | I / 1st |
CHEM-E7190 | Process Dynamics and Control D | 5 | II / 1st |
CHEM-E7150 | Reaction Engineering | 5 | II / 1st |
CHEM-E7170 | Design Project in Chemical Engineering, part A | 5 | IV–V / 1st |
CHEM-E7180 | Design Project in Chemical Engineering, part B | 5 | I-II / 2nd |
Table 3. Specialisation courses (25 cr), choose five courses.
Recommended "blocks":
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
Chemical Engineering: | |||
CHEM-E7110 | Engineering Thermodynamics, Separation Processes, part II D | 5 | II / 1st |
CHEM-E7115 | Experimental Assignments in Chemical Engineering | 5 | I–II or III–V / 1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E7160 | Fluid Flow in Process Units | 5 | IV–V / 1st |
Reaction Engineering: | |||
CHEM-E7115 | Experimental Assignments in Chemical Engineering | 5 | I–II or III–V / 1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E7135 | Reactor Design | 5 | III–IV / 1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E1130 | Catalysis | 5 | III / 1st or 2nd |
Polymer Engineering: | |||
CHEM-E7115 | Experimental Assignments in Chemical Engineering | 5 | I–II or III–V / 1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E2130 | Polymer Properties | 5 | II / 1st |
CHEM-E2145 | Polymer Reaction Engineering D | 5 | III–V / 1st |
Plant Design: | |||
CHEM-E7105 | Process Development | 5 | I-II / 1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E7175 | Process Safety and Sustainability D | 5 | I–II / 1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E7185 | Plant/Process Design and Business Management | 5 | III–V / 1st or 2nd |
Process Systems Engineering: | |||
CHEM-E7151 | Production Planning and Optimization | 5 | I / 1st |
CHEM-E7225 | Advanced Process Control D | 5 | III / 1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E7215 | Special Course in Process Systems Engineering D | 5 | IV / 1st or 2nd |
For the elective studies to accompany the major, students specializing in process systems engineering are encouraged to select one or more courses from the following list:
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
MS-E2122 | Nonlinear Optimization | 5 | I-II / 1st or 2nd |
CS-EJ3211 | Machine Learning with Python | 2 | I-II / 1st or 2nd |
ENG-A1003 | Numerical Methods in Engineering | 5 | III / 1st or 2nd |
MS-C2105 | Introduction to Optimization | 5 | IV / 1st or 2nd |
MS-A0503* | First course in probability and statistics | 5 | III / 1st or 2nd |
MS-A0504* | Todennäköisyyslaskennan ja tilastotieteen peruskurssi | 5 | IV / 1st or 2nd |
CS-E4710 | Machine Learning: Supervised Methods | 5 | I-II / 1st or 2nd |
* You can choose only one of these courses
Recommendations for a minor
The following minors given at Aalto University are recommended:
- Biomass Refining
- Chemistry
- Sustainable Metals Processing
Code: CHEM3023
Credits: 60 + 3–5 ECTS cr
Professor in charge: Maarit Karppinen
The Chemistry major has a strong scientific basis in chemistry. It begins with molecular and quantum mechanical level description of matter and chemical reactions.
The Chemistry major emphasizes the fundamentals of chemistry, from the molecular and quantum mechanical description of matter and reactions to practical laboratory work. The organic and inorganic study paths provide good knowledge on synthesizing and analyzing organic or inorganic materials.The physical chemistry study path focuses on electrochemistry and computational chemistry. Analytical chemistry path provides knowledge of modern instrumental analysis techniques.The emphasis is on educating engineers capable of acting as chemistry experts in various branches of the industry and capable of solving chemistry related problems.
Chemistry major gives special readiness to face tasks in chemical storage of renewable energy, manufacturing of ultrathin films for various applications, the synthesis of drugs, and analysis with hand-held devices, to name a few current research topics.
Learning outcomes
Core scientific and engineering knowledge:
- Knowledge of organic and inorganic materials and chemical reactions to synthesize and characterize them via chemical analysis and spectroscopy.
- Knowledge of chemical equilibria and kinetics, as well as of quantum mechanics related to the chemical bond and spectroscopy
Depending on the study path the major will offer comprehensive knowledge in:
- Organic synthesis, organometallic chemistry and structural analysis; computer aided methods for molecular and synthesis design.
- Inorganic materials chemistry, solid state chemistry of various states: polycrystalline, nanoparticles, single crystals and thin films. Characterization techniques, modern analytical chemistry methods, especially miniaturized analytical systems.
