Master's Programme in Chemistry – Physical Chemistry

Year 1

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 Programme in Chemistry. The semester ends with a profile course in physical chemistry.

The second semester, you will take courses in different areas of physical chemistry, including photochemistry, catalysis and advanced electrochemistry.

Year 2

The third semester you will have a course in statistical thermodynamics and simulation methods, as well as an advanced course in laser spectroscopy taught by leading experts in the field.

Given the close connection to research, these courses often provide the inspiration for a degree project of 30 credits or 45 credits which ends the programme.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

Instruction takes place in the form of lectures, laboratory work, problem-solving, seminars and projects. Theory and practical work are always interwoven into the courses. In seminars, you present your ideas and discuss a course book or work you have conducted with your classmates, 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 participate in seminars, group meetings and other events to prepare you for professional communication in your future career. You will also receive systematic training in oral and written presentations as part of the courses. The ability to communicate well will be very important in your future career.

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.

The language of instruction is English.

A degree from Uppsala University will give you close connection to excellent and world-leading research and you will have the opportunity to develop a personal contact network.

Surveys have shown that the labour market for chemists with a degree from Uppsala University is excellent, with 97% of those who obtained their degree during the last ten years 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 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, newly graduated students in chemistry earned between SEK 25 000 and SEK 35 000 per month before tax in 2021.

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.