Program Overview
Master's Specialisation of Molecular Sciences: Molecular Chemistry
Molecular Chemistry is a creative science that involves the synthesis of molecules with new biological or physical properties to meet scientific or societal challenges. The possibilities are endless.
Why This Programme?
- Molecular Chemistry is closely connected to the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM), which hosts world-class research groups and state-of-the-art research facilities.
- Among the teaching staff are one Spinoza Prize winner, two ERC advanced grant, and two ERC starting grant winners.
- There is close contact with top research groups elsewhere in the world, making it possible to do internships at universities like Oxford, Princeton, or Berkeley.
- Teaching takes place in small groups and in a stimulating, personal setting.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted, one must meet the admission requirements of this programme. The requirements include:
- A relevant Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
- English language proficiency, as the programme is taught entirely in English.
Study Programme
The specialisation in Molecular Chemistry is a thorough programme at the heart of chemistry, covering all stages from molecule design to application. It offers education in connection with top-level research in the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM), enabling students to develop in-depth knowledge of the design, synthesis, and characterisation of unprecedented functional molecular structures. In internships, students can conduct independent research under the personal guidance of a researcher, which often leads to a scientific publication with the student as a co-author.
Career Prospects
With this specialisation, graduates make excellent researchers; approximately 40% of graduates take up a PhD position, either in Nijmegen or elsewhere in the world. The research institutes, particularly the Institute for Molecules and Materials, have vacancies for PhD projects every year. Molecular Chemistry graduates also find work as researchers, marketers, and managers in the chemical industry or in one of the spin-off companies. A small proportion will not work in science but, for instance, as policymakers at organisations such as NWO, TNO, and RIVM.
Research
The unique research facilities that Radboud University has to offer are coupled with top-level research within the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM). The research groups at IMM cover the full width of molecular chemistry research, including:
- Chiral crystallisation phenomena.
- Molecules that specifically target tumor tissue in the body.
- Polymeric nanocapsules that can be used to carry out multiple reactions in a single flask.
Tuition
If you are going to follow this Master's programme, you will pay an annual tuition fee. There are different tuition rates, and the amount depends on your personal situation.
Related Programmes
- Physical Chemistry: This specialisation aims at unravelling the properties of molecules and materials in great detail, by developing theory and physical instrumentation for advanced spectroscopic experiments.
- Chemistry of Life: In this specialisation, you will focus on complex molecular systems in a biological context. You will learn how cells work from a chemist’s perspective and become an expert in the chemistry of all biologically relevant molecules.
- Medicinal Chemistry: Study all stages of drug development (discovery, design, development, targeted delivery), including the phases of drug activity relating to a drug’s formulation, analysis of its toxicity, and understanding of its pharmacokinetics and -dynamics.