- Pure and applied electrochemistry with the focus on fuel cells, electrolyzers and light weight batteries. The computational chemistry focuses on molecular modelling of hard and soft materials.
Courses
You can view your degree structure and information on courses and study modules in Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) once you’ve made a HOPS study plan (Sisu-instructions).
Your study plan automatically shows the courses and study modules that are compulsory, i.e. those you are required to complete in order to graduate. For your elective (optional) studies module, you can find courses by using the search function either in Sisu’s ‘selection assistant’ or on the Search page (click Search on the upper banner).
Table 1. Common compulsory courses (3–5 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E0105 | Academic Learning Community | 3–5 | I–V / 1st |
Table 2. Compulsory courses (35 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E4101 | Laboratory Work in Inorganic Chemistry * | 5 | I-II/ 1st |
CHEM-E4102 | Laboratory Work in Organic Chemistry * | 5 | III/1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E4103 | Laboratory Work in Physical Chemistry * | 5 | IV-V/1st |
CHEM-E4110 | Quantum mechanics and Spectroscopy | 5 | I/1st |
CHEM-E4120 | Quantitative Instrumental Analysis | 5 | II / 1 st |
CHEM-E4130 | Chemistry of the Elements | 5 | I / 1st |
CHEM-E4170 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | 5 | II/ 1st |
* Choose two out of these three as a part of your compulsory courses. The third one can be included in the specialisation courses or elective studies.
Table 3. Specialisation courses (30 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
Analytical Chemistry: | |||
CHEM-E4135 | Advanced Analytical Chemistry | 5 |
IV/ 1st odd years |
CHEM-E4165 | Chemical Instrumentation and Electroanalytical Methods | 5 |
IV–V / 1st or 2nd even years |
Organic Chemistry: | |||
CHEM-E4116 | Synthesis Strategies and Design | 5 | III / 1st |
CHEM-E4230 | Physical Organic Chemistry | 5 | II / 2nd |
CHEM-E4206 | Organic Chemistry Literature Club | 5 | III / 2nd |
CHEM-E4108 | Modern Methods in Metal Catalysis D | 5 | III / 1st |
CHEM-E8100 | Organic Structural Analysis | 5 | I / 2nd |
CHEM-E4102 | Laboratory Work in Organic Chemistry ** | 5 | III/1st or 2nd |
Inorganic Chemistry: | |||
CHEM-E4105 | Nanochemistry and Nanoengineering | 5 | IV / 1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E4155 | Solid State Chemistry | 5 | III-IV / 1st |
CHEM-E4205 | Crystallography Basics and Structural Characterization | 5 | IV-V /1st |
CHEM-E4215 | Functional Inorganic Materials | 5 | I / 2nd |
CHEM-E4101 | Laboratory Work in Inorganic Chemistry ** | 5 | I-II/1st |
Physical and Computational Chemistry: | |||
CHEM-E4115 | Computational Chemistry I D | 5 | IV-V/ 1st |
CHEM-E4106 | Electrochemistry D | 5 | III / 1st |
CHEM-E4107 | Laboratory work in Electrochemistry D | 3 (-5) | IV–V / 1st |
CHEM-E4210 | Molecular Thermodynamics D | 5 | II / 1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E4225 | Computational Chemistry II D | 5 | II/ 2nd |
CHEM-E4235 | Transport Processes at Electrodes and Membranes D | 5 | I / 2nd |
CHEM-E4255 | Electrochemical Energy Conversion D | 5 | II / 2nd |
CHEM-E4103 | Laboratory Work in Physical Chemistry ** | 5 | IV-V/1st |
Common Courses: | |||
CHEM-E4275 | Research project in chemistry I | 5 | I, II, III, IV, V |
CHEM-E4285 | Research project in chemistry II | 5 | I, II, III, IV, V |
** If not part of your compulsory studies
Table 4. For specialisation courses you can also choose courses offered by University of Helsinki (more information in wiki):
To be confirmed later
Code | Course name | ECTS credits |
---|---|---|
Analytical Chemistry: | ||
KEM331 | Separation techniques | 5 |
KEM332 | Sampling and sample preparation | 5 |
KEM333 | Analytical chemistry laboratory work (Limited number of participants.) | 5 |
KEM334 | Mass spectrometry | 5 |
KEM336 | NMR spectroscopy 1 (Limited number of participants in project work. Theory part (3 cr) without limitations.) | 5 |
Molecular Science / Physical Chemistry: | ||
KEM344 | Reaction kinetics | 5 |
KEM372 | Laser Spectroscopy Instrumentation | 5 |
KEM371 | Combustion chemistry | 5 |
Other courses: | ||
KEM411 | Chemicals and Legislation | 5 |
ATM306 | Basics of atmospheric chemistry | 5 |
Code: CHEM3024
Credits: 60 + 3–5 ECTS cr
Professor in charge: Thaddeus Maloney
In our search for more sustainable solutions, materials based on fibers and polymers are becoming increasingly important. Their lightweight, combined with excellent mechanical, thermal and electrical properties make them extremely suitable for applications ranging from transportation to biomedical. One of the key reasons for the wide-ranging appeal of fibers, polymers and the composite materials made from them is superb range of properties and functionality that can be created. Added to this, current research is leading to new developments in plastics and resins derived from plants, whilst stiff and strong fibers are being regenerated from cellulose or are being inspired by nature. These bio-based polymers and fibers will become increasingly important in a sustainable future. In addition to the advances in bio-based materials, the use of fossil-based polymeric materials and fibers continues to evolve quickly in the face of the challenges of resource efficiency and sustainable development.
