Master's Programme in Chemistry – Physical Chemistry

120 credits

With varied tasks and competitive advantages both nationally and internationally, this could be the program for you. The Physical Chemistry specialization in the Master's Programme in Chemistry is closely linked to world-leading research and gives you in-depth knowledge in important and advanced research areas and modern experimental methods. You will have teachers who are leading experts in areas such as artificial photosynthesis and photocatalysis.

Autumn 2023 Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English

Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English

Uppsala University is an internationally highly ranked university with eight Nobel Laureates, of whom two have been chemists. In particular, chemistry education was given a rating of "excellent" in the latest evaluation of the Center for Higher Education Development.

Choosing a specialisation in Physical Chemistry will allow you to dive into advanced topics in physical chemistry and modern experimental techniques. Some of these topics include solar energy conversion, artificial photosynthesis, photocatalysis, reaction dynamics and electron transfer. Through your studies in Physical Chemistry, you will meet and learn from lecturers and professors who are leading experts in these advanced topics.

During the programme, you can expect to

  • have a personal mentor who helps you prepare for your future career,
  • gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills in advanced physical chemistry, as well as insight into theoretical and computational chemistry methods,
  • be a part of a university with two Nobel prizes in chemistry.

This specialisation is oriented towards fundamental physical chemistry but also includes the physical and chemical foundations needed to take part in the development of new solutions for the sustainable production of energy and fuels. Also included are the theoretical aspects and simulation methods related to, e.g., new materials.

Our research groups have a well-developed cooperation with other institutions and research agencies, which is beneficial for you when choosing a project for the Master's Thesis and making contacts for your future career.

Student profile

You are probably coming directly from your Bachelor's degree or have had a relevant job to strengthen your analytical and experimental skills. You have good practical training working in a lab, as well as a firm theoretical basis and can select relevant methods and stay safe while doing experiments.

You have an analytical mind and are able and willing to express your thoughts through both writing and speaking. A PhD education is a distinct possibility in your future.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Chemistry as the main field of study. After one year of study, it is possible to obtain a degree of Master of Science (60 credits).

Year 1

During the first semester you will study chemistry courses which provide you with the theoretical and experimental skills needed for the subsequent semesters, Some of these courses are common to other specialisations in the Master Programme in Chemistry. The semester ends with a profile course in physical chemistry.

The second semester, you will take courses in different areas of physical chemistry, including photochemistry, catalysis and advanced electrochemistry.

Year 2

The third semester you will have a course in statistical thermodynamics and simulation methods, as well as an advanced course in laser spectroscopy taught by leading experts in the field.

Given the close connection to research, these courses often provide the inspiration for a degree project of 30 credits or 45 credits which ends the programme.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

Instruction takes place in the form of lectures, laboratory work, problem-solving, seminars and projects. Theory and practical work are always interwoven into the courses. In seminars, you present your ideas and discuss a course book or work you have conducted with your classmates, while the teacher usually only moderates the discussion. The aim is to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills which will be required in your future professional development. All students are expected to be active participants in all forms of discussions.

You will participate in seminars, group meetings and other events to prepare you for professional communication in your future career. You will also receive systematic training in oral and written presentations as part of the courses. The ability to communicate well will be very important in your future career.

The lecturers are active researchers who will coach you to adopt a scientific approach in your work, where you will develop the necessary skills to solve problems, think critically and analytically, plan and formulate research problems, and independently carry out the necessary experiments and analyse as well as interpret the results.

The language of instruction is English.

A degree from Uppsala University will give you close connection to excellent and world-leading research and you will have the opportunity to develop a personal contact network.

Surveys have shown that the labour market for chemists with a degree from Uppsala University is excellent, with 97% of those who obtained their degree during the last ten years either employed or undertaking doctoral studies.

A Master of Science in Chemistry from Uppsala University will provide you with many opportunities to build an exciting future career in academia, industry, the public sector, or entrepreneurship. Not only will you gain the knowledge and ability to perform special and advanced tasks in chemistry, but you will also be qualified for positions in many other areas where problem-solving, abstract thinking and analytical ability are required.

Possible career paths can vary, you may work with:

  • Research and development
  • Production processes
  • Analysis of materials
  • Management of safety and legal issues
  • Patenting of inventions
  • Marketing and sales
  • Environmental and sustainability issues
  • Developing new and improved methods for quality control.

The salary in Sweden can vary greatly depending on education level, work task, previous experience, location, sector, etc.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.

Contact

  • For questions about the programme, please contact the programme coordinator:
  • kemimaster@kemi.uu.se
  • For programme-specific information, please contact the study counsellor:
  • master@kemi.uu.se
  • For admissions-related or general information, please contact our applicant support team:
  • masterprogrammes@uu.se

FOLLOW UPPSALA UNIVERSITY ON

facebook
instagram
twitter
youtube
linkedin