Program Overview

Master Thesis in Chemistry - MT3900

Course Details

The Master Thesis in Chemistry is a 60-credit course at the second degree level. The language of instruction is English and Norwegian, and the course is located in Trondheim.

Course Content

The master project includes a project work linked to ongoing research activities within the department. During the four semesters, students will be trained to work systematically within a specific field and acquire detailed knowledge through practical work and literature surveys.

Learning Outcome

After completing the course, students should be able to:

• Work analytically and systematically with a given problem
• Specialize in a specific topic within a given research field using scientific methods
• Acquire complementary knowledge through scientific literature and other sources and combine this knowledge with their own results
• Master the implementation of a major independent project, assess their own work, and take necessary action during the project period to achieve the desired results
• Write a final report where the work is described in detail
• Describe, discuss, and assess their own results and compare these to similar scientific work from literature with the aim of giving a thorough scientific explanation of the obtained results

Learning Methods and Activities

All students doing their master's thesis at the Faculty of Natural Sciences should conclude an agreement regarding counseling. The standard contact period with the supervisor(s) is 50 hours. Any contact between supervisor(s) and student beyond this depends on the supervisor(s) choice of supervision methodology. It is expected that the student works independently beyond the standard contact period.

Evaluation

The oral examination must take place within 1 month after the master's thesis has been submitted. The oral examination is used to evaluate to what degree the candidate masters the theory and work described in the written thesis. The oral examination consists of:

• A public lecture by the candidate about their thesis, expected to last 20-30 minutes and given at a level accessible to fellow master students in chemistry
• An oral examination of the thesis, expected to last 30-60 minutes

The final grade is based on the written thesis and the oral examination. If a student fails their master's thesis, they can submit a new or revised thesis once. It is not possible to improve an awarded passing grade by submitting a new thesis. However, students are allowed to appeal the awarded grade.

Specific Conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required: Chemistry (MSCHEM).

Required Previous Knowledge

Admission to the master's program is prerequisite.

Subject Areas

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Technology and Electrochemistry
• Chemistry

Examination Arrangement

Examination arrangement: Master's thesis with adjusting oral exam. Grade: Letter grades.

Ordinary Examination - Autumn 2025

• Master's thesis with adjusting oral exam
• Weighting: 100/100
• Exam system: Inspera Assessment

Ordinary Examination - Spring 2026

• Master's thesis with adjusting oral exam
• Weighting: 100/100
• Exam system: Inspera Assessment