This rapidly evolving area of science and technology requires professionals who can work at the interface between different disciplines to meet future global challenges. The Fibre and Polymer Engineering major is built on a solid fundamental understanding of polymers, their synthesis, structure, processing and properties, as well as the structure and properties of fibers and the materials and products manufactured from them. In line with the strategic focus areas of the School of Chemical Engineering, considerable focus is placed on fibers and polymers derived from bio-based feedstock – ‘biopolymers’ and ‘bio-fibers’. As part of this major, students have the opportunity to specialize, though course work, tailored projects and their final thesis, on topics that are of special interest to them. Specializations include wood-based materials and their applications, web-structures and converted fiber products as well as polymer science and technology.
Students with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering (chemistry, physics, materials science, pulp and paper technology or another suitable discipline) are encouraged to apply.
Learning outcomes
After completing this major, students will:
- have a deep understanding of the fiber and polymer value chain, from raw material to customer-specific end products
- have a solid fundamental knowledge of polymers, their structure, processing and properties
- know how polymers are synthesized from bio-based as well as fossil-based precursors
- know how molecular structure controls the material properties of polymers derived therefrom
- knows the main fiber types, their production, properties and applications
- know the principle routes to isolate fiber from biomass feedstock and possess expertise in natural fibers, their composition structure and behavior
- have specialized knowledge in the manufacture, properties and application of materials and products manufactured from fossil- as well as bio-based fibers and polymers
- can apply knowledge of surface chemistry in composite technology
- can appreciate the role that fibers, polymers and materials derived from them, play in sustainable development
Courses
You can view your degree structure and information on courses and study modules in Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) once you’ve made a HOPS study plan (Sisu-instructions).
Your study plan automatically shows the courses and study modules that are compulsory, i.e. those you are required to complete in order to graduate. For your elective (optional) studies module, you can find courses by using the search function either in Sisu’s ‘selection assistant’ or on the Search page (click Search on the upper banner).
