GREEN CHEMISTRY AND BIOPRODUCTION EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME

Globally increasing need for food, fibers and chemicals, that must be produced by using environmentally friendly and sustainable processes, sets new types of challenges to industry. With modern technological approaches, such as green chemistry, new analytical methods and gene technology, natural resources can be modified and processed efficiently at the same time taking responsibility for the environment. To exploit the new technologies experts with multidisciplinary knowledge are required.

Backgroud: International Green Chemistry and Bioproduction Educational Programme is a multidisciplinary master’s level stydyprogramme operating at the University of Oulu. The first student started their studies at the beginning of 2011. The objective of the programme is to educate high-quality Master of Sciences and Master of Sciences in Engineering with multidisciplinary knowledge who manage various areas of technologies related to biological and chemical production taking consideration the principles of sustainable development. The studies combine natural sciences and engineering including courses from fields of biology, chemistry, environmental engineering and production management. The programme is funded by North Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY) and European Social Fund (ESF).

Degrees and major subjects: The completion of the programme takes approximately two years consisting of 120 credit points and leading to the degree of Master of Science or Master of Science in Engineering depending on the major subject. The major subject can be either Plant physiology, Inorganic or Organic chemistry (Faculty of Science), Environmental engineering or Production management (Faculty of Technology).

Studies: Studies will start with courses that strengthens the biology-chemistry knowledge of student. The studies can first include cell biology, microbiology, chemistry as well as technical and mathematical studies depending on the backgroud of student. After attending to these basic studies, every student attend to advanced courses of chemistry, biology, environmental engineering and production management, which give skills in handling of plant and microbe biomass, knowledge of chemistry of natural compounds as well as optimizing, processing and managing production of natural raw materials. Studies include also thesis work, practical training period and seminar. Optional studies include advanced courses from major subject. Studies are internationally orientated with international lecturers participating in teaching. The language used in the courses is mostly English.

Skills: The programme provides students with a wide insight into industrial processes by providing understanding and skills to solve different types of problems involved in the processes. The students learn to increase production efficiency by maximising the quality of raw material and by using environmentally friendly processes, modern analytical techniques and by minimizing production of waste. The students graduating from the International Green Chemistry and Bioproduction Educational Programme hold good skills to work in industry and product development in companies situated both in Finland and abroad. The graduated can work in companies specialized to chemistry, biotechnology or functional foods as well as to take part in administrative tasks by working as a consultant, specialist and in public relations. Additionally, they hold skills to found a company of their own or continue their academic studies at doctoral level.

Student counselling: The programme has own study advisor so studies are advised and supported actively. At the beginning of studies each student composes a personal study plan in co-operation with a coordinator of the educational programme. The study plan will cover the whole education period.

Admission: There has been three intakes to the programme in years 2010-2013. The education continues in the University of Oulu as an international Master's degree programme called Biomass, Technology, and Management. The application period for the academic year will begin in December 2013. Detailed admissions can be found here.

For further information: write to programme coordinator: katja.karppinen(at)oulu.fi