Master's Programme in Chemistry – Analytical Chemistry

In the first semester, you will study chemistry courses which provide you with the theoretical and experimental skills needed for the subsequent semesters. Some of these courses are common to other specialisations in the Master's Programme in Chemistry. In the very first course, you will meet many of the professors in the different fields of chemistry, who will give seminars about the current trends in their respective research fields.

During the second and third semesters, you will take advanced courses in analytical chemistry, including, e.g. forensic chemistry, and also learn to use the most recent techniques and equipment in separation and mass spectrometry. You will do a project involving the whole chain from planning how and where to obtain samples and sample preparation, all the way to choosing a method of analysis and statistical validation.

The programme ends with a degree project of 30 credits or 45 credits. The importance and versatility of the field are also seen in where you can do your Master's thesis project, which could be in the research group where you had your mentor or in another group doing research in related fields, or at a research agency or in a company.

Some examples of recent Master's thesis titles:

• T. Giannakoudi: Determination of organic phosphorus in soil samples by capillary zone electrophoresis coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
• M. Hao: Development of a methodology based solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (SPME/GC-MS) for the determination of semi-volatile organic extractables from pharmaceutical packaging systems
• N. Temitope: Argentation chromatography for the separation of complex aquatic mixtures and characterization of dissolved organic matters
• Zhen Yang: Mass spectrometric analysis of amine metabolites in human samples using chemoselective probes

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

Theory and practical work are always interwoven into the courses, and instruction takes place in the form of lectures, laboratory work, problem-solving, seminars, and projects.

The lecturers are active researchers who will coach you to adopt a scientific approach in your work, where you will develop the necessary skills to solve problems, think critically and analytically, plan and formulate research problems, and independently carry out the necessary experiments and analyse as well as interpret the results.

In seminars, you present your ideas and discuss with your classmates a course book or work you have conducted; while the teacher usually only moderates the discussion. The aim is to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills which will be required in your future professional development. All students are expected to be active participants in all forms of discussions.

You will also receive systematic training in both oral and written presentations as an integrated part of the courses. The ability to communicate well will be very important in your future career.

The language of instruction is English.

Surveys have shown that the labour market for chemists with a degree from Uppsala University is excellent. 97% of those who obtained their degree during the last ten years are either employed or undertaking doctoral studies.

A Master of Science in Chemistry from Uppsala University will provide you with many opportunities to build an exciting future career in academia, industry, the public sector, or in entrepreneurship. Not only will you gain the knowledge and ability to perform special and advanced tasks in chemistry, but you will also be qualified for positions in many other areas where problem-solving, abstract thinking and analytical ability are required.

Possible career paths can vary, you may work with:

• Research and development
• Production processes
• Analysis of materials
• Management of safety and legal issues
• Patenting of inventions
• Marketing and sales
• Environmental and sustainability issues
• Developing new and improved methods for quality control

The salary in Sweden can vary greatly depending on education level, work task, previous experience, location, sector, etc. According to one of the largest Swedish work unions SACO's statistics of salary in Sweden in 2021, newly graduated students in chemistry earned between SEK 25 000 and SEK 35 000 per month before tax.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career. Learn more about UU Careers.