Bachelor's Degree Programme in Natural Resources Engineering

Key learning outcomes

Natural resources companies need specialists who are able to respond to the diverse and responsible challenges of the sector. In the future, especially expertise in new technologies and methods that promote sustainable development and resource efficiency will be needed. These include smart agriculture technologies, data-driven bioeconomy solutions, decentralised energy production and innovative material flows of the circular economy.

Climate change mitigation, the green transition and the management of the environmental impacts of processes require extensive expertise in natural sciences and technical solutions. After completing the Degree Programme in Natural Resources Engineering, you will have strong and versatile expertise in natural sciences, electrical and automation engineering and IT, which you will be able to apply in technical solutions related to bioeconomy and the natural resources sectors. You will know how agriculture, forestry and bioeconomy technologies work. You can assess, analyse, plan and develop processes and transdisciplinary modules, taking into account the energy and resource efficiency of solutions during their entire life cycle.

Education content and professional growth and know-how

The key topics of your studies are the basics of natural sciences, electrical and automation engineering, IT, smart bioeconomy, agriculture and forestry, and business development.

You get a strong foundation in natural sciences, understand the basics of physics and chemistry, and know how to apply them in technical solutions. You understand the operating environment of the bioeconomy and the relevant technological solutions. You understand modern bioeconomy technologies and their development. You are also familiar with the environmental impacts of processes in the natural resources sector and are able to develop their management. In addition, you can plan, scale and develop energy-efficient and sustainable processes and solutions.

You learn the basics of project work and apply your competence in working life-orientated projects commissioned by companies.

In addition to common studies, you can focus on deepening your competence in robotics, artificial intelligence and data analytics or the circular economy.

Flexible studies

Independent studying on a flexible schedule is the main point of multiform studies. At the beginning of your studies, a personal learning plan (PLP) is prepared for you, in connection with which previously acquired competence is also assessed. Your studies include classroom work and online lectures, calculation exercises, laboratory work, group work and exams.

You can choose your alternative or elective studies from EduJyväskylä partner institutions (University of Jyväskylä and Gradia) and international studies from European EUDRES higher education institutions. You can also choose from Finnish and foreign partner universities, such as other universities of applied sciences and universities. You can apply for accreditation of higher education studies that you have completed elsewhere.

Working life oriented learning

During your studies, you get to know the work tasks in your field during a 5-month practical training period. You can complete the practical training in one or two periods.

Companies operating in the natural resources sector participate actively in the education by giving expert lectures, providing topics for project work and theses and by offering visits to various sites relevant to the sector.

The scope of your thesis is 15 credits, and the work is done independently for companies in the field. After completing the thesis, you know how to apply the acquired information and skills in expert tasks related to vocational studies. You are able to work independently and with a goal-oriented approach and have the critical thinking skills, ability and creativity to solve challenges.

During your studies, you can gain international experiences by participating in study tours to partner institutions and exchange studies for a semester or an academic year. Your studies will also prepare you well for international work tasks.

Career opportunities and employment

After graduating, you will be able to perform versatile work tasks related to the natural resources sector, such as process development, developing new products and services, sales and marketing as well as other expert tasks. Typically, such positions are found in technology industry and natural resources companies, design and consulting agencies and research organisations.

Qualifications

There are no specific degree-related or statutory qualification requirements in the field.

Further studies

After graduating and gaining at least two years of work experience, you may apply for a master's degree level education. You can continue your studies by applying for e.g. Master's degree programmes in universities, vocational teacher education or Master's degree programmes abroad. The university of applied sciences offers opportunities for competence development in various institutes, such as the open university of applied sciences, specialisation training and work-oriented continuing education.

Education planning

When developing the curriculum, extensive information on the competences needed in working life has been collected directly from companies operating in the sector and on the future competence needs and areas in the sector. We have also explored international educational offerings in the sector and taken their content and opportunities into consideration in the planning.

Contact Information

Ari Latvala
Senior Lecturer
School of Technology
+358503019771
firstname.lastname@jamk.fi