Chemical engineering solves the biggest problems of our time

School of Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering solves the biggest problems of our time

Studies in chemical engineering offer a unique combination of natural sciences and technology. Unlike many other sectors, chemical engineering not only explores how nature works, but also develops new technologies. These technologies solve the major problems of our time, such as climate change and the adequacy of natural resources.

A group of chemical engineering students in front of the CHEM main building. — Photo: Ari Toivonen / Aalto University.

Graduates of chemical engineering understand what needs to be done to safeguard a clean environment and sustainable development, and they know how to do it. They develop solutions that replace plastic, sustainable battery technologies and recycling of raw materials, among other things. The effects of innovations in chemical engineering can be massive even on a global scale.

Join us if you want to change the world! Ninety-nine per cent of graduates find employment in jobs corresponding to education, from consumer brands to large industries.

Embark on a journey in chemical engineering. Designed for those passionate about innovation, sustainability, chemistry and problem-solving.

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Students studying in groups in the laboratory

Haluaisitko päästä konkreettisesti luomaan jotakin uutta ja hyödyllistä: biohajoavia muoveja, vettähylkiviä pintoja tai yhä parempia lääkeaineita? Kemian tekniikka on jännittävä ala, jossa kemiasta tuttuja ilmiöitä sovelletaan monialaisesti tieteessä ja teollisuudessa. Haasteet, joihin kemistien ratkaisukykyä tarvitaan, liittyvät luonnonvarojen kestävään käyttöön, kiertotalouteen ja puhtaan veden, ilman ja ravinnon riittävyyteen. Kemian tekniikan diplomi-insinöörit ovat kestävän kehityksen ja vastuullisen kuluttamisen edistäjiä, joiden osaaminen on sekä Suomessa että maailmalla erittäin ajankohtaista ja arvostettua.

Koulutustarjonta

Check all the bachelor's programmes at Aalto University here.

Lignin nanoparticles applied to multilayered films to create colourful coatings. Photo: Aalto University, Alexander Henn

The conversion of bio-based resources into recyclable bioproducts is of crucial importance now and in the future.

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Biotechnology experts work in many industries from chemical to food, helping the society in its way towards a carbon-neutral bioeconomy.

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The development of new molecules and materials has an essential role in building a more sustainable future.

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A close-up photo of an epoxy sample with different shades of blue, and some green and gray colouring as well

Across all industries, the importance of environmentally responsible process design, development, and implementation is rapidly growing.

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How to apply

Interested in a career in energy for our society? Want to be involved in the development of industrial energy solutions of the future? The Master’s Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions may be the perfect match for you.

The Industrial Energy Processes and Sustainability major gives students a basic and advanced understanding of the industrial energy processes, outlines the main challenges energy solutions in industry are facing today, and introduces possible ways towards a sustainable future.

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Students with teacher learning in laboratory

Complex sustainability challenges, such as the climate crises, the loss of biodiversity, poverty, and inequality, call for new mindsets and skills. The Master’s Programme in Creative Sustainability (CS) provides a multidisciplinary learning platform in the fields of design, business, and materials and chemical engineering.

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IDBM student explaining a concept to IDBM Impact 2018 event visitors

IDBM is a pioneering and renowned study programme that truly embodies the vision of Aalto by integrating design and technology with global business development. Through transdisciplinary teamwork and real-life business challenges provided by our prominent industry partners, the programme prepares students as the next generation of creative professionals. IDBM is uniquely positioned as the only programme offered in all six schools of Aalto, allowing programme graduates to earn a Master’s degree in either business, design or technology.

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Aalto University / students at Aalto University / photo by Aino Huovio

The Master's Programme in Life Science Technologies educates a new generation of engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs who are committed to improving human health and wellbeing through development of innovative scientific and engineering solutions. The programme has a strong focus on the technological aspects of Life Sciences and is closely connected to the world-class research at Aalto University in the fields of biological data analysis and modelling, bioinformatics, bioelectronics and biosensing, biomedical engineering, human neuroscience and neurotechnology, biomaterials engineering and synthetic biology.

