Master's Programme in Chemistry

Chemistry is a discipline with a broad range of specialisations, spanning fundamental and applied approaches. The aim of the programme leading to a general Master’s degree in Chemistry is to offer the opportunity to pursue advanced studies based on individual interests. Among the fastest-growing areas of work are those with a scientific character that border on other fields within the natural sciences, such as biology, medicine, and physics. At the University of Gothenburg, there are excellent opportunities to focus Master’s studies in Chemistry on such interdisciplinary areas. Examples include studies on the structure of matter, atmospheric and oceanic processes, and surface reactions. Students graduating from the Chemistry programme can continue with doctoral studies at the university. Others enter the private sector or the public sector. The primary aim of the Master’s programme is to provide an education that is competitive for highly qualified professional work. The University of Gothenburg offers a broad yet specialised range of courses in Chemistry to meet society’s demands for relevant chemical knowledge.

A Bachelor's degree in Science with a minimum of 90 credits in chemistry, or equal qualifications. Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The programme leads to a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Chemistry.

The programme follows the Bologna model with 180 + 120 higher education credits (3 + 2 years). The 120-credit Master’s programme (years four and five) completes the education and provides the opportunity for specialization in various areas: specialized courses in chemistry such as analytical chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and medicinal chemistry as well as broadening studies within other natural sciences.

The programme consists of courses and a degree project in the combinations 60+60 credits, 75+45 credits, or 90+30 credits. Normally, courses are taken during the first year and the degree project is completed during the second year, although adjustments to this order can be made when necessary. The degree project generally aligns with the chosen specialization in chemistry.

Second-cycle education shall involve a deepening of knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to first-cycle education and shall, in addition to the requirements for first-cycle studies:

• further develop the students ability to independently integrate and apply knowledge

• develop the students ability to work with complex phenomena, scientific questions, and situations

• prepare the students for professions that demand a high degree of independence, as well as for research and development roles

For a Master’s degree, the student should:

• within the main field of study be able to make assessments with consideration of relevant scientific, societal, and ethical aspects, and be aware of ethical aspects of research and development work

• be able to critically, independently, and creatively identify and formulate scientific questions

• be able to plan and, using modern methods, perform qualified tasks that contribute to knowledge development, and to evaluate the outcomes 
• possess the skill required to participate in research and development work or to independently perform other qualified tasks

• be able to develop a scientific approach to the subject and demonstrate insight into the potential and limitations of science methods

• be able to clearly present and discuss their conclusions orally and in writing

• be able to apply a developmental perspective to their own competence and independently assume responsibility for project management within the field

• have knowledge of and preparedness for changes in society, in scientific and technological domains, providing a foundation for independently developing and evaluating new knowledge within the subject area

Local Objectives

For a Master’s degree, the student should:

• be able to make assessments within the main field of study with consideration of relevant scientific, societal, and ethical aspects, and be aware of ethical aspects of research and development work

• be able to critically, independently, and creatively identify and formulate research questions

• be able to plan and, using modern methods, carry out qualified tasks that contribute to the development of knowledge, and be able to evaluate this work

• possess the skills required to participate in research and development work or to independently perform other qualified tasks

• be able to develop a scientific approach to the subject and demonstrate insight into the potential and limitations of science methods

• be able to clearly present and discuss their conclusions orally and in writing

• be able to apply a developmental perspective to their own competence and independently assume responsibility for project management within the field

• have knowledge of and preparedness for changes in society, in scientific and technological domains, providing a foundation for independently developing and evaluating new knowledge within the subject area

Recognition of courses intended to be included in the degree and taken at other national or international universities or higher education institutions is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The programme is offered in English.

Follow-up and evaluation of the programme take place in accordance with the current Policy for Quality Assurance and Quality Development of Education at the University of Gothenburg.

The programme is subject to the study regulations of the University. In addition, specific safety regulations apply to laboratory work.