Table 1. Common compulsory courses (3–5 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E0105 | Academic Learning Community | 3–5 | I–V / 1st |
Table 2. Compulsory courses (40 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E2100 | Polymer Synthesis | 5 | I / 1st |
CHEM-E2110 | Polymer Technology Laboratory Exercises | 5 | I–II / 1st |
CHEM-E2120 | Fibres and Fibre Products | 5 | I / 1st |
CHEM-E2130 | Polymer Properties | 5 | II / 1st |
CHEM-E2140 | Cellulose-based Fibres D | 5 | I–II / 1st |
CHEM-E2150 | Interfacial Phenomena in Biobased Systems D | 5 | III / 1st |
CHEM-E2160 | Product Development Practices | 5 | III–V / 1st |
CHEM-E2200 | Polymer Blends and Composites | 5 | I / 2nd |
Table 3. Specialisation courses (choose 20 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E2225 | Wood Material Science | 5 | III / 1st |
CHEM-E2235 | Wood Products and Processes | 5 | IV / 1st |
CHEM-E2125 | Web-based Natural Fibre Products | 5 | III-IV / 1st |
CHEM-E2135 | Converting of Web-based Products | 5 | IV–V / 1st |
CHEM-E2145 | Polymer Reaction Engineering D | 5 | III–V / 1st |
CHEM-E2155 | Biopolymers D | 5 | III–IV / 1st |
CHEM-E2165 | Computer Aided Visualization and Scientific Presentation D | 3–5 | IV-V / 1st or 2nd, only offered in 2023-2024 |
CHEM-E2170 | Advanced Wood Science D | 5 |
I / 1st or 2nd (Launched Autumn 2023) |
CHEM-E2195 | Interfacial Phenomena in Renewable Materials Research Project D | 5–10 | I, II, III, IV, V / 2nd |
CHEM-E2205 | Materials for a World in Transition D | 5 | III / 2nd |
CHEM-E2215 | Coatings | 5 | II / 2nd |
CHEM-E2220 | Product Development Project Course | 5 | I–II / 2nd |
CHEM-E1220 | Sustainability in Bioproduct Industry D | 5 | II / 1st or 2nd |
Code: CHEM3025
Credits: 60 + 3–5 ECTS cr
Professor in charge: Mady Elbahri
The Functional Materials major is based on understanding of solid state physical and chemical principles and phenomena. It starts with atomic bonds, and proceeds to nanoscale phenomena and microstructure of matter and ends up in explaining the behavior of macroscopic materials and their engineering applications. The goal of Functional Materials is to to create new materials, surfaces and devices which help to solve the critical issues of the next decades, including sustainability, energy, environment and life sciences. with a sustainable view to mitigating problems concerning energy, environment, and life sciences.
Functional materials majors will find their jobs in research and development in academia and in industry, and in production, procurement and quality control of materials, and as experts in demanding analytical positions. Companies working on electronics, nanotechnology, MEMS, medical devices, and in metal, energy and machinery industries hire materials science graduates. Functional materials is an excellent stepping stone into doctoral studies.
Learning outcomes
Core scientific and engineering knowledge:
- Comprehensive knowledge of material building blocks, atomistic-molecular structure, and phenomena in both hard and soft matter.
- Nanoscale and mesoscale phenomena, processes and applications, with mechanical, electrical, magnetic, optical and chemical aspects.
- Sustainable design of functional materials
- Nanomaterials, interactive materials, composites, hybrid, biomimetic, active, functional, responsive, and smart materials for sensing, actuation, and self-repair etc.
- Surface and interface phenomena, and thin film and coatings engineering.
- Characterization of solid materials by various physical and chemical means.
- Ability to evaluate materials properties and to understand engineering possibilities and limitations of new materials.
- Understanding materials research and development in academia and industry, with aptitude to grasp the economic and environmental effects of new materials.
Core scientific and engineering skills (the students should be able to apply knowledge in these):
- Deep understanding of designing, executing, analyzing and reporting experimental research.
- Mastery of conceptual, theoretical and experimental tools to predict, design and evaluate new materials.
- Strong analytical and critical faculties combined with solid scientific background to enable thorough evaluation of new materials and structures.
- The art of approximation and educated guesses.
- Ability to act as a materials expert with excellent communication skills, entrepreneurial spirit and problem solving skills that enable effective multidisciplinary team work with other experts.
- Ability to design functional materials with a sustainable signature
Courses
You can view your degree structure and information on courses and study modules in Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) once you’ve made a HOPS study plan (Sisu-instructions).
Your study plan automatically shows the courses and study modules that are compulsory, i.e. those you are required to complete in order to graduate. For your elective (optional) studies module, you can find courses by using the search function either in Sisu’s ‘selection assistant’ or on the Search page (click Search on the upper banner).
Table 1. Common compulsory courses (3–5 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E0105 | Academic Learning Community | 3–5 | I–V / 1st |
Choose total 60 credits from compulsory core courses (35–40 cr) and Specialisation courses (20–25 cr)
Table 2. Compulsory core courses (35–40 cr)
If CHEM-C3410 Nanomaterials is part of your BSc studies, choose 35 cr, if not choose all the following courses.
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E5140 | Materials Characterization, laboratory course | 5 | I–II / 1st |
CHEM-E4155 | Solid State Chemistry | 5 | III-IV / 1st |
CHEM-E4105 | Nanochemistry and Nanoengineering | 5 | IV/ 1st |
CHEM-E5150 | Surfaces and Films | 5 | I–II/ 1st |
CHEM-E5160 | Functional Soft Materials D | 5 | I/ 1st |
CHEM-C3410 | Nanomaterials* | 5 | I-II/1st |
CHEM-E5200 | Personal Research Assignment in Functional Materials, V | 5 |
III, IV, V / 1st or I, II, III, IV, V / 2nd |
CHEM-E5220 | Group Research Assignment in Functional Materials, V | 5 | I-II / 2nd |
*If not part of your bachelor studies.
