Study Guide

Description

The title of the graduating students of Degree Programme in Laboratory Engineering is Bachelor of Engineering. The scope of the degree programme is 240 credits (cr) and it takes 4 years to complete. COMPETENCIES DEVELOPED THROUGH THE STUDY PROGRAMME

Engineers graduating from Degree Programme will have a strong foundation in natural sciences and after graduation the capacity to develop into professional experts. Laboratory Engineering studies focus on chemical analytics, demanding instrumental analysis, the different aspects of biotechnology, including the theoretical studies and methodology of microbiology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, environmental monitoring and laboratory quality management. Basic engineering studies are included in the Degree Programme of Laboratory Engineering.

In Laboratory Engineering studies the emphasis is in initiative, self-direction, group, project and co-operation skills, and mastering and developing diverse array of analysis methods. A significant part of the learning takes place in a laboratory environment where the students work in teams. The Degree Programme also provides skills for continuous competence development. The work in the field of Laboratory Engineering requires comprehensive management, innovation and problem-solving skills. In addition, the key areas of expertise include quality management and quality know-how, as well as environmental awareness. The studies provide students with wide-ranging competency in the research, production, design and development tasks.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The Laboratory Engineering studies will enable the student to work in various research institutes, governmental laboratories, industrial laboratories, including the pharmaceutical, food, wood processing and chemical industry laboratories, as well as in environmental and life science research laboratories. The job may consist of managerial and specialist tasks, research, product development or quality control tasks, or purchasing, sales and customer service tasks.

VALUES

The main values of the Degree Programme are professionalism and responsibility, high quality and reliability of laboratory analytics, as well as promotion of human and environmental welfare. The contents of the programme have been developed together with representatives from business life.

IMPLEMENTATION

The studies consist of theoretical studies, laboratory exercises, project work and supervised practical training. The studies develop skills for independent work and information search. The aim is to develop an investigative work approach by working in modern learning environments that resemble working life laboratories. Students will establish links with the working life through various study projects, and finally by implementing a thesis project that conforms to the needs of working life. The graduated student needs to have good oral and written language skills particularly in the English language. Also good communication skills are needed in this field. The study material on most of the courses is in English and the language learning is integrated into professional studies. Many of the Laboratory Engineering professionals work in international working environments, which is why the students are also offered courses taught in English, as well as lectures given by visiting experts from foreign universities. The students also have the opportunity to complete part of the degree abroad in one of TAMK's partner universities. The recommended time for student exchange is the 3rd study year.

The studies are divided into annual themes, and each study year into four study modules. In the project studies that develop working life skills the students work in multidisciplinary working environments and cooperate with other students from various fields. Some of the study modules are common with other degree programmes. International studies or work in corporate projects can be included into study modules.

DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDIES EACH YEAR

The first year of studies focuses on acquiring basic knowledge of mathematics and natural sciences as well as getting acquainted with the field of laboratory technology. After the first year the students are able to act in the learning and working environments of the university, and are aware of their education and their future profession. Students are able to use the communication and information gathering skills, as well as mathematical and scientific knowledge as a basis for professional studies. The student knows how to work safely in laboratory and is able to perform simple chemical analyses according to the given instructions.

After the second year, the students know the most common biochemical, microbiological, synthetic and chemical analysis methods and know how to use the main laboratory analysis equipment. Students are able to apply their skills in working life. The students are able to choose optional and free-choice studies according to their own interests.
After the third year, students are able to work in a laboratory as a member of a project team and independently carry out, design and develop laboratory analyzes using demanding chemical and biotechnological analysis methods. The students are familiar with the planning of laboratory activities and operations and quality management. The students have deepened their knowledge of laboratory work in the special fields by selecting optional and advanced studies according to their own interests.
After the fourth year of study, students are able to apply their skills in working life, to design and implement a research and development project and report it in the form of a thesis. The investigative work approach has developed in the thesis project. Students are able to critically analyze experimental research data.

Curriculum development and working life cooperation

The curriculum complies with European and national higher education qualifications framework (NQF and EQF). The curriculum has been developed in cooperation with the companies and other actors of the laboratory technology field, the professional advisory board, and the representatives of our students.

Further information

More multi-disciplinary, project-oriented studies have been added to the curriculum. The aim is to provide high quality education, responsive to the needs of working life that contributes to students' graduation and employment. Laboratory engineers are expected to have strong competence in laboratory work that will meet the future challenges. The focus is in overall management, problem-solving skills and "flexible multi-skilling".