MSc in Applied Computational Science - Chemistry

Computations are becoming more and more important in research and industry. To make predictions, analysis or replace experiments, we make use of numerical simulations and machine learning on large computers. We generate and store large amounts of data and use data science to search for patterns, connections, and trends.

The Master Programme in Applied Computational Science with a specialisation in Chemistry will give you detailed knowledge about the underlying methods with respect to chemistry. You will learn how to study complex processes in natural sciences, and how Computational Science can contribute to knowledge evolution in society. A few of many examples are studies in, and research on, environment and climate change, climate adaptation, biodiversity and ecosystem services, nature conservation and chemical risks. The programme will prepare you for a professional career in academia as well as in business and industry. Applied computational science can be divided into several components: mathematics, modelling, statistics, and programming. The borders are not sharp, as concepts and methods often combine these components. The programme will prepare you for a professional career in academia as well as in business and industry.

Overview

This interdisciplinary education will give you in-depth knowledge in the field of computational science, but you also study advanced courses based on your subject knowledge in chemistry from your bachelor’s degree. In addition to knowledge of the theory of computational science, there will be an emphasis on obtaining knowledge about the practical tools that are used by professionals in the field and you will amongst several things train your skills in programming. You will get generic knowledge and skills of importance for computationally intensive jobs such as problem formulation, information search, data processing, scientific writing, and presentation techniques.

The programme has five separate specialisations: Environmental Science, Biology, Geology, Physical Geography and Chemistry. You will study several courses together with students from another specialisation than your own and there are possibilities to do common projects and thesis work. During your studies, an interdisciplinary perspective is emphasized and you will even study together with students from mathematics and physics.

Education has a strong connection to research. You will meet and be taught by active and internationally well-recognised researchers, and you will be in contact with several research groups. You will at the same time be prepared for a career in business and industry.

With a specialisation in Chemistry, you will first study the mandatory course Molecular Driving Forces and Chemical Bonding, KEMM30. This course includes statistical data analyses, using Python programming. Also included are computationally relevant parts, such as Statistical Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Intermolecular Interactions, and Spectroscopy. The next course within the programme is Mathematics for Scientist 2. During the first half of the second semester, we recommend master-level courses in Statistical Mechanics and Molecular Simulation (KEMM48) as well as Molecular Quantum Mechanics (KEMM58). During the final half of the spring semester, the programme provides courses in Biostatistics, and Computational Programming using Python. The second year includes two compulsory courses: Computational Science, and Reproducible Data Science and Statistical Learning. We also recommend applied master courses within the field of Chemistry. The final semester is devoted to an exam project.

After graduation, there are several different career paths depending on which subject profile you have chosen. The Master's programme gives you a solid ground for postgraduate education in natural sciences. You can also choose a career path outside academia and then find attractive jobs in areas where there is a need to solve computational problems both in industry and in public administration and other organisations.