Study Guide

Description

The title of a graduate in Bioproduct Engineering is Engineer (bachelor's degree). The course is 240 credits and lasts 4 years.

Competences acquired in the course of training The graduate is an engineer who can work in the forest-based bioproducts industry or in the chemical industry. It produces people with a proactive and developmental approach to a wide range of tasks. Graduates will have the skills to contribute to the global circular economy - responsible technology, sustainable development and life-cycle thinking.

Alongside professional studies, quality, environmental, safety, pre-employment skills, and business understanding and development are essential competences. In the spring of the first year, students study in a team-based learning environment, TalenttiTehdas, where coaches and workplace experts support their learning.

The studies include basic engineering studies and vocational studies in chemistry, processes, products, energy, factory design and project management. Processes include pulp, board and paper, their refining and packaging, polymers and hydrogen. Energy efficiency, quality and environmental issues, safety, pre-employment skills and understanding business are also covered. The skills acquired from this qualification can contribute to the green transition in industry and society at large.

PREPARING FOR THE WORKPLACE The Bioproduct Engineering degree programme will prepare graduates for jobs in the bioproduct and chemical industry in production, development, technical sales and customer service. Many engineering companies, industrial subcontractors, machinery and equipment suppliers and raw material suppliers also offer engineers with this degree interesting and international positions - such as climate-responsible development projects.

DELIVERY OF THE COURSE Learning takes place in a variety of learning environments through contact teaching, project-based learning and independent study. Courses include exercises and learning tasks, both as individual assignments and in teams. Laboratory exercises and project work will give a practical perspective to what has been learned.

You will get to know working life and companies in the field in many ways during your studies. A wide range of companies in the sector offer projects, theses and professional internships. Professional internships are an essential part of your studies and support your growth as a specialist in the bioproducts and/or chemical industry. Guided internships start in the summer immediately after the first year of study. It provides opportunities to establish contacts with the world of work already during the study period and thus also contributes to the student's thesis and employment after graduation. The aim is that the traineeship is carried out in a paid employment relationship with a company.

Internationalisation is an important part of the Bioproduct Engineering degree programme. Students can also choose an English language option, where professional studies are studied in English. Part of the studies can be carried out through international student exchanges at partner universities and/or internships abroad.

THE COMPETENCES ACQUIRED DURING THE DIFFERENT YEARS OF STUDY
The first year of your studies will focus on the knowledge of the field of bioproducts and chemical engineering and on basic mathematical and scientific knowledge. You will be able to work safely in laboratories and will complete a safety card for working life. You will be fluent in drafting technical reports. You will gain useful workplace skills in the "TalentFactory" learning environment, where you will learn to look at business in the sector from a sustainable development perspective. Through your studies, you will learn about forest bioengineering and process industries and their main products. In the second year of your studies, in addition to basic engineering skills, you will acquire a basic knowledge of industrial energy economics. You will learn about wood fibre processing and the chemicals and equipment used in the industry. In the third and fourth years, you will participate in a work-life project, where you will use your knowledge as a member of a team in a variety of ways. You will gain an understanding of pulp, board and paper manufacturing processes and practical skills in various process laboratories. You will also understand the importance of automation and its potential as part of industry. Alternatively, you can opt for the English-language "International Bioproduct and Process Engineering" course, where you may study together with exchange and double-degree students from abroad.
You will understand the importance of production economics for the success of a company and factory design and packaging solutions. You will know the roles, rights and responsibilities of a supervisor and be equipped to act as a foreman.

Objectives

The focus of bioproduct engineering education is on production solutions for renewable materials with an environmental perspective. This includes raw materials, processes, end-product properties and marketing in the circular economy, forest-based bioproducts and chemical industries.

Curriculum development and working life cooperation

The curriculum follows the European and national qualifications frameworks (NQF and EQF). The curriculum has been designed in consultation with industry, the Vocational Advisory Board and graduates.

The studies include the TalentFactory learning environment in the first year of study and a work-life project in the autumn of the third year of study, carried out by students working in teams. They provide an opportunity to work in a network of working life and contribute to the identification of a thesis topic and the transition to working life after graduation. Professional internships are an important part of the studies and support the development of students as experts in their chosen field. Students can also contribute to the design and implementation of the annual publication and the professional study trip.

Further information

The new curriculum includes more electives and studies related to hydrogen and polymers, with the aim of providing high-quality education that meets the needs of working life and contributes to students' graduation and employment.