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M.Sc. Chemistry

Master Chemistry

Brief Info

Structure

The aim of the program is to provide students with detailed knowledge of advanced principles, concepts and theories of chemistry and chemical research, as well as to enable students to work independently in the field of research and development.

Individual priorities can be set by choosing one of the three profile lines "Materials Chemistry", "Synthesis Chemistry and Catalysis" and "Sustainable Chemistry and Digitalization" within a given framework. These  complement the basic modules, which cover the in-depth study of the fundamental areas of chemistry.

Study schedule of the master's degree program in chemistry

Study Content

A total of 120 CP are acquired during the master's program.

Of these, 50 CP are covered by the basic modules. The basic modules include theory modules (25 CP) from the fields of inorganic and organic chemistry, computational chemistry, chemical engineering and physical chemistry. In addition, the module "Scientific Discussion of Current Research Areas" (5 CP), in which two presentations have to be given and which includes an industrial excursion, has to be taken. The modules "Project Work" (10 CP) and "Specialization Practical" (10 CP) deepen the knowledge in practical work and in writing a scientific paper. These courses are carried out under the guidance of university lecturers. The module "Project Work" can be carried out at Chemnitz University of Technology, another research institution or with the participation of an industrial partner.

Another 30 CP are covered by profile line modules. One profile line can be selected from the three profile lines "Materials Chemistry", "Synthesis Chemistry and Catalysis" or "Sustainable Chemistry and Digitalization". Modules can then be selected from the module catalog of this profile line according to specific interests.

In addition to the profile line modules, supplementary modules amounting to 10 CP must be completed. These can be selected from a catalog of interdisciplinary modules. It is also possible to take modules from the module catalog of all profile lines that have not yet been selected.

The Master's degree is completed with the Master's thesis (30 CP).

Study Documents

Timetables

Start of Studies and Orientation

Career Prospects

The majority of chemists decide to pursue a doctorate after completing their Master's degree. According to statstics from the GDCh (German Chemical Society), this share was 86.5 % in 2022. Only 10.8 % enter professional life directly after completing their Master's degree. The chemical industry is the most popular choice, although the rest of the economy and the public sector offer just as many jobs for chemists. Furthermore, it is possible to get a job at a university or other research institutes even without a doctorate.

Industry

  • Improvement of processes
  • Development of new products and processes
  • Marketing and sales
Teaching and
Research

  • University (post-doc, habilitation, professorship)
  • Research institute (e.g. Max Planck Institute, Fraunhofer Institute)
  • Lateral entry into teaching
Public Service

  • Authorities and municipal offices for environmental protection, monitoring, licensing, supply and disposal
Business
Consultancy

  • Development of new strategies
  • Opening up new markets
  • Restructuring
Media

  • Editing in professional and publication journals
  • Review of submitted manuscripts
  • Development of learning and training materials

 

Information was taken from an article about the career opportunities of a chemist by the GDCh.

PhD

The majority of people who complete their chemistry degree go directly to a doctoral program. In this case, the university can be maintained, but also changed.

A successful doctorate makes it possible, for example, to take up a post-doctoral position at a university and thus continue to work in the field of research at a university. After the doctorate, it is also possible to enter professional life; the doctoral degree can be a qualification requirement and/or lead to higher starting salaries.

Modules

1. Base Modules (Compulsory Modules) Ʃ 50 CP
2. Profile Line Modules (Elective Modules) Ʃ 30 CP
One of three profile lines must be selected
 
Profile Line "Materials Chemistry" Ʃ 30 CP
Profile Line  "Synthesis Chemistry and Catalysis" Ʃ 30 CP
Profile Line "Sustainable Chemistry and Digitalization"
Ʃ 30 CP
 
3. Supplementary Modules (Elective Modules) Ʃ 10 CP
Non-selected profile line modules can also be selected as supplementary modules.
(Selection independant of the selected profile line)
4. Module "Master-Thesis" (Compulsory Module) Ʃ 30 CP

 

 

According to the study/examination regulations [de] of 16.05.2023.

FAQ

 

Master Under Reserve

If you are writing your Bachelor's thesis at the TU Chemnitz, you can also start your Master's program already if you have completed all modules of the Bachelor's program but have not quite finished your Bachelor's thesis yet. You can study the first semester of the Master's program under reserve, complete your Bachelor's thesis and take Master's modules during this time. To do this, you must apply for the master's program via the SBservice and also apply for conditional enrollment [de] in a master's program.

It is very important that the missing examination (Bachelor thesis) is already registered. With the start of the Master's program, it is no longer possible to register for exams in the Bachelor's program, since you are no longer enrolled in the Bachelor's program. Only registered exams can still be taken.

It is also important to make sure that you do not exceed the deadline for submitting your Bachelor's thesis and that you can only re-register for the next semester in the Master's program once you have submitted your Bachelor's certificate to the Examinations Office.