Table 3. Specialisation courses (choose 20–25 cr)
Choose 20-25 cr to fulfil the requirement of 60 cr of master studies.
The tracks are only recommendation, you may choose any combination of the courses below
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
MEMS and microsensors: | |||
CHEM-E5125 | Thin Film Technology D | 5 | III |
ELEC-E8715 | Design and Analysis of MEMS P | 5 | I-II |
ELEC-E3220 | Semiconductor Devices | 5 | III |
CHEM-E5115 | Microfabrication D | 5 | IV-V |
CHEM-E5230 | Advanced Micro- and Nanotechnology D | 8 |
2022-2023: I-II 2023-2024: no teaching |
ELEC-E8713 | Materials and Microsystems Integration | 5 | I-II |
ELEC-E3140 | Semiconductor Physics | 5 | I-II |
ELEC-E8726 | Biosensing | 5 | III-IV |
CHEM-E8135 | Microfluidics and BioMEMS D | 5 | III-IV |
CHEM-E5240 | Advanced Materials Characterization D | 5 | III-IV |
NBE-E4150 | DNA Nanotechnology | 5 | I-II |
ELEC-E9210 | Organic Electronics: Materials and Devices P | 5 | I |
Solid state and nanoscience track: | |||
CHEM-E4205 | Crystallography Basics and Structural Characterization | 5 | IV-V |
CHEM-E5240 | Advanced Materials Characterization D | 5 | III-IV |
CHEM-E4215 | Functional Inorganic Materials | 5 | I |
MEC-E6001 | Engineering Metals and Alloys | 5 | V |
CHEM-E5105 | Powder Metallurgy and Composites D | 5 | I |
PHYS-E0421 | Solid-State Physics | 5 | IV-V |
ELEC-E3140 | Semiconductor Physics | 5 | I-II |
PHYS-E0525 | Microscopy of Nanomaterials | 5 | III-IV |
PHYS-E0526 | Microscopy of Nanomaterials, laboratory course | 5 | IV-V |
ELEC-E4810 | Metamaterials and Nanophotonics D | 5 | I-II |
Polymers, soft matter and bio track: | |||
CHEM-E2200 | Polymer Blends and Composites | 5 | I |
CHEM-E2130 | Polymer Properties | 5 | II |
CHEM-E8135 | Microfluidics and BioMEMS D | 5 | III-IV |
ELEC-E8726 | Biosensing | 5 | III-IV |
CHEM-E4210 | Molecular Thermodynamics D | 5 | II |
CHEM-E2100 | Polymer Synthesis | 5 | I |
CHEM-E2155 | Biopolymers D | 5 | III-IV |
ELEC-E8724 | Biomaterials science | 5 | I-II |
ELEC-E8729 | Biomaterial Interfaces D | 5 | I-II |
PHYS-E0422 | Soft Condensed Matter Physics | 5 | III-IV |
MEC-E7006 | Advanced Manufacturing D | 5 | IV |
NBE-E4150 | DNA Nanotechnology | 5 | I-II |
ELEC-E9210 | Organic Electronics: Materials and Devices P | 5 | I |
Code: CHEM3026
Credits: 60 + 3–5 ECTS cr
Professor in charge: Michael Gasik
The major Sustainable Metals Processing is a specialist field that deals with the extraction of metals and mineral products from primary and secondary resources through the application of scientific principles. Considered is the bigger cycle of materials linking rigorously to product design, material science, energy recovery and bio-materials.
The major focuses in a multi-scale approach to the relevant physical and chemical phenomena in the processes. It covers atom-level basics of relevant phenomena, explains how unit process level models and design practices can be derived from them, and considers integrated metals extraction plants and their material flows. An important factor is sustainability of metals extraction and the system approach allowing the availability of metals over their life cycles. The aim is to educate engineers with a deep understanding on how sciences are applied with engineering skills in the metallurgical industries. They will act as metallurgical processing experts in various industries, are capable of evaluating equipment and process designs and designing feasible as well as sustainable metals extraction processes with the help of numeric simulation tools.
