Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology
Study programme title in Est.
Rakenduskeemia ja biotehnoloogia
Study programme title in Engl.
Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology
TalTech study programme code
YASM02
MER study programme code
2025
Study programme version code
YASM02/25
Faculty / college
L - School of Science
Head of study programme/study programme manager
Ott Scheler
Language of instruction
Estonian
Study level
Master study
ECTS credits
120
Self-paid study programme
no
Nominal study period
4 semesters
Study programme group
Physical Sciences
Broad area of study
Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics
Study field
Physical science
Granting the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
õppe läbiviimise õigus
Validity date of the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
tähtajatu
No. of the decision granting the right to teach in the study programme group
191
Access conditions
Bachelor degree or education of corresponding qualification in accordance with admission requirements of TalTech.
Study programme aims and objectives
The programme aims to provide a general knowledge and experimental skills in chemistry,
biotechnology and gene technology and to develop the understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of modern science and the ability to apply synergistic knowledge in their area of expertise. The knowledge and skills obtained upon completion provide an attractive profile for a successful career in academic institutions, industry, and society (e.g work in biotechnological or chemistry enterprises, in private or government laboratories and to continue studies as a PhD student). Show more...
Learning outcomes of the study programme
Upon completion of the curriculum, the student:
- knows theoretical
schools and up-to-date trends and developments in chemistry and biotechnology and is able to utilize the knowledge and skills for setting up new problems and for choosing relevant methods for solving them;
- is able to apply the acquired skills and knowledge interdisciplinary in related areas of research and technology;
- is ready to actively participate in civil society, be tolerant when facing differing values and attitudes;
- understands the significance of scientific, ethic and social aspects of the innovations in chemistry and gene technology and the responsibility for the consequences of his/her professional activities;
- has the necessary social skills, can operate information technology and is ready to participate in teamwork and lead it;
- is able to communicate orally and in written form to explain and professionally submit his/her work and hand over his/her professional knowledge and skills in chemistry and molecular biology by teaching, supervising and popularizing the scientific ideas. Show more...
Graduation requirements
Completion of the curriculum in the required amount, and the successful defence of the graduation paper in conformity with the requirements set by the TalTech Senate.
In order to obtain Cum Laude diploma the graduation paper must be defended for the grade "5" and the weighted average grade must be at least 4,60, where all grades from diploma supplement are taken into account. Show more...
Degrees conferred
Master of Science (chemistry), Master of Science (gene technology)
Study programme version structure :
Module type
total ECTS credits
General studies
6.0
Core studies
18.0
Special studies
72.0
Free choice courses
6.0
Graduation thesis
18.0
Total
120.0
  • +
       MAIN SPECIALITY 1: chemistry
    • +
         MODULE: Module of entrepreneurship 6.0 ECTS credits (General studies)
      Aims
      Create an understanding about the essence of entrepreneurship and it’s processes,
      the role of entrepreneur and the principles of business planning and development (incl growth) process, also about the main aspects of the activities of enterprises in the context of external business environment.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Upon completion the module the student:
      - explains the essence of entrepreneurship,
      phases of entrepreneurship processes and business planning as well as the main activities of enterprises;
      - assesses own abilities to initiate teamwork and activate on the development of business ideas in real life and handle risks;
      - assesses business opportunities and analyses them based on problems needful to solve, uncovered market nisches and development trends;
      - carries out market and competition analysis originated from choosen business opportunities, compiling the general and competition strategy for planned enterprise;
      - designs full marketing mix for enterprise (products/services, pricing policy, market channels and promotion activities);
      - compiles report for profit, cash flows and balance prognosis and cost-benefit analysis;
      - presents and justifys the feasibility of business model (business plan).       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Entrepreneurship and Business Planning
      TMJ3300
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      E
      SK
      Total: 6.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Module of basic studies 18.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)
      Aims
      To give adavnced knowledge about the interactions of biomolecules with chemical compounds fom the viewpoint of chemical catalysis,
      medical applications and toxicology, and give an opportunity to improve their professional English, knowledge in basic automatics, and/or science philosophy or computing.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      The student has:
      - obtained advanced knowledge in protein science
      and medicinal chemistry and understand the interactions between biological macromolecules and biologically active compounds;
      - improved skills and understanding in selected fields related to chemistry and biotechnology.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Protein Chemistry and Structure
      LKG0210
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      0.5
      0.5
      E
      S
      Medicinal Chemistry
      LKK0170
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Total: 12.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Basics of Toxicology
      LKX0060
      6.0
      3.5
      2.0
      0.0
      1.5
      A
      S
      English for Science and Research
      MLI0010
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      4.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Critical Thinking, Ethics and Scientific Literacy
      MNF5510
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      SK
      Scientific Computing
      YFX1510
      6.0
      4.0
      2.5
      0.0
      1.5
      E
      K
      Total: at least 6.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Module of Chemistry 24.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      The module contains advanced courses in the main fields of chemistry.