Further information can be found in the FAQ of the Student Service under point 14 Questions about the transition from Bachelor to Master.

Specialization Practical and Project Work

The specialization practical must be completed at the TU Chemnitz, but for the project work you can find an industrial partner or research institute where you can write the thesis. However, you will still need a professor at TU Chemnitz who will supervise and evaluate the work.

General Information

The most important contact persons are listed below. You can find more detailed information on the page for advice on all aspects of studying.

The TUC-Card is a multifunctional student ID. Among other things, it can be used to make cashless payments in the canteen. It can also be used for cashless payments on the public multifunctional printers [de] of the Chemnitz University .

At the same time, the TUC-Card is the student annual ticket, i.e. a ticket for the public transport in the VMS and in the regional trains of the Deutsche Bahn in the federal state of Saxony. Please note: The Student Annual Ticket is only valid as a ticket for the period printed on it – it is therefore important to re-register and renew the imprint in good time.

Specialist books can be borrowed free of charge from the Chemnitz University Library. The prerequisite for this is a user account, which must be activated in the library before the first use. Many textbooks are also available as online resources in the library catalog. To download these, you must be in the campus network or, if you are outside the TU Chemnitz, you must be connected via VPN.

In addition to textbooks, the university library also provides modern equipped places and rooms for studying and working which invite you to prepare for and follow up on lectures and practicals, alone or together with fellow students.

The Master's program in Chemistry consists of basic, profile line and supplementary modules as well as the module "Master's thesis".

The basic modules are mandatory for everyone and there are no elective options. For the profile line modules, one profile line can be selected from the three profile lines "Materials Chemistry", "Synthesis Chemistry and Catalysis" or "Sustainable Chemistry and Digitalization". Modules for 30 CP can then be selected from the selected profile line module catalog.

The supplementary modules can be selected from a catalog of modules. It is also possible to take modules from the module catalog of all profile lines that have not yet been selected.

When the selected modules take place can be seen in the course catalog [de]. For a better arrangement of which modules are to be taken when, the study schedule, which can be found in the study regulations [de], can be consulted. Of course, it is also possible to complete the modules in a sequence that deviates from the study plan. However, it is important to note that in order to successfully register for exams, other module exams may have to be successfully completed beforehand, thus fulfilling the requirements for participation.

In addition to the compulsory modules, additional examinations can be taken and the grades entered on the certificate upon application. For this purpose, a registration in the Central Examination Office (ZPA) is necessary, on which it is marked that these modules are taken as additional subjects. Before registering for the last module examination, an application must be submitted which lists the completed additional subjects on the certificate. The easiest way is to ask at the registration in the examination office how the registration and the corresponding application should look like.

Start of Studies and Application

The admission requirement for the Master's degree program in Chemistry is a completed Bachelor's degree in Chemistry at the Chemnitz University of Technology or another German university or if a professionally qualifying university degree has been acquired in a program of equivalent content. (see § 3 of the study regulations Master Chemistry [de].

If you have any questions, the student advisor [de] for the chemistry degree program is a good contact person.

You can apply via the application portal of the TU Chemnitz. International applicants can apply via uni-assist. More information about the application can be found on the website of the Student Service.

Since in the master's program the modules are put together by the students themselves, each person can arrange the ratio of theory and practice. Some practical courses are experiments that take a few hours in the lab, while others require several days. The respective professorship can give you further information.

In any case, there are large practical parts in the specialization practical, the project work and the master thesis - the chosen research area determines the proportion of time spent in the laboratory, e.g. for synthesis and analysis, or in front of the computer, e.g. for evaluation or simulation.

Studying with a child is possible. The TU Chemnitz supports this with numerous offers such as childcare or the provision of breastfeeding and changing facilities as well as parent-child rooms and play corners. More information can be found on the TUC family portal. The organisation of everyday study life is carried out in close consultation with the Dean of Studies [de] of the Bachelor’s degree program in Chemistry with the aim of creating individual solutions for students in compliance with the Maternity Protection Act. If you have any questions in advance, the student advisory [de] and the contact person for equal opportunities at the Faculty of Natural Sciences [de] will be happy to help.

Study Costs and Financing

No tuition fees are charged at the state universities in the Free State of Saxony. However, semester fees [de] are unavoidable and are used, among other things, to finance the services of the Student Service Organisation (Studentenwerk), the student culture ticket and the student annual ticket. What other costs arise depends, among other things, on your living conditions or, more generally, on what you expect from your quality of life. The good news is  that Chemnitz is one of the most affordable cities in Germany in terms of rent! The Student Service Organisation (Studentenwerk) also offers inexpensive halls of residence for students.

