Master in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences University of Helsinki

How to de­tect ill­nesses from breath?

Can spent nuclear fuel be safely contained in bedrock? How does chemistry benefit bioeconomy? In the Master's Programme in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, you learn experimental research methods in many fields of chemistry, like analytical and synthetic chemistry, radiochemistry, molecular research, and spectroscopy. The studies provide you with an excellent basis for expertise and prepare you to meet local and global challenges.

Studying

In the Master's Programme in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, you will become profoundly familiar with experimental research methods in one or more fields of chemistry, such as analytical and synthetic chemistry, radiochemistry, molecular research, and spectroscopy. The studies include lecture courses, examinations and contact teaching, laboratory courses, presentation series and seminars. Compared to a Bachelor's degree, these studies require more independent work. The Master’s degree culminates in an extensive Master's thesis that includes practical research.

The programme is multilingual, which means you can complete your degree entirely in English, but can also use Finnish or Swedish if you wish. All courses given by the Master's Programme will be lectured in English.=

Structure and Content

The scope of a degree from the Master’s Programme in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences is 120 credits and is intended to be completed in two academic years. The 120 credits are divided into two parts:

• Advanced studies in Chemistry (85-100 cr), including a Master’s thesis of 30 credits
• Other elective studies (20-35 cr)

In the Master’s programme, you must select at least one course package (25 credits in radiochemistry, synthetic chemistry, analysis and separation methods or molecular science) and courses from different special fields of chemistry according to your interests and career goals. You can either complete a broad-ranging degree by selecting studies from several packages or specialise in a specific branch of chemistry.

You will receive assistance in preparing your personal study plan from the programme.

Courses and Teaching

In the Master’s programme, you may select courses from different special fields of chemistry according to your interests and career goals. You can complete a broad-ranging degree by selecting studies from several course packages or specialise in a specific branch of chemistry. You will receive assistance in preparing your personal study plan from your academic advisor.

Master's Thesis

Your final project is the Master's thesis, the scope of which is 30 credits. It includes a literature review and an experimental or theoretical/computational research component. The scope of the research component is extended by completing an additional research project (KEM412) which is 15 credits.

You can complete the research as a member of a research group at the University, outside the University in a research institute or company, or during a student exchange. You must demonstrably complete part of the research yourself and write the entire thesis independently.

International Environment

An international learning environment: The Master’s Programme in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences accepts students through an international admissions procedure. Students of the international Master’s Programme in Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry, as well as several exchange students, further increase the international scope. In addition, the Department has several international teachers and researchers. Chemical research is an international effort, and research groups at the University of Helsinki have several international partners.

Student exchange: The University of Helsinki has student exchange agreements with several foreign universities, so you can complete part of your degree abroad. Once you have completed your Master’s degree, you can pursue doctoral studies at a foreign university. The Master’s degree in chemistry completed at the University of Helsinki has been certified with the Euromaster® quality label, which guarantees the recognition of the degree at European universities.

Language studies: The University of Helsinki offers a wide range of opportunities for improving your language skills.

Cooperation with Other Parties

As a student at the University of Helsinki, you have extensive opportunities to study in different faculties. You can also complete studies at other Finnish universities under the Flexible Study Rights Agreement (JOO).

Recently the Faculty of Science has signed a bilateral agreement which allows students in the Master's Programme to take certain complementary chemistry courses taught in Aalto University.

Research in the natural sciences is broad and multidisciplinary in nature. Researchers at the Department of Chemistry have joint projects with several University of Helsinki units as well as research institutes and companies outside the University. These connections allow you to network with various parties in the field of chemistry and related disciplines.

In addition, the Department of Chemistry has close connections with several organisations in the field of chemistry, through which you can acquaint yourself with professional chemists and the job market. Key partners include, for example, the Finnish Chemical Society, the Chemical Industry Federation of Finland, various trade organisations and the Finnish Association for Teachers of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Informatics.

Students and Student Life

Student life and especially the student organisation culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Finland. Also at the University of Helsinki, the student community is very active.

More than 250 student organisations operate within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), ranging from faculty and subject organisations to political and societal organisations, and from choirs and orchestras to sports and game clubs. Their activities include anniversary celebrations, academic dinner parties, cultural events, get-togethers and excursions.

As a student and member of the Student Union (HYY), you are entitled to many benefits and services. For example, affordable student housing, basic healthcare services, sports facilities and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country.

Why Chemistry and Molecular Sciences?

After completing the Master’s Programme in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, you will:

• Be profoundly familiar with experimental research methods in one or more fields of chemistry, such as analytical and synthetic chemistry, radiochemistry, molecular research, and spectroscopy.
• Have an in-depth knowledge of the theoretical basis of your field and be able to apply this knowledge to broader topics.
• Know how to search for and manage chemical research data and use them to plan and perform demanding duties in chemical laboratories.
• Be able to act as a chemical expert in project planning and management, both independently and as a member of a team.
• Be able to present your results accurately in accordance with the practices of the field, both orally and in writing, and prepare extensive papers and reports.

As a chemical expert, you can embark on a career in industry, research or education or in the business sector. Your work might also involve applications of environmental or biological sciences, the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, or the development of technological materials or new energy solutions. Potential employers include private companies, research and educational institutes, public agencies and supervisory authorities both abroad and in Finland. The chemicals industry is a major employer and one of the largest export industries in Finland. You can also apply for postgraduate study in a doctoral programme.

Career

A Master’s degree in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences qualifies you for expert positions in a wide range of fields, such as industry, research or education. The chemicals industry is a major employer and one of the largest export industries in Finland. Your work could also involve applications of environmental or biological sciences, the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, or the development of technological materials or new energy solutions.

In the private sector, your duties might include research and development, quality management, training or commerce. Customs and forensic chemists, and chemists working in environmental control analyse samples as part of their duties. Chemical research often requires interdisciplinary and international cooperation. As a chemist, you can be a part of developing new inventions and serve as an expert in your field and as a connoisseur of natural phenomena.