Chemistry

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  Motivation
  Life consists of the transformation of substances; with the help of sunshine as a source of energy a plant transforms carbon dioxide into an almost unbelievable number of refined materials and assembles them into a beautiful flower or a practical grain of wheat. Chemistry is the science of the transformation of substances. The contributions by this science to the well-being of our society are immense – be it drugs, plastics or new materials. But the greatest challenges are still waiting for future generations, for you! We are looking for molecules that heal illnesses that were incurable up to now, molecules (or nano particles) that are able to transform sunlight into electricity or hydrogen in a way that is ecologically and economically acceptable, substances that light up our rooms with little energy and no mercury, or that allow us to have even more beautiful smartphone displays, and much more. Chemists are the magicians who have the knowledge and possess the skills to understand the structure and properties of materials and to connect atoms to form new materials.

  Learning outcomes
  In the bachelor's course you gain a decisive introduction to the knowledge and, more importantly, the skills mentioned above. You will learn why atoms join together to form molecules – about the nature and diversity of chemical bonds and the chemical elements, and how they are related to the properties of substances. In the laboratory you will learn to plan and realise chemical experiments, synthesise new materials and determine their structure. You will also learn to handle chemical substances practically, without danger.
  Chemistry is not only knowledge; it is also a craft. You will therefore spend an important part of your time in laboratories learning to determine the structure of a material concretely (analysis), synthesise new substances (preparative chemistry), measure the properties of substances with the help of instruments that are more and more efficient (physical chemistry) or even understand and predict properties with the help of theoretical methods (computational chemistry).
  Chemistry does not stand alone, it uses mathematical tools and has synergies with biology and physics that are becoming increasingly close. For this reason, during the first academic year, you will learn these subjects too, both theoretically and practically.

  Academic and professional openings
  The bachelor programme qualifies you for a number of professions. The majority of students, however, decide to pursue a master programme. In either case the most important employers are the pharmaceutical, chemical or food industries, companies that build, sell and maintain chemical, analytical or scientific instruments, and regulatory and administrative authorities. Some graduates pursue «non-classical» careers, for example, for an IT company. One highly competitive and interesting possibility would be to gain a master's degree and a doctorate and aspire to an academic career in research and education.

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Minor study programmes to be chosen