FFor the first semester, it is also necessary to purchase personal protective equipment. This includes a lab coat, which is 100% cotton, knee-length and long-sleeved, and safety goggles. The lab coat can be purchased at the Institute’s chemical storage for 20 €. Safety goggles are provided by the Institute of Chemistry and will be handed out during the first chemistry practical.

Furthermore, the purchase of a glass breakage insurance can be advantageous, as one may have to procure replacements for destroyed internship equipment (replacement procurement e.g. via the chemical storage).

There are many ways to finance your studies - starting with the BAföG, student loans and scholarships for gifted students. An overview of general financing options can be found on the Student Services page.

Furthermore, there are various scholarships for which you can apply.

Exams

For all test performances – including written examinations, other written papers, practicals, oral examinations and alternative examinations – you must register with the Central Examination Office (ZPA). Exceptions to this rule are creditable academic achievements and prerequisites for admission to the examinations. You can register for examinations from the comfort of your own home via the SBservice; alternatively, this can also be done via a registration form [de]. Further information can be found on the Central Examination Office (ZPA) examination registration [de] pages. When registering, please be sure to note the specified registration periods for examinations [de].

Registration for an examination is always valid for the current semester – if the examination is to be taken in the following semester (e.g. reports on practicals, oral examinations), the exam must be registered for the corresponding semester. If, after registration, the examination date falls in the following semester, a deregistration at the ZPA for the current semester and a registration for the following semester is necessary. Otherwise, the examination counts as failed because it was not taken.

For the awarding of credit points for certain modules, the study regulations still stipulate prerequisites, such as a certified practicals or examinations already taken in advance. Before taking a module, please inform yourself about these requirements in the study regulations [de]. In general, you will also receive information about the practicals accompanying the lectures in the lecture. When studying according to the intended study plan, adhering to the order of examination achievements is not a problem.

You can register for examinations from the comfort of your own home via the SBservice; alternatively, this can also be done via a registration form [de]. Further information can be found on the Central Examination Office (ZPA) examination registration [de] pages. When registering, please be sure to note the specified registration periods for examinations [de].

Registration for an examination is always valid for the current semester – if the examination is to be taken in the following semester (e.g. reports on practicals, oral examinations), the exam must be registered for the corresponding semester. If, after registration, the examination date falls in the following semester, a deregistration at the examination office for the current semester and a registration for the following semester is necessary. Otherwise, the examination counts as failed because it was not taken.

Whether a test performance (e.g. a practical) is subject to registration as an examination performance can be found in the current study regulations [de]. If a practical is specified as a module examination, it must be registered with the Central Examination Office (ZPA) [de]. Creditable academic achievements and prerequisites for admission to the examinations do not have to be registered with the Central Examination Office (ZPA); however, registration is usually advantageous for the planning and orientation of those responsible for the practical. This can be done during the registration phase of the lecture-related examinations via the SBservice.

Information on registered examinations can be viewed in the "My studies“ of the SBservice. A table with the examinations registered for the respective semester will be displayed. The information "Admitted subject to reservation“ means that prerequisites, such as the completion of a practical accompanying the module, must still be fulfilled before taking the examination. More detailed information on this can be found in the study regulations [de]. If the reservation still exists a few days before the examination date, it is advisable to ask the responsible professorship for the preliminary work at the latest.

Admission subject to reservation means that prerequisites, for example the completion of a practical accompanying the module, must still be fulfilled before taking the examination. More detailed information on this can be found in the study regulations [de]. If the reservation still exists a few days before the examination date, it is advisable to ask the responsible professorship for the preliminary work at the latest.

The examination date and location are set by the professorship and are published in the examination schedule a few weeks before the central examination period.

The date for oral examinations is usually set in consultation with the examinees. You can register for oral examinations outside the official registration period. It is advisable to register early. You should have registered at least one week before the oral examination. You must bring an examination protocol with you to the examination, which can be obtained via the SBservice under the heading "My studies“.

For most written examinations, registration is only possible during the registration period [de] published by the Central Examination Office (ZPA). The registration period for such examinations in the central examination period usually begins at the beginning of December or the beginning of June and extends over two weeks.

You can register for the examination in the SBservice in the section "My studies“ under "Information on registered examinations“. If the note "Admitted subject to reservation“ is listed, this means that prerequisites, for example the completion of a practical accompanying the module, still have to be fulfilled before taking the examination. More detailed information on the requirements can be found in the study regulations [de].If the reservation still exists a few days before the examination date, it is advisable to ask the responsible professorship for the preliminary work at the latest.

For the examination itself, in addition to the approved aids, the TUC-Card must be brought along for identification purposes.

You can also register for oral examinations outside the official registration period. It is advisable to register early. You should have submitted your registration no later than one week before the oral examination. You must bring an examination protocol with you to the examination, which can be obtained via the SBservice in the section "My studies“.

In addition to the examination protocol, you must also bring your TUC-Card for identification purposes.

