Topic outline

  • In the new curriculum (2020-2022), the previous course MUO-C1044 CHEMARTS Summer School (10-15 cr) was divided into two new courses MUO-E0101 CHEMARTS Summer School 2.0 (5 cr) and CHEM-E0180 CHEMARTS Project (5-10 cr). One of the reasons for the change was to provide students more flexibility in carrying out CHEMARTS project works throughout the year. Students can now take CHEM-0180 CHEMARTS Project in the autumn (periods I-II), in the spring (periods III-IV) or during the summer. Ideally, interdisciplinary teams of 2-3 students carry out the project work together, sharing the same interest and complementing each other with their knowledge and skills, although working alone is also possible. The students need to have prior knowledge and laboratory working skills in bio-based materials to attend the course because the project work is quite independent although tutoring and practical help will be available.

    During the first two weeks the focus will be in defining the topic, scope and goals of the project. The amount of laboratory work may vary depending on the topic. In average, the laboratory work time will be 1-2 days per week depending on the number of the targeted credit points (5-10 cr). The period to work in laboratory is ca. 8 weeks. The working times are flexible although other ongoing teaching can put some limitations in the use of the facilities. During the last two weeks the focus will be in finalizing the report and presentation on the project. In the end each team and its members will get feedback on their work relative to the learning outcomes of the course.

    For the most, CHEMARTS explores innovative and sustainable uses of non-edible plant biomass streams and fractions in materials and products. Examples on earlier CHEMARTS student projects can be found at https://chemarts.aalto.fi/index.php/student-projects/.