BSc in Chemistry

Year 1

In the first year of the Chemistry programme, you will be given a broad base in everything to do with molecules. You will also take various mathematics and physics subjects to give you a better understanding of chemical properties. Lab courses are a large part of the first-year study programme. Some of these are done individually, and others in pairs or with a project group. These lab courses follow the themes of the lectures.

• Chemical Analysis 1
• Chemical Analysis Lab
• Structure of Atoms and Molecules
• Biochemistry
• Mathematics
• Chemical Analysis 2
• Essentials of Biochemistry Lab
• Thermodynamics
• Mechanics 1
• Organic Chemistry 1
• Synthesis Lab 1a
• Electricity and Magnetism 1
• Molecular Sciences Lab
• Physical Concepts of Chemical Processes
• Sustainable Chemistry
• Synthesis Lab 1b
• Academic Skills

Year 2

Knowledge of molecules is extended in the second year. You are also introduced to the different branches within chemistry. You learn about organic and inorganic chemistry, broaden your knowledge on thermodynamics and are introduced to quantum mechanics. You also learn a lot about fundamental spectroscopy and take various practicals. As in the first year, the second year is mainly made up of compulsory courses.

• Linear Algebra
• Organic Chemistry 2
• Thermodynamics 2
• DATA: Programming and Statistics
• Mechanics, Electricity, and Magnetism 2
• Crystal Structure
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Quantum Mechanics
• Biochemistry 2
• Synthesis Lab 2
• Data: Techniques and Analysis
• Chemical Bonding
• Panorama Science & Society 1
• Physical Organic Chemistry

Year 3

The third year of the Bachelor's programme in Chemistry is made up almost entirely of electives. This gives you an opportunity to prepare effectively for your Master’s and to choose the direction in which you ultimately wish to take your Chemistry programme. You may choose to learn as much a possible within your field in Chemistry or you could opt for a minor programme (15 to 30 EC) with courses outside of Chemistry. Or you can choose to do an exchange semester abroad.

• Writing about Science
• Academic Skills

Choose one Philosophy course:

• Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics
• Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics

What will you learn

As a Chemistry student you study processes in detail, down to the molecular or even atomic level. To understand molecules or materials, or to create new applications by changing them. In the Chemistry Bachelor's program, you learn to research the molecular world from both theory and practice. Through theoretical lectures, you study different areas of chemistry, such as organic chemistry, physical chemistry or biochemistry. During the course of your studies, you can choose in which direction you want to specialise. In addition, you will learn the mathematical and physical concepts that are important to investigate and predict molecular processes. Because the world on the nanometer scale can only be studied experimentally, you receive extensive training in the practicalities of chemistry. For example, so that you understand the techniques for studying materials - such as lasers or magnetic fields - in detail. And of course an important part of your studies takes place in the lab; through experiments you get to know and study chemical reactions.

Credits:180 ECTS

What will you learn?

As a Chemistry student, you study processes in detail, down to the molecular or even atomic level. To understand molecules or materials, or to create new applications by changing them. In the Chemistry Bachelor's program, you learn to research the molecular world from both theory and practice. Through theoretical lectures, you study different areas of chemistry, such as organic chemistry, physical chemistry, or biochemistry. During the course of your studies, you can choose in which direction you want to specialize. In addition, you will learn the mathematical and physical concepts that are important to investigate and predict molecular processes. Because the world on the nanometer scale can only be studied experimentally, you receive extensive training in the practicalities of chemistry. For example, so that you understand the techniques for studying materials - such as lasers or magnetic fields - in detail. And of course, an important part of your studies takes place in the lab; through experiments, you get to know and study chemical reactions.

With a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, you can advance to several Master's specializations in Molecular Sciences. Or you can get your teaching qualification in chemistry by doing a Master's in Education (Dutch only).

After your studies

As a Chemistry graduate you can get straight down to work after finishing your studies as there is virtually no unemployment among chemists. Companies are constantly seeking young talent and the education sector is in desperate need of teachers. After graduating as a chemist, you can continue doing research at a company or a university. You could also go in another direction, such as obtaining your first-level teaching qualification or work as consultant or manager.

Possible occupations

• Researcher (fundamental or applied) at universities
• Researcher at research institutes and R&D departments at companies
• Teacher in secondary school or higher education
• Manager in technological environment
• Consultant (including in ICT)

Continue with a Master's

With a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, you can advance to several Master's specialisations in Molecular Sciences. Or you can get your teaching qualification in chemistry by doing a Master's in Education (Dutch only).

Molecular Sciences

• Chemistry of Life
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Molecular Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry

Society/management specialisations

You can choose to combine one of the research specialisations above with a societal/management specialisation. The first year of your Master's will consist of your research curriculum, and in your second year you can shift to one of the 1-year specialisations below.

Educational Master's

The Master's in science education combines chemistry subjects, didactics and internships, which trains you to become a qualified teacher in secondary or higher education.

• Educatie in de Bètawetenschappen (in Dutch)

Put your studies to work!

To prepare you for finding a job, Radboud University offers various forms of job market orientation, so that you can prepare for your future during your studies. Career Service Science assists students and young alumni with their journey into the job market. You can contact them for help with job orientation, application tips, and information about internships and vacancies. Furthermore, students organise the BBB Career Event each year, the ideal place for students and employers to meet.

• Science, Management and Innovation
• Science in Society