Master's Programme in Chemistry

Start-up Date

Autumn

Objectives / Contents

The aim of the master´s programme in chemistry is to provide a high qualified background of theory and practice in chemistry, with sufficient specialisation in a specific field to enable the completion of a research based master´s project in one of the research groups in the department. This involves both the use of established knowledge in the field and participation in its further development. The specialisations that you can choose between span the whole width of chemical research, from purely theoretical subjects to laboratory based projects. You will be able to choose from a range of modern instruments at the department, which support experimental work of high quality (i.e. high-field NMR, UV-, IR-, NIR, Raman-spectroscopy, MS and X-ray crystallography). The combination of theoretical subjects specified for each field of research gives theoretical and practical experience in areas that are relevant for the master´s project. Completing the program will give you experience in presenting your results and theories both orally and in writing, together with collecting and evaluating scientific literature in relevant fields.

Start-up Date

Autumn

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally have obtained a first degree (bachelor´s degree) in chemistry of at least 3 years' duration, or equivalent. For some countries a 4 years' Bachelor's degree or an MA/MSc degree is required. The degree must include courses equalling at least 1 1/2 years of full-time studies in a subject relevant to that of the programme applied for. At least 2nd Class, upper division, is normally required to be considered for admission. Proficiency in the English language is required. A course in quantitative analytical chemistry equivalent to KJEM250 Analytical chemistry is required, but can be incorporated in the plan for the master´s degree.

Who may apply

Applicants for the Quota Scheme, from the following universities:

Kazan State Technological University, Russia

Makerere University, Uganda

National University of Mongolia

Birzeit University, Palestine

Central South University, Changsha,China
University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

NOTE: The Master Program in Chemistry will not be open to self-financing applicants in the admission for autumn 2012.

Study Period Abroad

For information about exchange study abroad, please contact the student advisor or the supervisor.

The Degree

The master´s programme leads to the degree Master of Science in Chemistry.

Credits

The Master´s programme in Chemistry is a two year programme (120 ECTS credits).

Language of Instruction

English

Start-up Date

Autumn

Objectives / Contents

The aim of the master´s programme in chemistry is to provide a high qualified background of theory and practice in chemistry, with sufficient specialisation in a specific field to enable the completion of a research based master´s project in one of the research groups in the department. This involves both the use of established knowledge in the field and participation in its further development. The specialisations that you can choose between span the whole width of chemical research, from purely theoretical subjects to laboratory based projects. You will be able to choose from a range of modern instruments at the department, which support experimental work of high quality (i.e. high-field NMR, UV-, IR-, NIR, Raman-spectroscopy, MS and X-ray crystallography). The combination of theoretical subjects specified for each field of research gives theoretical and practical experience in areas that are relevant for the master´s project. Completing the program will give you experience in presenting your results and theories both orally and in writing, together with collecting and evaluating scientific literature in relevant fields.

Learning Outcomes

A candidate with a master´s degree in chemistry will have deep, research based knowledge in a specified research field, and extensive experience and understanding of chemical research in general. The candidate is experienced in the independent performance of a research task, which includes the following subtasks:

- Acquiring knowledge about a research topic form the scientific chemical literature
- Formulating a hypothesis that van be proved or disproved
- Making a critical evaluation of the existing knowledge basis and identify areas that need new knowledge or understanding
- Evaluating methods and choosing a methodology that could lead to the required knowledge
- Completing the research task
- Interpreting the results in light of the initial hypothesis
- Presenting the work orally and in writing using the established formats of scientific publication

The candidate will have extensive knowledge within the selected field of specialisation which qualifies for continuing independent work as a chemist and further research specialisation.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must normally have obtained a first degree (bachelor´s degree) in chemistry of at least 3 years' duration, or equivalent. For some countries a 4 years' Bachelor's degree or an MA/MSc degree is required. The degree must include courses equalling at least 1 1/2 years of full-time studies in a subject relevant to that of the programme applied for. At least 2nd Class, upper division, is normally required to be considered for admission. Proficiency in the English language is required. A course in quantitative analytical chemistry equivalent to KJEM250 Analytical chemistry is required, but can be incorporated in the plan for the master´s degree.

Recommended previous knowledge

You will need to have a completed bachelor´s degree in chemistry. You need competence in basic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry corresponding to at least 60 ECTS credits (one year study). Furthermore, you need 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 courses

The master programme consists of 60 ECTS credits courses and 60 ECTS credits master thesis. The total work load is 120 ECTS credits. The programme has no formal specializations, but several thematic areas are defined for master thesis projects:- Analytical chemistry/chemometrics- Nano particles and colloid chemistry- NMR-spectroscopy- Organic synthesis and Pharmaceutical Chemistry- Natural product chemistry- Organic geo chemistry/ petroleum chemistry (included renewable fuels)- Environmental chemistry- Inorganic nano chemistry and catalysis- Molecular modellingThere are no common compulsory courses in the Master Programme in Chemistry, but each thematic area has specified which courses those are necessary for the master project within the field. The supervisor and student agree upon which courses the student should take.

