Chemistry, Master's, 2 years

Chemistry is the central, creative science. The chemical science is a framework for understanding, harnessing and shaping our material world. Chemistry takes place everywhere, and chemical knowledge is needed for: 

• progress in modern medicine 
• tackling global and local environmental issues 
• developing new, functional materials and products 

More information below

Foto/ill.:

Utdanningsavdelingen, UiB

In the master’s programme, you obtain detailed insight into chemical principles, compounds, materials and processes. You will acquire advanced knowledge and practical skills within selected topics and experimental techniques. You will become qualified for work in a range of sectors, including the health sector, quality control laboratories, food, paint, petroleum, process and pharmaceutical industry, public agencies, research and education, to name but a few.  

The department has state-of-the art instruments. This ensures appropriate tools for your research and that you get trained in the use of instrumental techniques. This is relevant also from the perspective of to-be employers. You conduct a master's project in one of the research groups in the department.

Career

Chemists can work within a wide range of sectors and are less reliant on employment variations than many other occupations. 

Our alumni work in: 

• The health sector 
• A wide range of industries (petroleum, chemicals, metals, aquaculture, food) 
• Public agencies, for instance in environment and food control 
• Quality control laboratories 
• Education and research 
• Management and supervision 

7 out of 10 of alumni with a degree from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences say that they have found relevant work within two years of graduating.   

With a master’s degree, you can also continue in academic research by pursuing a PhD, which will qualify you for research and teaching. 

Structure

The master's programme covers two academic years (four semesters). Main admission is in the autumn, with supplementary admission in spring.  

The programme consists of courses worth 60 ECTS and a master's thesis worth 60 ECTS.  

1st semester: 3 courses worth 10 ECTS each 

2nd semester: 2 courses worth 10 ECTS each, thesis work 

3rd semester: 1 course worth 10 ECTS, thesis work 

4th semester: KJEM399 Master's Thesis in Chemistry  

Courses are decided based on the theme of your master's thesis. There are many courses and combinations to choose from in cooperation with your supervisor. 

List of elective courses.

Academic life

The Department of Chemistry is in the Science building in the University’s city centre campus.  

The master’s programme offers about 18 hours of lectures, hands-on laboratory and workshops each week. In addition, you will spend time reading, writing assignments and working on your master’s thesis. 

Some courses are mandatory, some are elective and can be chosen with the guidance of your supervisor.  

For your master’s project, you can choose a topic from the wide field of chemistry and attack your topic using an experimental or a theoretical approach, or a combination of the two. You can synthesize new compounds, materials or fuels, discover and characterize new natural compounds, develop new instrumental protocols or new algorithms for computational design of novel molecules with desired properties, and much more in modern chemistry.  

You will be invited to join a relevant research group where you can attend events, discuss and learn more about current research in your chosen field. 

What will I learn?

With a master’s degree in Chemistry, you: 

• can apply modern research methodology 
• can explain the theoretical background for choice of methods, and justify the choice of methods used for solving chemical problems in the topic of your master’s thesis 
• can explain and discuss theory in chosen topics in chemistry 
• have advanced knowledge in chemistry, especially in the topic of your master’s thesis  
• can apply chemistry to analyze real-world problems 

Full list of learning outcomes 

Study period abroad

You can plan study periods abroad in consultation with your supervisor. 

How to apply

Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:

• We are currently not able to receive applications from citizens from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA
• Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA (application deadline 1 March)
• Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway (application deadline 15 April)

You will also have to meet the programme specific entry requirements.

The programme has main admission in fall and supplementary admission in spring (application deadline 1 November), if not all spots have been filled in the fall admission. The spring admission does not apply for applicants from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA.