What is sustainable bioproducts?
Understand bio-based resources. Enable your ability to advance the role of renewable resources in a sustainable society. Wood and other lignocellulosic fibers offer a solution to ending our dependence on fossil fuels and other nonrenewable materials. Bioproducts and the Circular Bioeconomy are critical to resolving our current unsustainable lifestyle. This sector is optimistic for future growth nationally and globally in response to the public’s demand for green and sustainable building materials, packaging, and a host of other product areas.
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What will I learn?
Learn how plant-based materials like wood, bamboo, hemp and flax are used and reused for construction and production of consumer goods. The sustainable bioproducts program at Michigan Tech gives you hands-on experience in applying renewable resource technology to create a thriving and global sustainability movement. You’ll study sustainability and put it to use where you are most passionate. This degree is a combination of science, business, and engineering. There are three concentrations available to guide you in the direction of your career.
Bioproducts Business
- business knowledge
- proficiency to work as an entrepreneur or in corporate management
Sustainable Structures
- sustainable building techniques
- use of engineered wood in buildings such as mass timber
Circular Economy
- sustainable manufacturing
- creativity and design
- 3D printing
- economics
- life cycle analysis
Other opportunities
Course Information
Course Plans
Michigan's Emerging Bioeconomy: The Promise and Potential of Our Forests
Learn what the bioeconomy is all about. Mark Rudnicki and others explain what a future in sustainable bioproducts can lead to. Prosperity and sustainability CAN happen together. The time is now.
Creating Materials to Build Sustainable Cities of the Future
Stronger, cleaner, and economic. Researchers create and test sustainable alternative construction materials from the abundant biomaterials forests—including the world’s first cross-laminated timber, made from sugar maple.
Senator Stabenow Visits CFRES to See Progress in Developing New Building Materials
Senator Stabenow began the Timber Innovation Act based on many of the projects and ideas from Michigan Tech. Part of the act involves using mass timber created in CFRES to help combat carbon pollution.
Where do I find jobs?
Graduates find opportunities in the bioproducts industry and government organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture.
Learning goals
- At the completion of this degree students will be able to:
Explain wood anatomy along with the physical and chemical properties of lignocellulosic plants relevant to bio-based materials, energy production and engineered solid wood products. (USLG 1,2,7) - Apply knowledge in biology, chemistry, statistics, and math, needed to understand the nature and application of wood and other lignocellulosic materials. (USLG 2,4,7)
- Apply developed project management and leadership skills gained from experiential learning through the MTU Enterprise program. (USLG 4,5,6)
- Utilize business practices and communicate effectively. (USLG 4,5,8)
- Infer the relevant contexts of sustainability and the role of the circular bioeconomy, in the development of a sustainable society. (USLG 3,4,6,8)
Concentration specific learning goals
Students will be able to:
- Bioproducts Business: Implement business knowledge and proficiency to work as entrepreneurs, or in corporate management.
- Sustainable Construction: Contrast and explain sustainable building techniques, and the use of engineered wood in buildings such as mass timber.
- Circular Economy: Evaluate and apply concepts of circular economy concepts and constituents by learning about sustainable manufacturing, creativity and design, 3D printing, economics, and life cycle analysis.
Tomorrow needs a sustainable future.
