Biotechnology is a broad-based field of natural sciences which generates knowledge and develops research methods and tools for the research, shaping, management and utilization of biosystems. Biotechnology emanates from the basic natural sciences such as biology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics, chemistry and physics, but in order to develop further it also needs quantifying sciences - mathematics, information technology and statistics. Biotechnology combines expertise in the natural sciences and technical sciences with medical science in order to enhance health and well-being. Biotechnology is widely used in the bio- and environmental sciences and in basic questions of medical science and their applications, for example in health care and the diagnosis of various diseases and in treatments. The degree Programme in Biotechnology is a shared between the University of Tampere and Tampere University of Technology and students graduate with Bachelor's degrees in natural sciences and technology and with Master's degrees in science and engineering. The aim of the education is to equip students with capabilities for expert tasks in the various fields of application of biotechnology (research, teaching, administration, product development, marketing) in both the public and private sectors, at home and abroad. The education implements a new multi-disciplinary approach. Multiform teaching methods support the achievement of the content objectives of the degrees. Some students will have an opportunity to pursue their studies abroad at co-operation universities. At the University of Tampere the strength of the degree programme lies in the direct connection to the BioMediTech (BMT) the high-quality research environment for biomedical cell and molecular biology. The main fields of research are cancer, mitochondrial and signal processing research, bioinformatics, biotechnology and cell and tissue technology. Students on the programme will have the opportunity in the course of their studies to participate in the work of the BMT research groups.

Learning Outcomes

The objective on the Bachelor’s programme is that students should attain

• an understanding of the rudiments of the main areas of biotechnology and the preconditions for monitoring development in the field
• the capability to seek knowledge of the field, to interpret and apply it critically
• the capability for scientific thinking and scientific ways of working and the ability to work independently and safely in the laboratory
• sufficient communication skills
• the capability to apply knowledge acquired in working life
• the preconditions to complete a Master’s degree at a Finnish or foreign university 

On completion of the Master’s degree students will have

• a profound understanding of the field of biochemistry and biotechnology
• expertise in minor subjects and scientific methods
• the capability to apply scientific knowledge in the field of biosciences
• good skills in scientific communication
• the capability to undertake scientific postgraduate and researcher training
• the capability to serve in working life as an expert in their own field.