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People wearing helmets and examining a tunnel wall

The need of mineral-based materials is growing globally, partly related to the new green technology. Applications such as windmills and electric vehicles need traditional metals, but also many high-tech metals that support the environmentally sustainable future. Re-use of metals is important part in the materials cycle, but it will not satisfy the increasing demand of metals. Minerals need to be extracted from the earth’s crust far into the future. The European Mining Course (EMC) aims to train experts who possess wide-ranging skills and abilities to respond to this demand.

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The studies and research at the School of Chemical Engineering focus on:

forest industry technology
chemical engineering
industrial biotechnology
materials science and nanotechnology
metal and mineral processing and
energy technology.

The job descriptions of graduate students are versatile and range from the metal, electronics and wood processing industries to the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food industries.

The Aalto Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering comprises six research fields. The Departments of Bioproducts and Biosystems (Bio2), Chemistry and Material Science, and Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering are jointly responsible for the programme.

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A person in a long brown coat stands in front of a building with a 'School of Chemical Engineering' sign.

Chemical engineering student Ella Haravuori combines bioproduct development and food sciences

Leevi Härkönen haslearned concrete work skills in a student organization

Ronja Korhonen became interested in Aalto University after being inspired by her sister

Meri Mänty has enjoyed her time at Aalto University: ”The Aalto campus is a world of its own”

Astrid Andersin, studying chemical engineering in English, feels she benefits from studying in a foreign language

Akseli Rautakorpi kuvattuna lumisessa metsämaisemassa, aurinkolasit päässä.

Akseli Rautakorpi: ”Chemistry plays a central role in solving our biggest societal problems"

Mariina Tikka hymyilee kameralle, taustalla vihreä seinä.

Mariina Tikka: From a cabin crew member to a chemical engineer

Elizaveta Sidorova wants to improve people's lives through biotechnology

Mimi Tran kuvattuna asunnossa, itseottama kuva. Taustalla kattolamppu ja vasemmalla avoin ovi.

Mimi Tran: from beauty and cosmetics to chemical engineering

Dinara Bozzhigitova: Master's studies in Biotechnology provide a strong theoretical basis for research

Songwen He seisoo valkoisen auton edessä Hongkongin kadulla. Taustalla kylttejä ja mainostekstejä kantoninkiinaksi.

Songwen He: ”Student exchange was the best time in my life"

Meishan Lin wants to start a company that can benefit humanity

Chem master student Hanna Seppäläinen and her baby

Hanna Seppäläinen: Studies can also be combined with parental leave

Minerva Huotari: Master's studies inspired a career in research

Read student stories, learn about our guilds and what it is like to study here!

School of Chemical Engineering

An image of two students wearing blue overalls

The Association of Process Engineering Students (Prosessiteekkarit ry) receives new students starting their studies in the Chemical Engineering bachelor’s programme in the School of Chemical Engineering at Aalto University and familiarises them with university life and the Aalto community.

A person in a light blue shirt is standing indoors against a dark background with overhead lights.

Olli-Pekka Pentjärvi develops biorefining technologies: “With chemical engineering skills, I can influence industrial environmental issues.”

Person sitting cross-legged on a stage next to a large 'A' and quotation mark sign, under stage lighting.

Studies in chemical engineering led Nenne Nordström to emission monitoring: "I have learned that attitude is everything”

Person wearing a blue jacket under bright stage lights, with a black background.

Esa Arola works to solve the circular economy challenges of plastics: “Chemical engineering is extremely practical”

Reetta Hassinen brings ecological clothes onto the market: "During my studies, I realised that I could play a role in solving big global problems"

Iita Kejonen is involved in recycling battery metals from electric cars: ‘By working in industry, I can influence the development of the entire field’

Sakari Poikkimäki is replacing harmful chemicals with enzymes: ‘We can use small biological organisms in many everyday products’

Sakari Hiidenheimo speeds up research on renewable fuels: "It's cool that my work has a big impact"

Juhani Sibakov creates new bakery products at Fazer: "I get to influence what the majority of Finns eat"

Daniela Bqain is helping to replace plastic with new packaging solutions: 'I couldn't imagine anything more interesting than my current profession'

An image of a student making calculations on paper

Graduates from the School of Chemical Engineering at Aalto University have very good employment prospects in positions corresponding to their education. On this page, you can find information about employment and career development five years after graduation.

School of Chemical Engineering

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