Biobased Materials

The world urgently needs scientists who can design new fabrication methods and sustainable materials. Scientists need a solid understanding of different disciplines and the skills to develop solutions that will help us to facilitate the transition into a circular economy and society. Our interdisciplinary master Biobased Materials will fully prepare you to take on your expert role in this transition. The programme integrates biology, biotechnology, chemistry, materials science, engineering and sustainability, providing you with a solid knowledge basis.

In this programme you could explore questions such as:

• Can we use biobased building blocks to move away from fossil fuels?
• How can we produce biodegradable plastics to halt microplastic pollution?
• How can we  synthesize new biobased polymers and use them to engineer green materials from biological resources?
• Can we make advanced functional biobased materials that are easily recycled after use, as part of the circular economy?
• Can we mimic natural products like spider’s silk to create biocompatible wound dressings?

What will I learn during this master’s

The programme offers a balanced combination of biology, chemistry and material science that delivers integrated fundamental knowledge and skills to enable you to design and manufacture the functional materials for a sustainable future of our high-tech society.

We will train you to: 

• Engineer green materials and biobased replacements from biomass
• Design and optimise material production methods at every step along the value chain, from biomass up to applications
• Use modern sustainable production technologies for a circular economy
   

You will start in your first year with our compulsory courses which will give you a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. Then it’s time to put your knowledge to the experiment with a research project. You’ll work on a real-life research project in a small group, often in collaboration with the industry.  After the first half of the year, you have the opportunity to tailor your curriculum to your own interests with electives. But no worries here, we will help you make these choices.  You’ll finish the year with an additional research project.  

Most of the second year will focus on the highlight of the programme: your thesis project. You will do your thesis project in collaboration with a research institute or company of your choice and we will guide you along the way.

Read more about courses and curriculum

What our students think

Find out why our student Bas chose the master's Biobased Materials and what he likes most about the programme in the video.

Focus on practical training

We want you to be well-prepared for your future professional career, so our programme largely focuses on hands-on experience and experimentation. Our two unique methods of teaching prepare you for a career in academia or industry.

Research-Based Learning

• We do more than teach you about existing scientific theories
• You will work on current scientific research problems
• During projects, you conduct your own research, collaborating with other scientists and researchers
• You will learn how to apply your knowledge and make your own discoveries
   

Problem-Based Learning

• Problem-based learning prepares you for the real world of scientific work
• You collaborate in small tutorial groups of around 10-15 students, mimicking the multidisciplinary teams found in companies and research teams
• You have fewer lectures and more hands-on training, tackling real-life scientific challenges
• This active method of learning, supervised by a tutor or lecturer, will improve your life-long learning and professional skills