Registration is required if the practical is defined as a module examination in the module description. Registration should take place before the start of the practical.

Yes, otherwise the exam counts as failed because it was not taken. Examinations can be cancelled at the Central Examination Office (ZPA) up to one week before the examination date without stating reasons. This can be done via the SBservice or by using a deregistration form [de].

Outside this deadline, deregistration from the examination is only possible in the case of illness or other valid reasons. For this purpose, the forms for withdrawal from examination enrollment provided by the Central Examination Office (ZPA) must be filled out and sent to the ZPA. It is helpful to additionally submit the application for withdrawal from the examination enrollment to the chairman of the Examination Board [de].

You can withdraw from the examination at the Central Examination office (ZPA) up to one week before the examination date without stating reasons. This can be done via the SBservice or by using a deregistration form [de].

Withdrawal within less than one week before the start of the examination, e.g. due to illness, is possible. For this, a justified application for withdrawal from examination enrollment [de] must be submitted to the Central Examination Office (ZPA). It is helpful to additionally submit the application for withdrawal from the examination enrollment to the chairman of the Examination Board [de].

If you are or become ill on the day of the examination, you must declare to the Central Examination Office (ZPA) that you are withdrawing from the examination as soon as possible. The withdrawal must be justified in writing and the reasons must be proven. A medical certificate [de] must be filled out and submitted to the ZPA. Please use the form for withdrawing from examination enrollment provided by the ZPA for withdrawing from the examination; otherwise the ZPA might not accept the certificate.

The examination supervisor or the examiner must be informed of any illness during the examination and a justified withdrawal together with a medical certificate must be submitted to the ZPA as soon as possible. It is important that the examiner is informed of this at the latest when the examination is handed in and that a doctor is consulted on the same day and that this is documented.

In the case of oral examinations, in addition to informing the ZPA, it is also advisable to notify the professor or call the professor's office.

Practicals: In the case of practicals that are an examination performance, it is usually not necessary to notify the ZPA, since an alternative date or a longer processing time can often be arranged with the person responsible for the practical. A medical certificate must be presented to the person responsible for the practical. If an individual appointment is made, the person responsible for the practical must be informed immediately.

If you fail an examination, it may be useful to inspect the examination. Formally, the examination regulations provide for a maximum period of one year for this – however, most examiners announce individual dates when the examinations can be viewed and existing questions can be clarified.

The failed examination must be repeated within one year. Registration for the re-examination or repeat examination is done normally via the Central Examination Office (ZPA). If the exam is not passed for the second time, there is a third attempt. This must be taken at the next possible opportunity, i.e. as soon as the exam is offered again. At the third attempt, the examination must be assessed by two independent examiners.

Failure of the third attempt results in the module examination being deemed „definitively failed“, which also means that the Bachelor examination is deemed „definitively failed“. More details can be found in the examination regulations [de].

IT Matters

For most technical problems, the University Computer Centre (URZ) is a competent contact person. The most important information for students can be found on the URZ FAQ page. An introductory lecture on the services of the URZ as a video [de] (as of 2021) also helps with initial orientation.

For each year group, the Student Representatives (FSR Chemistry) creates a mailing list [de], which is used to distribute all important information about chemistry studies. All participants in the orientation phase of the FSR can be added to the corresponding mailing list by filling out a form. All others please write an email to the FSR Chemistry to be added to the mailing list. The mailing lists follow the pattern chJJ@tu-chemnitz.de.

At the Straße der Nationen, where most chemistry events take place, there are three computer pools; at the Reichenhainer Straße there are six computer pools available. An overview of the exact locations and current usage can be found on the University Computer Centre’s (URZ) training pools [de] page . Please also pay attention to the notices on the doors so as not to disturb any courses.

Special Features of the Chemistry Degree

Since the chemistry degree program has a high practical component, the acquisition of personal protective equipment cannot be avoided. This includes a lab coat and protective goggles. The lab coat must be made of 100% cotton, and it must also be knee-length and long-sleeved. Safety goggles and lab coats can be purchased at the Institute’s chemical storage for 20 €. The protective equipment can – when not in use – be stored in a locker. These can be rented for a deposit of 15 €, and are usually available to a single student.

Lab coats and safety goggles can be stored in the Institute’s lockers. These can be rented for a deposit of 15 €, and are usually available to a single student. Contact the chemical storage for further information.

A glass breakage insurance can be advantageous, as you may have to obtain replacements for destroyed laboratory equipment (replacements can be obtained, for example, from the chemical storage. This can be part of a liability insurance; sometimes special laboratory insurances are also offered.

At the beginning of the winter semester, there is a compulsory safety briefing for each semester – the exact dates are communicated by mail. In addition, there are separate safety briefings for many practicals, which are also obligatory for participation in the respective practical. Information on those are provided in the lectures or seminars accompanying the practical or via e-mail.