Chemistry
Summary
| Degree | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) |
|---|---|
| Subject group | Natural Sciences and Computer Sciences |
| Standard program duration | 6 semesters |
| Admission requirements |
none
|
| Start of studies |
Winter semester
|
| Language | German |
| Further information | Website of Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology |
| Department | Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology |
Overview
Chemical products can be found everywhere in our everyday life: medicines, cosmetics, storage media, plastics – chemists are involved in everything. They investigate the structure and properties of substances, experiment with compounds, and explore innovative application areas.
The Bachelor’s degree program in Chemistry is composed of the following courses:
- chemistry (general, analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry)
- methods of structure determination
- mathematics and physics
- toxicology and law
- technical chemistry
- bio-organic chemistry
- compulsory electives and internships.
Most of the compulsory courses are accompanied by laboratory internships. With the associated seminars, these comprise almost 50% of the attendance time during the Bachelor’s degree program. More than 75% of the time at the university is allotted to teaching and internships in the field of chemistry.
A special feature of the Chemistry Bachelor’s degree program at TU Dortmund University is the opportunity, particularly in technical chemistry, to gain insight into the processes used by the chemical industry and the large-scale implementation of reactions developed on a laboratory scale. Also, in bio-inorganic chemistry, students learn about the properties of biomolecules such as proteins, peptides, oligonucleotides, and nucleic acids and how they can be used to carry out reactions, for example, to create new products. The Bachelor’s degree program concludes with a Bachelor’s thesis, a first scientific paper.
Skills and knowledge
There are no requirements for prior knowledge or internships in chemistry, since all the basics are covered in the program. However, the more chemical and biochemical knowledge a student comes with, the easier it will be to get started. In mathematics and English, on the other hand, basic knowledge is required. At the least, it is assumed that students will be able to read and understand scientific publications written in English no later than the end of the Bachelor’s program.
In general, this course of study requires enthusiasm for chemistry as well as for experimentation. Besides that, students should bring to the program a capacity for teamwork, perseverance, motivation, joy in learning, and an independent way of working.
To help students prepare for the program, the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology offers a preparatory course in the last two weeks before studies commence in the winter semester. Here the chemical and mathematical material taught in high school will be recapitulated.
Field of activity
Chemists have a wide range of career options, for example in the following areas:
- innovative materials (e.g., plastics with special properties)
- active substances to fight diseases
- additives (e.g., flame retardants, softening agents, light screening agents)
- development of novel renewable raw materials
- computer technology products and microelectronics products
- media for storage of energy, information, etc.
- development of sustainable products
- development of new tests, measurement methods, and measurement devices
- …
Chemists can work not only in research and development, but also in areas such as application technology, process optimization, quality management, chemical analysis, product management, sales, marketing, intellectual property, documentation, organization, corporate communications, public relations, business consulting, insurance, and pharmaceutical consulting.
The Bachelor’s degree qualifies graduates for professional life. Most, however, pursue a Master’s degree and often a doctoral degree.
Additional information
A semester or year abroad is quite possible, particularly in the Master’s phase. Here no more mandatory courses need to be completed, only elective courses within certain basic guidelines. During the stay abroad, students can take courses, carry out a research internship, or complete the Master’s thesis.