Learning outcomes
The core scientific and engineering knowledge to be obtained:
- Adequate knowledge of transport phenomena in homogeneous, heterogeneous and particulate systems, and a general knowledge of their atom-level origins; knowledge of their mutual interactions in extraction and refining operations and how their equipment and processes are designed.
- Adequate knowledge of chemical kinetics in various fields related to metallurgical processing industries.
- Knowledge about chemical thermodynamic, phase equilibrium and property calculations.
- Understanding on chemical equilibria, process dynamics, system engineering and their connections to process design, the best practices and flow-sheet integration.
- Understanding on societal, economic and environmental impacts to process designs and responsibilities related to metal making on the basis of system engineering.
Core scientific and engineering skills to be developed:
- System engineering and its connections to process design, the best practices and flow-sheet integration thus quantified sustainability linking product design and geology to metal production while also considering links to energy recovery as well as water recycling.
- Study experimentally metals extraction reactors and unit processes at low and high temperatures, gather data and evaluate process performance.
- Model, develop and optimize production equipment, processes and plants with the help of numerical tools.
- Act as metallurgical engineering expert in multidisciplinary groups developing feasible metals extraction processes, equipment and plants.
Content and structure
For the major (60 ECTS + 3–5 ECTS credits) the students have to take common and compulsory studies 3–5 cr + 40 cr. Additionally each student needs to a total of 20 cr of specialisation studies.
Courses
You can view your degree structure and information on courses and study modules in Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) once you’ve made a HOPS study plan (Sisu-instructions).
Your study plan automatically shows the courses and study modules that are compulsory, i.e. those you are required to complete in order to graduate. For your elective (optional) studies module, you can find courses by using the search function either in Sisu’s ‘selection assistant’ or on the Search page (click Search on the upper banner).
Table 1. Common compulsory courses (3–5 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E0105 | Academic Learning Community | 3–5 | I–V / 1st |
Table 2. Compulsory core courses (40 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E6100 | Fundamentals of Chemical Thermodynamics | 5 | II / 1st |
CHEM-E6130 | Metal Recycling Technologies | 5 | II / 1st |
CHEM-E6140 | Fundamentals of Minerals Engineering and Recycling | 5 | I / 1st |
CHEM-E6160 | Fundamentals of Pyrometallurgy | 5 | II / 1st |
CHEM-E6180 | Fundamentals of Hydrometallurgy | 5 | I / 1st |
CHEM-E7130 | Process Modeling | 5 | I / 1st |
CHEM-E6225 | Technical Innovation Project D | 10 | I–II / 2nd |
Table 3. Specialisation courses (choose a total of 20 cr)
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
Thermodynamics of Materials: | |||
CHEM-E6105 | Thermodynamics of Solutions D | 5 | III–IV / 1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E6115 | Thermodynamics of Modeling and Simulation D | 5 | IV–V / 1st or 2nd |
Sustainability of Metals: | |||
CHEM-E6215 | Circular Economy Design Forum D | 5 | IV–V / 1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E6235 | Circular Economy for Materials Processing | 5 | IV / 1st or 2nd |
Ore Dressing and Recycling: | |||
CHEM-E6145 | Unit Operations in Mineral Processing and Recycling | 5 | III–IV / 1st or 2nd |
Design Project in Chemical Engineering, part A Design Project in Chemical Engineering, part B |
5 5 |
IV–V / 1st I–II / 2nd |
|
*students completing CHEM-E7170 Design Project in Chemical Engineering, part A also need to complete CHEM-E7180 Design project in Chemical Engineering, part B | |||
Pyrometallurgy: | |||
CHEM-E6165 | Unit Processes in Pyrometallurgy | 5 | III–IV / 1st or 2nd |
Design Project in Chemical Engineering, part A Design Project in Chemical Engineering, part B |
5 5 |
IV–V / 1st I–II / 2nd |
|
*students completing CHEM-E7170 Design Project in Chemical Engineering, part A also need to complete CHEM-E7180 Design project in Chemical Engineering, part B | |||
Hydrometallurgy: | |||
CHEM-E6185 | Applied Electrochemistry and Corrosion | 5 | III–IV / 1st or 2nd |
Design Project in Chemical Engineering, part A Design Project in Chemical Engineering, part B |
5 5 |
IV–V / 1st I–II / 2nd |
|
*students completing CHEM-E7170 Design Project in Chemical Engineering, part A also need to complete CHEM-E7180 Design project in Chemical Engineering, part B | |||
Chemical Engineering: | |||
CHEM-E7150 | Reaction Engineering | 5 | II / 1st or 2nd |
CHEM-E7120 | Laboratory Project in Chemical Engineering | 5 | III–V / 1st or 2nd |
For the elective studies to accompany the major, students can choose an individual research project related to their specialization studies:
Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Period / Year |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM-E6210 | Individual Research Project V D | 5 or 10 | III–V / 1st or 2nd |
Master's thesis 30 cr
Master’s thesis is a study attainment, which the student carries out at the final stages of her/his studies. For clarity, in this document terms master’s thesis project and master’s thesis report are used, the former referring to all the work the student does during this study attainment, and the latter referring to the written report on the project. During the master’s thesis project the student typically aims at solving a problem relevant to the field of study. The work is based on existing scientific knowledge, and it is conducted according to the principles of scientific research, following good engineering and scientific practices and ethical guidelines. This work is documented in a scientific thesis report, which on one hand summarizes the relevant existing knowledge on the thesis project’s topic area, and on the other hand, describes the research the student performed during the thesis project.