      This lays the foundation for further studies and specialization in more advanced level.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After successful passing the module a student:
      - knows the separation methods used in analytical chemistry;

      - knows the fundamentals of theoretical and applied chemistry;
      - knows the basic principles of quality control and data managment in chemical labarotory.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Physical methods of analysis
      LKK0030
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      3.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Inorganic Chemistry II
      LKK0040
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Physical Organic Chemistry
      LKK0070
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Metrology and Quality Assurance in Chemical Laborotory
      LKK0080
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Total: 24.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Practice 18.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      The module provides a student an opportunity to apply the theoretical
      knowledge and skills obtained during the studies into the practical work either in laboratory or in a company for solving a scientific/technological task in chemistry, biotechnology or related fields. Experiencing teamwork under supervising of a senior proffesional.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After successful passing the module a student:
      - can work in a team completed to solve problems in chemistry,
      participate in teamwork in the place he has assigned for practical work;
      - can use apparatus, equipment and methods related to the practical work in selected fields of biotehcnology, gene technology or molecular biology;
      - has started the experimental work for Master thesis.       Show more...
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Practical research in the laboratory II
      LKX0030
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      4.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Practical research in the laboratory I
      LKX0040
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      4.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Professional Practice (Internship)
      LKX0050
      6.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Practical Training Abroad
      YXX0020
      15.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Total: at least 18.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Applied chemistry and biotechnology 30.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      The module collects all specialization related elective courses in the study programme.
      The goal is t enable the student to build up a curriculum according to his/her specific interests and preferences.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After successfully passing the module, the student has achieved the educational outcomes of at least five subjects from the list of courses offered in this module.
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Biomedical Microelectromechanical Systems (BioMEMS)
      IEE1860
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Human Anatomy and Diseases
      IHT0060
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      1.0
      0.0
      E
      S
      High throughput Biology and Biostatistics
      LKG0040
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      S
      Bioinformatics II
      LKG0050
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Synthetic Biology
      LKG0200
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      E
      K
      Quantum chemistry
      LKK0010
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      1.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Organic Synthesis
      LKK0050
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Structural Analysis
      LKK0060
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.5
      1.5
      E
      K
      Computational chemistry
      LKK0090
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      3.0
      0.0
      A
      K
      Organic Synthesis - Course Paper
      LKK0110
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      S
      Green Chemistry Metrics for feedstocks to Biochemical Development
      LKK0130
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.5
      0.5
      E
      K
      Stereochemistry
      LKK0230
      3.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Fermentation Technologies
      LKT0240
      9.0
      6.0
      2.0
      3.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Total: at least 30.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Free studies 6.0 ECTS credits (Free choice courses)
      Aims
      The purpose of the module is to give the opportunity to the
      students in Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology to learn some subjects outside the study plan according to their own wish and capability or additional electives. Module widens the basic education of a student and contributes to his developing to the educated professional.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After successful passing the module a student:
      gets reflection of a particular field in science,
      art or technology w and knows the problems of this field in a such extent that he is able to act as a competent member of society outside his profession.       Show more...
