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Study plan for MAMN-KJEM Chemistry, Master's, 2 years, spring 2024

Name of qualification

Master of Science in Chemistry

ECTS Credits

Two years of full-time study, where the normal workload for a full-time student is 60 credits for one academic year.

Language of Instruction

Norwegian and English.

Semester

Autumn (main admission) and spring (supplementary admission).

Objectives and content

Objectives:

The goal of the study is to give the candidate theoretical and practical knowledge in chemistry on a high level, with a special focus on a chosen field of chemistry. Based on this knowledge the candidate should be able to conduct a Master's degree research project in one of the research groups in the department.

The candidate should be able to apply established knowledge, but also be able to participate in the further development of chemistry.

A candidate that completes a Master's programme in chemistry will have experience in presenting results and theories orally and in writing and be trained in finding and evaluating relevant scientific literature.

Content:

The research areas one can choose between for a Master's project cover the whole breadth of the field of chemistry, from theoretical to experimental work. The department has state-of-the art instruments, which ensure that the experimental work will be of high quality (e.g. NMR, UV-, IR-, NIR- and Raman-spectroscopy, MS and x-ray crystallography). The combination of subjects specific to the different research areas will give the candidate a thorough theoretical and practical specialisation that can be applied when conducting the research project in the Master's programme.

Required Learning Outcomes

On completion of the programme the candidate should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

  • can recite facts and discuss theoretical aspects of chemical classes of substances, physical properties, and/or molecular structures at an advanced level
  • is able to explain the theoretical background for choice of methods, and justify the choice of methods used for solving chemical problems in the topic of the Masters thesis
  • is able to explain and discuss theory in chosen topics in chemistry
  • has advanced knowledge in chemistry, especially in the topic of the Masters thesis

Skills

The candidate

  • is able to understand and evaluate scientific problems using chemical literature
  • is able to conduct a research project
  • is able to evaluate existing knowledge in a critical manner, and point to areas where there is a lack of knowledge
  • is able to analyze, interpret, and discuss results achieved in a critical manner using data and theory in chemistry

General competence

The candidate

  • is able to formulate a hypothesis that can be tested and evaluated
  • is able to evaluate methods and chose a method that can lead to new knowledge
  • is able to summarize research results orally and in writing in a precise and scientific manner
  • is able to reflect upon key scientific problems in his/her own and other peoples scientific work
  • demonstrates an understanding of and respect for scientific

values such as openness, precision and reliability

Admission Requirements

The master's program in Chemistry is based on a bachelor degree in Chemistry or equivalent, with at least 70 credits in chemistry and covering at least 3 of the following fields: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry. In addition, the degree must contain at least 10 credits of mathematics.

Bachelor degrees from UiB that qualify:

  • BAMN-KJEM, bachelor degree in chemistry
  • BAMN-NANO bachelor in nanotechnology, including these courses:

KJEM110, KJEM120, KJEM130, KJEM123/ KJEM131 (40 credits). In addition these courses in the

specialization in nanotechnology must be taken: KJEM221, NANO244, NANO161/KJEM210, MAT111.

Bachelor degrees that qualify:

The bachelor in chemistry from these universities:

  • Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (except from the spezialisation Aquaculture)
  • University of Oslo
  • NMBU (Norwegian University of Life Sciences)
  • University of Tromsø
  • NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)
  • Eurobachelor degrees in Chemistry (with Eurolabel)

The Master Programme in Chemistry is not open for citizens residing outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA.

You must also have:

Recommended previous knowledge

The applicant will need to have a completed bachelor´s degree in chemistry. The applicant needs competence in basic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry corresponding to at least 80 ECTS credits (one year study). Furthermore, the applicant needs basic laboratory skills in analytical chemistry and general spectroscopy. Basic knowledge of the natural sciences, specifically basic courses in mathematics and physics, are strongly recommended.

Compulsory units

The master's programme consists of two components: Coursework of 60 credits and an individual research project (master's thesis) of 60 credits.

Courses: Mandatory and elective courses are decided based on the theme of your Master's project.

Master's thesis: KJEM399 Master's thesis in Chemistry of 60 credits. The Master's thesis must be submitted within a deadline at the end of the fourth semester, 20 November or 1 June.

Recommended electives

Elective courses have to be chosen in agreement with the supervisor.

Stipulations regarding progress

The Master's programme in Chemistry is a two year programme. The Master thesis should be submitted within a deadline, normally 1st of June/1st of November.

Study period abroad

You can plan study periods abroad in consultation with your supervisor as a part of the master agreement.

Teaching and learning methods

The Master's thesis is an independently scientific work, under supervision of an academic supervisor.

A combination of teaching methods is used in the various courses, mainly lectures, hands-on laboratory and workshops. You may find more information in the course description.

Assessment methods

Then final step in the programme is an oral examination. The examination is held when the master's thesis is submitted, evaluated and approved.

The most common assessment methods in the courses are written and oral examination. The assessment methods for each course are described in the course description.

Grading scale

At UiB the grades are given in one of two possible grading scales: passed/failed and A to F.

The master's thesis will be graded A to F.

Access to further studies

To be eligible for admission to the Doctoral education (PhD) the candidate must have completed a master's degree.

To qualify for the Doctoral education (PhD) at UiB the average grade for the master's thesis, the Master's degree and the bachelor's degree should be at least C.

In order to get enrolled you have to be granted a fellowship for doctoral training.

Employability

A Master's degree in Chemistry qualifies for professions within for example industry, teaching, management and supervision, and research. Chemists can work within a wide range of employments, and thus are less reliant on employment variations specific sectors than many other subjects. In the last years, many chemists have been employed in the oil sector, sand also in environmental- and Health and Safety laboratories. Chemists are also needed as teachers in the public school system.

Evaluation

The programme will be evaluated according to the quality assurance system of the University of Bergen.

Programme committee

The programme committee is responsible for the academic content, the structure and the quality of the program

Administrative responsibility

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences by the Department of Chemistry holds the administrative responsibility for the programme.