The master's thesis shall be written on a topic related to the advanced studies of the degree programme, agreed upon between the student and a professor who is either in charge of the research field linked with the topic or sufficiently specialised in the topic of the thesis.
The extent of the master’s thesis as a study attainment is 30 credits (ECTS), equaling to 800 working hours. The period of time spent working on the Master’s thesis may in reality be longer if the student is at the same time carrying out other studies or duties.
The master’s thesis includes not only the thesis but also the maturity essay and seminar presentation or a corresponding presentation.
These learning outcomes describe the student’s skills and competences, which should develop during the whole time span of the master’s thesis project. The evaluation of the thesis measures this development. The learning outcomes are divided in four groups, describing the student’s development in the areas of problem solving, knowledge in applying theories and methods in science and engineering, project management skills, as well as communication skills.
Problem-solving skills
After completing the master’s thesis project, the student
- together with the cooperation partners, can define a clear scope for a research project, is able to formulate relevant and clear research questions, as well as describe logically the objectives of the project.
- can choose appropriate engineering or/and research methods and is able to apply the chosen methods in a logical way that fits the problem and the research questions.
- can work independently but is also able to seek for guidance and take advantage of the received advice.
Skills in applying scientific and engineering theories and methods in the topic area
After completing the master’s thesis project, the student
- demonstrates understanding of the relevant technological and scientific concepts and theoretical frameworks in the topic area.
- displays ability of conducting work according to good engineering and scientific practices, following ethical guidelines.
- shows ability of discussing the results in the context of the topic area and the research questions, and is able to draw justified conclusions from the results.
- shows command of data acquisition, and can refer correctly to appropriate, up-to-date scientific literature and other relevant sources of information.
Project management skills
After completing the master’s thesis project, the student
- displays ability of making a feasible and logical plan for an engineering or scientific project, and can implement the plan in an efficient manner, which does not significantly exceed the set deadlines.
- can manage the acquired information in an organized manner, and is able to follow the given guidelines for documenting and presenting the work.
Skills in scientific and professional communication
After completing the master’s thesis project, the student
- can present results of an engineering or/and research process clearly and discuss critically their significance to the cooperation partners, and possibly to the scientific and engineering community.
- shows skill in formal writing and can write a report, which is easy to read and which forms a well-organised, coherent whole.
- has practiced oral communication in varying work-life situation: from day-to-day discussion with colleagues to presentation of the results in personal discussions as well as in project meetings with the cooperation partners.
Elective studies 25–27 cr
The degree contains 25–27 credits of elective studies. You can browse all currently offered courses on courses.aalto.fi.
Detailed information about the contents of courses can be found from SISU. No login needed.
Language studies
Language studies are mandatory according to Aalto degree regulation. If you have taken equivalent language studies in your bachelor’s degree, you do not have to take them in your master’s degree. This means 3 ECTS credits including both oral and written part. You can select courses that have letters O (for oral) and W (for written) in their name. Also basic Finnish courses can be applied here.
Professonal training
Students can include training in their studies. One of the training courses below can be included in elective studies.
- CHEM-E0130 Professional Training (3–5 cr)
- CHEM-E0135 International Professional Training (3–5 cr)
Minor
Students can also include a minor in their studies as part of the elective studies. All minors offered in Aalto can be found here.
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