Master in Chemistry

Master's Programme in Chemistry

Umeå University offers a two-year Master programme in Chemistry given in English with three profiles:

• Environmental Chemistry,
• Medicinal Chemistry,
• Protein Chemistry.

The chemistry programme aims to provide knowledge and skills for solving and critically assessing chemistry-related problems. You will learn how to compile, analyze, critically review, and present scientific texts and your own data.

The first year include three in-depth courses that cover tools and theories in modern chemistry that bring you to a level required for the following profile courses. The training provided in these courses primarily focuses on advanced instrumental methodologies for chemical analysis, and modelling and interpretation of physico-chemical and biochemical phenomena. These courses also offer intense laboratory training to prepare you well for more advanced courses and work towards your Master´s thesis in the second year.

The Master´s project is a research project completed under the guidance of a supervisor, defended in public, and by a written thesis. The programme is open for autumn or spring intake.

Teaching

The Master’s Programme in Chemistry comprises four semesters (2 years), 120 credits. As a student you will have the choice to direct your training towards one of the following profiles: Environmental Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or Protein Chemistry.

The first year starts with three compulsory courses; 1) Chemical Toolbox, 2) Biophysical-Chemical Concepts, and 3) Chemometrics and Computational Chemistry. The theory underpinning the courses is delivered via lectures, tutorials and case studies. The training also includes intense laboratory work to gain experimental experience and knowledge.

You will work both individually (for optimal individual progression) and in groups (for team working experience) in all parts of the programme, during which you will also develop your skills in presenting research through oral and poster preparations, and written reports.

The Master’s programme ends with work on an independent project that will be reported orally and in a written thesis. Relevant projects aimed to give insight into the research world will be selected and supervised by senior researchers. You will be given the opportunity to think critically, as well as to identify, define and hopefully solve a problem of chemical nature.

Degree and career

With a Master of Science degree in Chemistry from Umeå University you will be well prepared for postgraduate studies. The training also provides a good basis for a national or international career in the chemical industry, related industries or the public sector.