BSc Chemical Engineering And Biotechnology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Aalborg University

Program Overview

The Aalborg University BSc in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology is designed for students who want to combine chemistry, biology, and engineering principles to develop sustainable industrial and biotechnological solutions. The program prepares students for real-world problem solving in areas such as energy systems, pharmaceuticals, and industrial bioprocesses, and is based in Aalborg Campus, Denmark (Aalborg Øst, main campus).

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: In the first year, students build a strong foundation in engineering and natural sciences through modules such as General Chemistry, Mathematics for Engineers, and Introduction to Chemical and Biochemical Processes. The focus is on understanding basic chemical reactions, biological systems, and engineering problem-solving, supported by introductory laboratory and project-based learning.

Year 2: The second year develops deeper technical knowledge through subjects like Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Biotechnology Fundamentals. Students also work on applied projects involving process design and biochemical systems, learning how to analyse and optimise industrial chemical and biological processes.

Year 3: In the final year, students focus on advanced topics such as Bioprocess Engineering, Separation Processes, and Industrial Biotechnology Applications. This year includes a major project or thesis where students solve real industrial or research-based problems using chemical and biotechnological engineering methods.

Focus Areas: Chemical Engineering, Industrial Biotechnology, Process Engineering, Bioprocess Design, Sustainable Industrial Systems

Learning Outcomes: Graduates develop the ability to design and optimise chemical and biotechnological processes, apply engineering principles to biological systems, and contribute to sustainable industrial innovation in energy, pharma, and environmental sectors.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is aligned with international engineering education standards under the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), ensuring strong academic recognition across Europe and globally for both employment and postgraduate study.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Aalborg University is consistently ranked in global systems such as the QS World University Rankings for strong engineering and problem-based learning outcomes, with graduates highly valued in industrial biotechnology and chemical engineering sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Aalborg University BSc in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology gain hands-on engineering and laboratory experience through the university’s strong problem-based learning model, where real industrial and scientific challenges are integrated directly into coursework. Learning takes place in close collaboration with research environments such as the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, combining theoretical knowledge with experimental practice in chemical and biotechnological systems:

Problem-Based Learning (PBL projects): Students work in team-based projects each semester, solving real engineering and biotechnology challenges in collaboration with faculty and industry partners
Laboratory facilities: Access to chemical engineering labs, biochemical reaction labs, and biotechnology experimental setups for fermentation, molecular analysis, and process engineering studies
Research integration: Teaching is closely connected to research activities within the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, allowing students to participate in ongoing scientific investigations
Industry collaboration projects: Students engage in externally supervised projects with industrial partners in chemical production, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology sectors
Digital engineering tools: Training includes use of computational modelling and process simulation tools commonly used in chemical and biotech industries
Group-based engineering design work: Continuous collaborative assignments focusing on designing sustainable chemical and biological processes
Library and research resources: Full access to Aalborg University Library system, scientific databases, and engineering research publications for academic and project work

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Aalborg University BSc in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology prepares graduates to work at the intersection of chemical processes, biological systems, and sustainable industrial innovation. Students develop strong analytical, laboratory, and engineering design skills that are highly valued in energy, pharmaceutical, environmental, and biotech industries.

This program typically leads to roles such as: process engineer, biotechnologist, quality control engineer, and R&D scientist. Future progression & opportunities:

University services supporting employment: Aalborg University provides strong career support through project-based industry collaboration (Problem-Based Learning model), internship coordination, thesis partnerships with companies, and dedicated career fairs connecting students with engineering and biotech employers
Employment stats and salary figures: Graduates in chemical engineering and biotechnology in Denmark typically earn a median salary range of approximately DKK 420,000 – DKK 650,000 per year, with higher salaries in pharmaceutical manufacturing, energy systems, and industrial biotech sectors
University–industry partnerships: Strong collaborations with companies such as Novo Nordisk, Novonesis (Novozymes), Siemens Gamesa, and Danish environmental and energy research institutions provide students with real-world engineering projects and internship opportunities
Long-term accreditation value: The degree is internationally recognised under the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and is highly valued across EU engineering and biotechnology sectors, supporting global employability and postgraduate mobility
Graduation outcomes: Graduates commonly progress into industrial biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical production facilities, green energy industries, chemical manufacturing firms, and environmental technology organisations

Further Academic Progression: After completing this program, students can advance into Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Energy Systems, or Bioprocess Engineering, with pathways leading to PhD research and specialised roles in industrial innovation and scientific development.