In the second year, students deepen their knowledge by specialising in one of the key biotechnology approaches of the bioeconomy. They then undertake a research internship aligned with their academic interests and career aspirations, enhancing their professional prospects and leading to a master’s thesis. The programme concludes with a graduation ceremony celebrating both their academic success and their unique international experience.
The third semester (S3)
It offers a specialisation in one of the key biotechnology approaches of bioeconomy: biomass engineering (AgroParisTech), bioprocesses (ULiège) and bio-based products (Aalto).
| University | ECTS |
| S3 at AgroParisTech | 30 |
| Genetic manipulation of plant resources or Cell factory design |
6 |
| Specialized metabolites in biotechnologies | 6 |
| Biomolecules, biomaterials, bioenergy | 4 |
| Bioeconomy | 4 |
| Extraction and separation strategies in bio-industries: evolutions and innovations | 5 |
| Green Line project-3rd stage | 5 |
| S3 at ULiège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech | 30 |
| Biological chemistry and corresponding processes engineering | 6 |
| Practice of natural product chemistry | 4 |
| Chemistry of bioenergy production | 7 |
| Microbial biotechnology – applications | 6 |
| Portfolio (innovative economical activities development) | 2 |
| Green Line project-3rd stage | 5 |
| S3 at Aalto | 30 |
| Surface Chemistry of Bio-based Materials D | 5 |
| Plant resources | 5 |
| Fibre Processes | 5 |
| Textile Fibres D | 5 |
| Characterization of Bio-based Materials (Green Line project-3rd stage) | 5 |
| Introduction to Sustainability in the Bioeconomy | 5 |
At Aalto, students can take additional optional courses, but the ECTS credits are not counted as part of the Bioceb programme.
The fourth semester (S4)
It is dedicated to a Master’s thesis during a research internship, according to the students’ specialisation path and professional plans, leading to a master’s thesis preparation and defence:
- Duration: 4 to 6 months
- Starting period: January or February (depending on the academic calendar of the S3 host university)
- Location and topic: possibility to undertake the internship in any organisation worldwide, subject to the relevance of the project to the Bioceb programme and approval by the academic supervisors.
- Joint Supervision: 1 main supervisor from the S3 host university and 1 co-supervisor from either the S1 or S2 host universities
- Deliverable: Master’s thesis report with a common deadline and defence at the end of June/beginning of July
- Evaluation: examination criteria of each host university apply, but a common joint evaluation procedure is followed by local supervisors.
| University | Course-Unit | ECTS |
| AgroParisTech | Internship | 30 |
| Aalto | Master’s thesis | 30 |
| ULiège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech | Travail de fin d’études - TFE / Thesis in chemistry and bio-industries | 30 |
The internship strengthens the students employability by:
- enabling them to acquire advanced scientific and technical skills, such as functional skills in laboratory training in connection with the biotechnology-based industries worldwide
- developing essential soft skills such as scientific writing, communication, project management and teamwork.
This combination of specialised and transversal competences is particularly valuable for the highly qualified positions targeted by Bioceb graduates.
The Graduation ceremony
Organised shortly after the Induction Week of the new incoming cohort, the Graduation ceremony connects the Bioceb community and inspires newcomers. Bringing together consortium members, graduates, families and, occasionally, alumni, the event combines academic tradition with a warm and festive atmosphere. It is a joyful and emotional celebration, marking the end of the Bioceb adventure.
Updated June 2026