Degree Programme in Bioproduct Technology
Objectives
After graduating as a bioproduct technology engineer, you will have versatile expertise in various techniques and methods related to the production and use of bio-based materials and how products can be manufactured sustainably and environmentally friendly.
You understand the chemical and biochemical reactions involved in the conversion of biomass into different products, such as biofuels, biochemicals and bio-based materials.
You master process technologies that are needed in the manufacturing process of bioproducts, such as various separation and purification methods.
You master the laboratory techniques and equipment needed in the production, research and development of bioproducts.
You understand the basics of business and know how to apply them in business operations in the bioproduct industry.
You are able to develop new ideas and innovations in the bioproduct industry and to solve technical problems effectively.
With the help of these skills and competences, the bioproduct technology engineer is able to work versatilely in various positions in bioproduct companies, research institutes and the public sector.
Degree programme description
The focus of Xamk's bioproduct technology degree programme is process technology, especially the utilisation of wood raw material for versatile products. This all happens as part of a circular economy, where natural resources are used sustainably and efficiently over and over again. Process technology is used to transform natural resources into products that serve our everyday needs, such as magazines, textiles, medicines and biofuels.
In this degree programme, you will learn how to create valuable products from raw materials while minimising the environmental impact. You will also learn digital skills, how to plan processes and use automation in production.
Core subjects in process technology studies are:
• flow technology and heat transfer, material separation and purification processes
• forest bio raw materials and refining processes
• process automation
• test and analysis of materials and products
• process design and designing software
• environmental protection and circular economy
Complementary competence at Xamk
Complementary competence comprises students’ optional studies. Complementary competence deepens or expands the core competence of the degree programme and allows you to specialize in a particular area. For professional optional studies, you can choose from individual courses or study modules in accordance with your personal study plan. The complementary competence selection includes Xamk-level multidisciplinary online studies, field-specific studies, and degree programme specific studies.
Other optional studies included in complementary competence are higher education courses that students can freely choose. You can choose up to 15 ECTS credits of other optional studies. You may also complete complementary competence study modules or courses from the selection of other higher education institutions, where applicable. The scope of complementary competence is, depending on the scope of core competence studies, 45–120 ECTS credits in degrees comprising 210 credits and 60–120 ECTS credits in degrees comprising 240 credits.
Implementation of studies
Studies in the Degree Programme in Bioproduct Technology are organised on Xamk’s Savonlinna campus and in the Fibre Laboratory as well as in the leading companies in the field. The Fibre Laboratory is Xamk's research unit that focuses on the research, development, and innovation of industrial processes in cooperation with companies in the fields of pulp and paper technology, water treatment processes, and refining of biomaterials.
Savonlinna is a city with strong business activities related to the forest industry, and the Xamk Fibre Laboratory works in close cooperation with the leading companies in the field, supporting their research, development, and innovation projects. The Fibre Laboratory and the new FIBRE3 building serve as an efficient and experimental learning environment, and as a student, you have excellent opportunities to do project work and find a thesis topic within the scope of Fibre Laboratory bioproduct technology research projects.
Daytime studies take place mostly from Monday to Friday. The curriculum is designed for 4 years. The study time can be shortened to a minimum of 3 years by completing the practical training periods during the summer months and appropriately scheduling one’s work-related project assignment and thesis writing process. If preferred, separate courses can be taken from programmes that started in the previous year. It is also possible to utilise one’s knowledge and skills acquired in the world of work.
Blended studies
The option of blended studies is best suited for students who simultaneously work and study.
The on-campus lessons mostly take place on Thu 4 pm–8 pm, Fri 8 am–4 pm and Sat 8 am – 4 pm, approximately every other week and on workday evenings by means of distance learning. Lessons are organised on Savonlinna campus in the vicinity of the town centre, approximately 3 km from the Fibre Laboratory. Some of the on-campus lessons may be carried out by means of distance teaching.
Career opportunities
The employment prospects for qualified bioproduct technology engineers are excellent because the number of students in the degree programme is limited, and the bioproduct industry is developing fast. Bioproduct and process technologies are widely utilised in various industrial functions. For example, the refining of raw materials, materials production, energy production and manufacturing of goods are all based on process technologies.
The degree programme curriculum extensively covers the scope of process technologies, so after graduation, you are qualified to find employment not only directly in the forest industry but also in the surrounding cluster, i.e. companies that design and manufacture machinery and equipment. There are also good employment opportunities in the chemical processing industries.
The degree programme curriculum extensively covers the scope of process technologies, so after graduation, you will be qualified to find employment not only directly in the forest industry but also in the surrounding cluster, i.e. companies that design and manufacture machinery and equipment. There are also good employment opportunities in the chemical processing industries.
After completing the degree, you can work in design, development, operation, or sales positions. Tasks in maintenance or training are also possible. The employer companies can be large forest industry companies, chemical industry companies, design offices, companies that supply equipment and entire factory departments. Small companies specialising in certain products also offer plenty of employment opportunities.
Several companies that manufacture equipment for the forest industry operate in Savonlinna, such as wastewater treatment plants, companies that supply chemical mixing systems for paper and cardboard factories, analysis and control systems, packaging systems and carbon dioxide recovery plants.
Environmental protection and sustainable development are closely related to industrial activities, and you may find a job, for example, with water treatment processes.
Bioproduct technology engineers can work, e.g.:
- in design, product development, manufacturing and research tasks
- in sales and marketing tasks
- as technical experts
- in maintenance tasks
- in project management positions
- in production supervisor positions
The degree programme also provides the skills to work in educational tasks both in companies and in technical educational institutions and other educational organisations.
Your job title can be:
• design engineer
• research engineer
• project manager
• sales and marketing manager
• shift engineer
• operating engineer
RDI and cooperation with world of work
RDI and cooperation with the world of work
The Fiber Laboratory in Savonlinna conducts significant research and development work in the field of bioproduct technology.
Research is also integrated into the content of courses, and as a student, you can complete courses and practical training and write your thesis in connection with projects and laboratory work. Also, you have access to the research facilities and equipment of the laboratories, and the researchers and laboratory staff contribute to the content of the courses.
Practical training, projects, and thesis studies can also be carried out at local companies. It is also possible to complete practical training, courses and thesis studies abroad, either in companies or at partner universities and universities of applied sciences.
Learning environments
The degree studies in the degree programme in Bioproduct Technology are carried out in a unique learning environment. You will learn field-specific theoretical concepts and digital skills in the modern facilities of Savonlinna Campus. Practical laboratory work is performed in the up-to-date premises of the Fibre Laboratory.
Fiber Laboratory:
• chemistry laboratory
• process hall
• pilot hall
• fibre, water and sludge laboratories
• production-scale pilot plants
It is also possible to participate in business development projects.