aim & objective

The overall aim is to train PhD-students in a unique cross-disciplinary research environment focusing on the formation, modification and use of plant fibers and their carbohydrate biolpolymer components.

The objective is to

• provide the PhD-students with theoretical knowledge at the highest international level making them attractive to academia and industry, and

• enhance PhD students creativity towards innovative thinking aiming at a more sustainable future environment, from an ecological and human health perspective, by using novel concepts for advanced material design.

vision

Our vision is to boost interdisciplinary research that aim to create new added value products from renewable resources such as plant fibers. In the future, we hope that this field will lead to groundbreaking biomedical innovations, revitalization of the forest industry, and a much needed contribution to the transition from a petroleum-based economy to a sustainable future economic development based on alternative, renewable compounds such as carbohydrate biopolymers.

content

The PhD school provides a block of graduate courses designed to give the PhD-students training in the development of a new generation of biomaterials.

The course package includes a broad range of high-quality courses covering aspects of forest biology and biotechnology, plant fiber technology, surface and polymer chemistry, material physics, composite technology, innovation and intellectual property, and industrial material design.

The total number of credits for the full program is 46 ECTS.

program design

• KTH Learning Lab provides pedagogic guidance for course development.

• Web-based e-learning is emphasized.

prerequisites

The applicant must hold a University degree in natural science. Graduation in engineering, biology, chemistry or biotechnology is recommended. Good knowledge in written and spoken English is required.

examination & grading

Students will receive certificates for passed courses. In the case the full program is attended, an official diploma is issued by the research school.

It is at the discretion of the individual course organizer to use an examination form appropriate for achieving the course goals. The examination form may vary between courses, and between different examination occasions for a certain course. Preference will be given to examination forms that implement assessment techniques suitable for higher level education, such as oral presentations, report and essay writing, practical exercises and web-based examination tools.