Master's Programme in Chemistry – Analytical Chemistry

During 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 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, such as Forensic Chemistry. You will learn how to use the latest equipment and methods in the course Separation and Mass Spectrometry. In the course Applied analysis of complex samples, you will carry out a project of your choice, from planning, taking samples and sample preparation, choosing method of analysis, performing the analysis, quantification and statistical validation, which is then reported as a scientific article. Further in-depth study of mass spectrometry is obtained by choosing the course Advanced mass spectrometry which really helps you to cement your knowledge on mass spectrometry with an in-depth look into the use of mass spectrometry in current research fields. The programme ends with either a degree project of 30 credits or a 45 credits.

Some examples of recent degree projects:

• T. Wiegel: Suspect screening of per- and polyfluoralkyl substances in soil cores of an AFFF impacted site.
• M. Spasic: Kinetics investifation of short-chaoin fatty acid conjugation using chemical metabolomics tools.
• L. Blaase: Normalization strategies based on ionization efficiencies for direct infusion mass spectrometry.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

The courses include both theory and practicals and the teaching takes place in the form of lectures, laboratory sessions, lessons, seminars and projects.

The teachers in the programme are active researchers, which guarantees timeliness and depth in teaching. We put great emphasis on training you in a scientific way of working, where you get to solve problems, think critically and analytically. You will also receive training in independently planning and designing projects, where all parts of the analytical process, from taking samples to analysis and interpretation of the results, are included.

In seminars, you present and discuss your ideas and results with your classmates, while the instructor moderates the discussion. The goal is to develop critical thinking and collaboration skills, which will be required in your future professional development. You are expected to be an active and respectful participant in all forms of discussions.

As a chemistry student at Uppsala University, you will receive systematic communication training in both oral and written presentation as an integral part of the teaching, which is in high demand in the labour market both in Sweden and internationally.

The language of instruction is English.

A Master's degree in chemistry from Uppsala University gives you a competitive advantage in Sweden and internationally, not least thanks to our close connection to excellent and world-leading research. You have great opportunities to shape an exciting future career in business, the public sector, self-employment or in academia. Studies have shown that the labour market for chemists from Uppsala University is very good. Among those who have graduated with a Master's degree in the last ten years, 97% are employed or graduate/doctoral students.

Possible career paths can vary. You may work with:

• research and development in academia, government and the public sector, or in companies,
• patenting of inventions,
• marketing and sales management with emphasis on health, environmental and sustainability,
• security responsibilities and legal issues.

The program will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to perform special and advanced tasks in your field, while also qualifying you for jobs in many other fields where problem-solving, abstract thinking, and analytical skills are needed.

Chemical issues can be found in most sectors and with a specialisation in analytical chemistry, you will have a good background to hold key positions in the work of meeting future challenges. For example, it can be in the control of new products and production methods, advanced methods for environmental control and monitoring, or the development of methods for finding new biomarkers for diagnostic applications.

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, newly graduated students in chemistry earned around SEK 35 000 per month before tax in 2023.

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.