Chemistry M.Sc.

 

In this program there is overlapping specifically with physics and the life sciences. Compared to numerous programs at other universities which are already geared to special areas in chemistry as their names suggest such as business chemistry, biochemistry and so on, the program at RWTH aims to provide graduates with a broad education which allows for a widespread specialization at a later point in time.

 

Degree Content

The Master’s program in chemistry builds on the Bachelor’s program and serves to deepen specialized chemistry knowledge in theory and practice. The program is four semesters long; the fourth semester is set aside to prepare the Master’s thesis.

The Master’s program offers four concentrations that coincide with the chemistry research concentrations at RWTH. The four concentrations are:

• Bioactive compounds and synthetic methods (SYN)
• Catalysis (CAT)
• Materials and mesoscopic systems: solid state, polymers and nanostructures (MES)
• Computer chemistry and spectroscopy (COS)

Any two of these four concentrations can be selected. In every concentration and in addition to the lectures to attend, a research internship has to be completed. The latter is carried out in a working group on a current research topic in the respective concentration. Here, the goal is to impart independent research planning and the ability to conduct experiments independently.

Additional RWTH courses that are not part of the Bachelor or Master’s chemistry programs can be taken as electives. They should enable students to deal with unrelated issues appropriately at an academic level.

 

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for admission to the program is an initial university degree. The required academic background is described in the exam regulations. The determination on whether or not the admissions requirements are met is made by the examination board.

 

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Master’s program have the option of doing their doctorate. The Master’s degree and, in particular, the Ph.D. are starting points for careers in the chemical industry and in numerous other branches.

 

Module Handbook and Examination Regulations

The module handbook provides a description of all modules of a degree program and offers a comprehensive insight into the program contents.

The examination regulations are comprised of legally binding provisions on learning objectives, prerequisites for study, the course structure and processes, and examination procedures.

Regulations that generally apply to all Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, including information on language proficiency requirements, can be found in RWTH's General Examination Regulations. These general regulations are further specified and complemented by the subject-specific examination regulations.

If two examination regulations are valid for a degree program during a transition phase, the most current version shall apply to students enrolling in the program for the first time.

Please note that only the German examination regulations are legally binding.

Module Handbook
Subject Specific Examination Regulations
RWTH's General Examination Regulations

 

Faculty

The Chemistry Master's program is offered by the Chemistry Department in the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences.