Materials Chemistry, MSc
Chalmers University of Technology
Key Information
Campus location
Gothenburg, Sweden
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Introduction
Materials Chemistry, MSc
Since the dawn of mankind, materials have defined us, and played a central role in human development. The ages of stone, bronze and iron formed vital parts of our history and now we are entering the nano age.
Using all the tools of chemistry, this master's programme will deepen your understanding of materials, developing and designing them to be lighter, stronger, cheaper, and more durable and environmentally friendly. These are the materials which may come to form the essential building blocks in the next era of humanity.
Centred around organic and inorganic chemistry, polymers and nanotechnology, this programme will train you how to use these tools to tweak molecules and create specific, desired properties. This could include everything from high-temperature, corrosion-resistant materials, to catalysts for chemical processes and vehicle exhausts, or nanomaterials with unique traits for precision-targeted pharmaceuticals.
Materials chemistry could yield untold benefits for all kinds of fields. Biodegradable detergents, solvent-free paints, renewable polymers, polymer-based solar panels and diodes, thermoelectric materials that transform heat to electricity, materials for handling complex emissions from biofuel engines — these are just some of the possibilities that you will investigate.
This master's programme has an emphasis on synthesis, chemical characterisation, physical and chemical properties and applications, and top-down chemical nanomanufacturing. There is also a close connection to industrially relevant materials, including both those in use today, and those likely to become crucial for future developments.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships are a great source of funding for Master's students who are liable to pay tuition fees. Some of these are administrated by Chalmers and others by external institutions. Additional scholarships may be appended to the list and applicants are therefore encouraged to check this webpage regularly.
Please visit the university website for more information.
Curriculum
Compulsory courses year 1
During the first year, the programme starts with four compulsory courses that form a common foundation in Materials chemistry. Each course is 7.5 credits.
- The synthesis, properties, and structure of solid-state materials
- Surface chemistry
- Polymer chemistry and physics
- Advanced analytical chemistry
Compulsory courses year 2
In the second year, you must complete a master's thesis in order to graduate. The thesis may be worth 30 credits or 60 credits depending on your choice. A 60-credit thesis covers the entire second year and no additional courses are taken. A 30-credit thesis covers the last semester and you will take courses during the remaining time.
- Master's thesis
Program Outcome
Credits: 120
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Sweden, and the Gothenburg region, in particular, has cutting-edge research in the characterization, design, and development of new materials. In industry and academia, scientists and engineers in materials science are active in fields ranging from fundamental materials development to the application of materials technology in products and processes. Thus, the job market in Sweden has a continuous need for materials engineers with a sound chemistry background within the Swedish industry, such as automotive, rolling bearings, bioimplants, polymers, surface treatment, paint, packaging materials, pharmaceuticals, nuclear materials as well as hygiene and healthcare products.
Chalmers has connected academic research in all these fields, often together with start-up companies. In addition, sustainable engineering opens up more opportunities such as catalysis, recycling, biodegradable materials, tailored nanomaterials, and corrosion-resistant alloys which can lead you to a career at Chalmers in Sweden or anywhere in the world. Around 30% of the graduated students from Materials chemistry move on to Ph.D. studies, in most cases at Chalmers but also elsewhere.
Some examples of companies where the previous students have found positions include Powercell, AstraZeneca, ESAB, ST1, Emerson, Borealis, Rise, Ringhals Nuclear power, Nouryon, Mölnlycke Healthcare, Elasto Sweden AB, Preem, Tetra Pack, Intellego Technologies, Akzo Nobel, Oxeon, Vinci Technologies, Perstorp, Volvo, Volvo Cars, Alström Power, Inovyn or Adesso Bioproducts.
There are also a large number of graduated students that work as consultants or in different parts of the public sector. Around half of the master thesis work conducted on the programme is done in different research groups at Chalmers and the other half is conducted at, on in connections with, companies and industries primely in the Gothenburg area.