    • +
         MODULE: Master thesis 18.0 ECTS credits (Graduation thesis)
      Aims
      The purpose of the module is to apply the knowledge acquired during his/her studies into solving a practical problem from chemical science.
      To rise student's ability to work with scientific literature and to get an overview of a specific chemistry problem. To develop a students ability to express the results of his/her studies in a proffessional and competent manner in a form of a finished manuscript, to practice teamwork and get some skills of acting as a supervisor.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing the module a student
      - is able to solve specific scientific/practical problems in chemistry, molecular biology or biotechnology;

      - is able to use instruments needed for his/her thesis work;
      - can express the results of his/her work professionally in written or oral form;
      - is able to work in teams and pass his knowledge to others.       Show more...
    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
      • +
           1st Semester
      • +
           2nd Semester
      • +
           3rd Semester
      • +
           4th Semester
  • +
       MAIN SPECIALITY 7: gene technology
    • +
         MODULE: Module of entrepreneurship 6.0 ECTS credits (General studies)
      Aims
      Create an understanding about the essence of entrepreneurship and it’s processes,
      the role of entrepreneur and the principles of business planning and development (incl growth) process, also about the main aspects of the activities of enterprises in the context of external business environment.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Upon completion the module the student:
      - explains the essence of entrepreneurship,
      phases of entrepreneurship processes and business planning as well as the main activities of enterprises;
      - assesses own abilities to initiate teamwork and activate on the development of business ideas in real life and handle risks;
      - assesses business opportunities and analyses them based on problems needful to solve, uncovered market nisches and development trends;
      - carries out market and competition analysis originated from choosen business opportunities, compiling the general and competition strategy for planned enterprise;
      - designs full marketing mix for enterprise (products/services, pricing policy, market channels and promotion activities);
      - compiles report for profit, cash flows and balance prognosis and cost-benefit analysis;
      - presents and justifys the feasibility of business model (business plan).       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Entrepreneurship and Business Planning
      TMJ3300
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      E
      SK
      Total: 6.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Module of basic studies 18.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)
      Aims
      To give adavnced knowledge about the interactions of biomolecules with chemical compounds fom the viewpoint of chemical catalysis,
      medical applications and toxicology, and give an opportunity to improve their professional English, knowledge in basic automatics, and/or science philosophy or computing.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      The student has:
      - obtained advanced knowledge in protein science
      and medicinal chemistry and understand the interactions between biological macromolecules and biologically active compounds;
      - improved skills and understanding in selected fields related to chemistry and biotechnology.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Protein Chemistry and Structure
      LKG0210
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      0.5
      0.5
      E
      S
      Medicinal Chemistry
      LKK0170
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Total: 12.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Basics of Toxicology
      LKX0060
      6.0
      3.5
      2.0
      0.0
      1.5
      A
      S
      English for Science and Research
      MLI0010
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      4.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Critical Thinking, Ethics and Scientific Literacy
      MNF5510
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      SK
      Scientific Computing
      YFX1510
      6.0
      4.0
      2.5
      0.0
      1.5
      E
      K
      Total: at least 6.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Gene technology 24.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      Introduction to molecular biology techniques (their principles and possible usage areas,
      as well as their limitations and common problems) gene tecnology and analytics. Overview of different model organisms and their specific techniques. Development of skills for independent planning and conducting of experiments.
      To give experience and knowledge reading and working with scientific papers and to acquire knowledge about ethical, legal, and business aspects of gene technology.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Student:
      - understands the principles of molecular biology techniques, model systems, gene technology and analytics and are able to exploit this knowledge in their own projects;

      - is able to analyze top research papers written in English;
      - understands the basic ethical and legal aspects in biotechnology and on business issues of gene technology and are able to use this knowledge in practice.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Gene Technology II
      LKG0020
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      0.0
      4.0
      E
      K
      Molecular and Cell Biology II
      LKG0030
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      S
      Bioinformatics II
      LKG0050
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Ethical, Legal and Business Aspects in Gene Technology
      LKG0080
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      A
      S
      Total: 24.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Electives in gene technology 30.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      To give students possibility to personalize master degree studies according to the chosen branch of biotechnology.
