Bachelor of Engineering | Bioproduct Technology | full-time studies

Create an exiting and meaningful career in bioproduct technology!

In the field of bioproduct technology you can get involved in developing new products that are more environmentally friendly than plastic and cotton. You can work in an industry that uses biomass to create sustainable solutions.

Having graduated as a bioproduct technology engineer, you have versatile expertise in various techniques and methods related to the production and use of bio-based materials and how products can be recycled and 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 can develop new ideas and innovations in the bioproduct industry and solve technical problems effectively.

With these skills and competences, the bioproduct technology engineer can work versatilely in various positions in bioproduct companies, research institutes and the public sector.

Structure of studies

The focus of Xamk’s bioproduct technology engineering education is process technology, especially the utilization 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 training, you will learn how to create valuable products from raw materials while minimizing 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-rawmaterials and refining processes  
• process automation  
• test and analysis of materials and products  
• process design and designing software  
• environmental protection and circular economy 

Excellent employment prospects

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. You can find employment in the forest industry and the cluster around it e.g. in companies that design and produce process machinery and equipment. There are also good employment opportunities in the chemical processing industries such as oil refining, metallurgical ore enrichment and processing of minerals. Interesting jobs can also be found in the new circular economies that promote the recovery of carbon dioxide and replacement of fossil raw materials.  

Process technology studiesentail participation in many projects and practical assignments in companies. The studies include practical training (30 ECTS credits) completed within companies. Projects linked to real-world training and work experience help ease the transition into the workforce after graduation, enabling employers to find engineers who are immediately ready for even demanding roles. 

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. 

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.

Environmental protection and sustainable development are closely related to industrial activities and a job can be found, for example, in 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 education also provides the skills to work in educational tasks both in companies and in technical educational institutions and other educational organizations. 

Task titles can be: 

• design engineer 
• research engineer 
• project manager 
• sales and marketing manager 
• shift engineer 
• operating engineer 
• product development engineer 
• production manager 
• trainer