Master’s Degree Program in Chemistry
- Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- The master’s program (120 credit points) includes courses in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry along with courses in such related natural sciences as biochemistry. The program builds on skills acquired in a Bachelor’s degree program in Chemistry.
- Standard time to degree: four semesters
- Language: English, German
- Program Start: 1 October and 1 April
- Admission Requirements, Self-assessment of equivalence
- Accredition
- Study and Examination Regulations (in German, valid for admission from winter semester 2024/2025)
- Study Regulations (in German, valid for admission from winter semester 2013/2014)
- Examination Regulations (in German, valid for admission from winter semester 2013/2014)
Example of the Curriculum Plan
Exemplary curriculum plan of the Master’s Degree Programs in Chemistry (Admission from Winter Semester 2013/2014)
Contents of the Master’s Degree Program
The Master's program in Chemistry at FU Berlin consists of 5 fields of studies and your final examination, the Master's thesis.
It is entirely up to you, when to take which classes. You've completed your Master's program once you collected 120 credit points and completed your Master's thesis.
The Core Elective Field consists of 30 credit points in total.
During the course of your studies, you have to take two classes each in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry (each worth 5 credit points). There are four classes offered per subject, usually two in the winter term and two in the summer term. For details check the course catalogue.
During the course of your studies, you need to complete 20 to 30 credit points in research projects.
Research projects in at least two different research groups and at least 15 credit points in organic, inorganic, or physical chemistry are mandatory.
A research project consists of the practical lab work, participation in the group's weekly seminar, and a final research report. Reserach projects are offered for a 5 credit points (4 weeks fulltime), 10 credit points (8 weeks fulltime), and 15 credit points (12 weeks fulltime). You can also discuss extending the processing time with your supervisor if you are taking other courses at the same time.
You can complete a research project with any research group from our institute, or with research groups from other universities or other scientific research institutions. The research projects can be completed throughout the entire semester including the lecture-free periods in March, August, and September.
It may be some effort for the research groups to offer a research project or a Master's thesis:
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defining a topic,
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ensuring supervision,
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acquiring necessary chemicals or other ressources needed,
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in particular to provide a workplace with an opportunity to do the experiments and to record the results.
It may happen that there are more applicants than workplaces in a specific group. This may result in waiting time. Therefore, it is benefitial to apply for a research project early on. For your master thesis you should apply 6 months before you would like to start.
The Specialization Field consists of 5 to 20 credit points in total, depending on how many credit points are completed in research projects or the Elective Field.
You can choose from various subjects, including: analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, macromolecular chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, environmental chemistry & sustainability.
Various classes (each worth 5 credit points) are offered every semester. For details check the course catalogue.
The Elective Field consists of 15 to 20 credit points, depending on how many credit points are completed in research projects or the Specialization Field.
You can choose from various subjects of your interest, for example: analytical quality assurance, bioinformatics, biology, patent law, German Language classes for foreign students, Advanced English Language classes, toxicology, mathematics, physics, computer science, environmental technologies, ...
There is also the course "Modern Aspects of Chemistry": for that you need to visit two lectures or seminars of your choice, specializing in various aspects relevant for chemists. For details check the course catalogue. You can complete "Modern Aspects of Chemistry" up to 3 times.
The Master' thesis is worth 30 credit points, covers a whole semester (6 months), and can be completed with any research group from our institute, or with research groups from other universities or other scientific research institutions.
It may be some effort for the research groups to offer a research project or a Master's thesis:
-
defining a topic,
-
ensuring supervision,
-
acquiring necessary chemicals or other ressources needed,
-
in particular to provide a workplace with an opportunity to do the experiments and to record the results.
It may happen that there are more applicants than workplaces in a specific group. This may result in waiting time. Therefore, it is benefitial to apply for a research project early on. For your master thesis you should apply 6 months before you would like to start.