      To give a broad range of knowledge in the field of applied natural sciences       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After passing the module, the student:
      - has achieved the educational outcomes of 4 subjects from the list of courses offered in this module;

      - is able to characterize different experimental objects of molecular biology;
      - is able to analyze selected model or biological system bioinformatically, evolutinary or biotechnologically.       Show more...
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Biomedical Microelectromechanical Systems (BioMEMS)
      IEE1860
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Human Anatomy and Diseases
      IHT0060
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      1.0
      0.0
      E
      S
      High throughput Biology and Biostatistics
      LKG0040
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      S
      Genetics of Bacteria
      LKG0060
      3.0
      2.0
      1.5
      0.5
      0.0
      E
      S
      System Biology
      LKG0070
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      H
      K
      Developmental Biology and Neurobiology II
      LKG0090
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      S
      Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
      LKG0120
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      1.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Immunology and Hematology
      LKG0160
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      S
      Molecular Biology of Model Organisms
      LKG0170
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      K
      Synthetic Biology
      LKG0200
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      E
      K
      Physical methods of analysis
      LKK0030
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      3.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Metrology and Quality Assurance in Chemical Laborotory
      LKK0080
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Omics methods
      LKT0060
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Fermentation Technologies
      LKT0240
      9.0
      6.0
      2.0
      3.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Muscle and Cardiac Physiology
      LTK1100
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Microscopy
      LTK9000
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      1.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Total: at least 30.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Practice 18.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      The module provides a student an opportunity to apply the theoretical
      knowledge and skills obtained during the studies into the practical work either in laboratory or in a company for solving a scientific/technological task in chemistry, biotechnology or related fields. Experiencing teamwork under supervising of a senior proffesional.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After successful passing the module a student:
      - can work in a team completed to solve problems in chemistry,
      participate in teamwork in the place he has assigned for practical work;
      - can use apparatus, equipment and methods related to the practical work in selected fields of biotehcnology, gene technology or molecular biology;
      - has started the experimental work for Master thesis.       Show more...
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Practical research in the laboratory II
      LKX0030
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      4.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Practical research in the laboratory I
      LKX0040
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      4.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Professional Practice (Internship)
      LKX0050
      6.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Practical Training Abroad
      YXX0020
      15.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Total: at least 18.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Free studies 6.0 ECTS credits (Free choice courses)
      Aims
      The purpose of the module is to give the opportunity to the
      students in Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology to learn some subjects outside the study plan according to their own wish and capability or additional electives. Module widens the basic education of a student and contributes to his developing to the educated professional.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After successful passing the module a student:
      gets reflection of a particular field in science,
      art or technology w and knows the problems of this field in a such extent that he is able to act as a competent member of society outside his profession.       Show more...
    • +
         MODULE: Master thesis 18.0 ECTS credits (Graduation thesis)
      Aims
      The purpose of the module is to apply the knowledge acquired during his/her studies into solving a practical problem from chemical science.
      To rise student's ability to work with scientific literature and to get an overview of a specific chemistry problem. To develop a students ability to express the results of his/her studies in a proffessional and competent manner in a form of a finished manuscript, to practice teamwork and get some skills of acting as a supervisor.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing the module a student
      - is able to solve specific scientific/practical problems in chemistry, molecular biology or biotechnology;

      - is able to use instruments needed for his/her thesis work;
      - can express the results of his/her work professionally in written or oral form;
      - is able to work in teams and pass his knowledge to others.       Show more...
    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
      • +
           1st Semester
      • +
           2nd Semester
      • +
           3rd Semester
      • +
           4th Semester