Master's Degree in Atomistic and Multiscale Computational Modelling in Physics, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Barcelona, Spain
Master degree
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English, Spanish
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
EUR 19 / per credit *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 19.37 euros per credit (82 euros for students who are not EU nationals and do not currently reside in Spain). Fees for the academic year 2025-2026
Key Summary
In recent years there have been enormous developments in the design of supercomputers. The increase in computing power has opened the door to the study of physical and chemical processes of interest using multiscale models and computer simulation techniques, in terms of the system size (length scale) and the duration of the process (time scale), based on the atomic-molecular elements involved.
This theoretical approach has achieved a high degree of reliability and has become a fundamental tool for analysing and understanding the structure and properties of complex systems and processes. On the other hand, advanced knowledge in computer science, programming and use of management tools and analysis of large amounts of information offer a necessary complement to scientific-technical training in a work and research environment increasingly dominated by computer applications.
The interuniversity master's degree in Atomistic and Multi-Scale Computational Modelling in Physics, Chemistry and Biochemistry has as its main objective to provide specialized training in the use of computational tools to study physical, chemical and biochemical problems in which the structure and properties of matter at the atomic or molecular scale is relevant.
To this end, the students who complete this master's degree will acquire general and specific knowledge of the different theoretical models and simulation techniques necessary to describe a given system, depending on its size and time scale in which the process or property of interest take place. Students will receive training to use the necessary programming tools and knowledge to apply the simulation techniques they have learned, using both standard computer packages and programming the necessary applications.
Applicants to the Interuniversity Master's Degree in Atomistic and Multiscale Computational Modelling in Physics, Chemistry and Biochemistry must be motivated and interested in acquiring knowledge of programming, IT and computational packages for the study of chemical, physical and biochemical problems where the structure and properties of matter at the atomic or molecular scale are relevant.
The master's degree is primarily addressed to graduates in science or engineering with a good level of chemistry, physics and mathematics and a working knowledge of computers and IT. The programme is also open to professionals in related areas wishing to further their knowledge in the field of computational modelling. In all cases, candidates must have a good level of English.
The main objective of the interuniversity master's degree in Atomistic and Multi-Scale Computational Modelling in Physics, Chemistry and Biochemistry is to provide the tools to model processes of chemical, physical or biochemical interest at various size or time scales, from the atomic scale to the mesoscale.
To achieve this goal, students will acquire the knowledge in quantum and statistical mechanics necessary to understand the different families of methods and approaches available according to the spatial and temporal scale. Also, during the practical sessions of these studies, students will become familiar with the practical application of these techniques (using standard computer packages or developing specific applications) and with the computer and programming tools necessary to develop them.
Another objective of this master's degree is to provide the necessary training to be able to work in R&D&I research centres, both in the public and private sectors.
The practical training offered in this master's degree in different fields of computation, programming and data processing constitutes a set of very versatile, general and practical knowledge of interest for many areas of technological development, such as the analysis and modelling of big data, technological management, consulting and audit, or the development of computer applications, among others.
The University of Barcelona consistently ranks among the top institutions nationally, in Europe, and worldwide. Its performance in the most prestigious international rankings reflects excellence in teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and global engagement.
- Ranked 1st nationally in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
- Ranked 1st nationally in the THE (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings
- Ranked 1st nationally and 68th in Europe in the QS World University Rankings
- Ranked 1st nationally and 27th in Europe in the Best Global Universities Rankings
Studying at the University of Barcelona means joining a world-class academic community recognized for its innovation and impact.
An important outcome for the students who complete this master's degree and who are interested in continuing to carry out tasks of research will be the accomplishment of a doctorate in an area of research in which molecular modelling is important. In the BKC and the Barcelona hub, there are different research groups dedicated to computational modelling in different fields of Physics, Chemistry and Biochemistry in which the students will be able to pursue a doctorate. Likewise, they would not have any problem should they continue their doctoral studies in any of the universities of the European Higher Education Area or other continents.
Students who attend and complete this master's degree will be prepared to work in fundamental or applied advanced research, both in public and private R&D&I centres.
Besides, the applied knowledge of scientific models and programs that students will acquire, along with their advanced training in computer science and programming, will offer them the possibility to work in different environments.
Some of them include R&D&I departments and business management units of the technology sector: companies that need to analyse complex control systems and networks, analysis and modelling of big data; pharmaceutical companies; companies dedicated to environment or energy technologies and materials; companies in technology consulting and audit, software development companies, etc.