The table shows an example of a master programme in chemistry where the master thesis is distributed in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th term. The distribution of the course units depends on the term the courses are taught: 1.term Course Course Course2.term Course Course Thesis3.term Course Thesis Thesis4.term Thesis Thesis Thesis

Recommended electives

The courses listed under ¿Strongly recommended in master¿ is necessary/compulsory for conducting a master thesis within the thematic area. The supervisor and the student agree upon the rest of the courses. Recommended courses in bachelor degree (recommended prerequisites) are also listed. Analyticalchemistry/chemometrics: Strongly recommended in master: KJEM225, at least one of these courses: KJEM230/KJEM233/KJEM251

Recommended in master: KJEM203, FARM236, KJEM238, MAR352, STAT200

Recommended in bachelor: INF109, MAT121, MAT160, PHYS114, KJEM250 

Nano particles and colloid chemistry:Strongly recommended in master: KJEM214, KJEM220

Recommended in master: KJEM203, KJEM221, KJEM225, KJEM251, KJEM306, KJEM319,

KJEM321

Recommended in bachelor: INF109, MAT121, MAT160, PHYS114, KJEM250, KJEM220,

KJEM140 

NMR-spectroscopy:Strongly recommended in master: KJEM251

Recommended in master: KJEM203, KJEM214, KJEM217, KJEM220, KJEM221, KJEM225,

KJEM230, KJEM306

Recommended in bachelor: MAT121, KJEM251 (master students have priority at KJEM251), KJEM250  

Organic synthesis and Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Strongly recommended in master: KJEM230, KJEM231, KJEM232

Recommended in master: KJEM225, FARM236, KJEM238, KJEM233, KJEM243,

KJEM251, KJEM331, KJEM334, KJEM336

Recommended in bachelor: KJEM231, KJEM232 (master students have priority at KJEM232),

KJEM250

Natural product chemistry:Strongly recommended in master: KJEM230, KJEM238

Recommended in master: KJEM225, KJEM231, KJEM232, KJEM233, KJEM251, FARM236,

MAR352

Recommended in bachelor: KJEM250

Organic geo chemistry/ petroleum chemistry (included renewable fuels):Strongly recommended in master: KJEM203, KJEM230, KJEM231

Recommended in master: KJEM202, KJEM225, KJEM232, KJEM233

Recommended in bachelor: GEOV101, GEOV109, KJEM230(master students have priority at

KJEM230),KJEM250

Environmental chemistry:Strongly recommended in master: KJEM202, KJEM230

Recommended in master: KJEM225, KJEM233, GEOF236, GEOF336, MAR352

Recommended in bachelor: MAT121, PHYS114, STAT101/110, KJEM250

Inorganic nano chemistry and catalysis:

Strongly recommended in master: KJEM243,KJEM244Recommended in master: KJEM220, KJEM230, KJEM231, KJEM232,KJEM251,KJEM214

Recommended in bachelor: MAT121/STAT110, NANO160

Molecular modelling: Strongly recommended in master: KJEM220, KJEM221/PHYS201

Recommended in master: KJEM225, KJEM321, KJEM322, MAT261, MAT260

Recommended in bachelor: INF109, MAT121, MAT160, MAT212, KJEM220, KJEM140

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

For information about exchange study abroad, please contact the student advisor or the supervisor.

Teaching methods

The master project will be conducted under supervision of an academic supervisor. Supervisor(s) shall give advice on formulation and demarcation of subjects and problem approaches for the thesis, literature, subject contents, tasks and progress plan. Please find the teaching forms for each course unit in the course description.

Assessment methods

The final assessment is an oral master degree examination which will be conducted after submission and approval of the master thesis. Please find the assessment methods for each course unit in the course description.

Grading scale

The master thesis will be graded with the marks A-F. The grading for each course is described in the course unit description.

Further studies

A Master´s degree in Chemistry may qualify for Ph.D.-studies within the field. To be qualified for admittance at UiB, the average grade for the chemistry specialisation at bachelor level and the Master´s degree must be C or better. Ph.d. students are normally given a 3 or 4 year employment contract after applying for a position.

Professional Prospects

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 master programme will continuously be evaluated according to the guidelines for quality assurance at UiB.

Please find more information about evaluating of course units in the course description.

Programme committee

The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the programme. Contact information: post@kj.uib.no

Contact information

Department of Chemistry is responsible for the programme. For questions, please contact the student advisor at the department: Studierettleiar@kj.uib.no