Master of Science in Chemistry

Specializations

• Chemical Theory, (Bio-)Molecular Design and Synthesis offer a thorough education in the design and synthesis of organic molecules and polymers, in which medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, and structural analysis feature prominently. In addition, advanced courses in theoretical and quantum chemistry are provided.
• Analytical and Environmental Chemistry covers a whole range of analytical techniques including advanced chromatography, elemental and isotope analyses, nutrient and organic pollutant analysis. Examples of studies include natural and disturbed processes in water, sediments, and the atmosphere. A variety of analytical techniques are used, and new sampling and measuring techniques are designed, tested, refined, and optimized.

Subject knowledge in chemistry and related fields

• MA1. The Master has advanced theoretical and practical knowledge and insight in the main basic disciplines of chemistry including physical, organic, and analytical chemistry, and in applied domains, including environmental and polymer chemistry.
• MA2. The Master has specialized and in-depth knowledge of the latest developments in at least one specialist area in chemical science.
• MA3. The Master has knowledge of the basic principles and technical aspects of industrial chemical processes.
• MA4. The Master has practical knowledge of the hazards that are associated with experimental chemistry and understands and can apply corresponding safety measures.

Chemistry-related cognitive skills

• MA5. The Master can search in a target-directed manner for relevant international literature using recent information technology resources to compose a ‘state of the art’ in a specific chemical domain and can collect and critically interpret published data and formulate conclusions from these sources.
• MA6. The Master can function in a professional scientific environment in an independent and responsible manner.
• MA7. The Master's student can formulate research questions and design or select appropriate scientific methods and techniques to solve complex and unfamiliar or unexpected problems.
• MA8. The Master is familiar with the principles of sustainable chemistry and can function accordingly.
• MA9. The Master has developed an attitude of lifelong learning and follows the evolution of knowledge in chemical and environmental sciences.
• MA10. The Master is familiar with the multidisciplinary nature of chemical sciences and can critically assess existing and new developments in these domains.

Chemistry-related practical skills

• MA11. The Master can conduct advanced laboratory procedures and use state-of-the-art instrumentation in synthetic and analytical work.
• MA12. The Master's student can independently perform original research in a chemical domain, through creative design and planning of research methodology or simulations, and through the generation and interpretation of novel relevant data.

Generic scientific skills and competences

• MA13. The Master can report to a specialized and non-specialized public, both orally and in writing (incl. proper referencing), and can use these skills in transferring discipline-related know-how.
• MA14. The Master has a high sense of accuracy, motivation, and perseverance and can function in an international multidisciplinary team in a professional and responsible way.
• MA15.The Master has insight into the importance of chemistry for the environment and society.

Separate Learning outcomes for the three profiles:

• MA16 (profile research): The Master demonstrates a thorough insight into the newest research developments of several subdomains in chemical science and can use this knowledge to design innovative research.
• MA17 (profile industry): The Master has knowledge of the basic concepts used in the chemical industry and can function in an industrial environment.
• MA18 (profile education): The Master knows and can use recent didactic tools to transfer basic chemical knowledge and concepts to students.

After graduation students can continue their academic careers as a PhD researchers.

Did you know that Belgian companies are constantly searching for chemists? In Belgium, chemists are among the best-paying jobs. The Master in Chemistry prepares you for an interesting career in one of the most research-intensive and growing sectors worldwide. Graduates work in a wide range of areas: in research, production, laboratories, sales, and management. A number of chemists work in government labs, in food safety and research, production of drinking water, waste management, and many other environmental aspects. In medical labs, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical industry there is also a growing need for chemists.

The profile Industry prepares you for a career in both technical and business aspects of chemistry (e.g. as a Quality Assurance Officer, Technical Director, Project Manager, etc.). The profile Research opens the way to a scientific career, focused on research at universities (Ph.D. research), institutes or even industry (e.g. as a Pharmaceutical R&D manager, Compound Development Team Leader, Expert Analytical Development, etc.).

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