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Sustainable Chemistry (M.Sc.)

Master of Science (M.Sc.) | Start in winter semester 2024/25

Overview

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Foto: Elisa Monte/JLU


Englischer Studiengang

This course of study is taught in English.

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Overview-rest

Chemistry research is essential for global, sustainable development, and there is a high need for experts with the necessary chemical expertise, but who also are familiar with the criteria and specifications of sustainability. In the international Master of Science programme Sustainable Chemistry you will learn to design chemical processes, products, and methods in a way such that they meet the requirements of sustainability. Thus, environmental and social aspects including resource consumption, energy efficiency, climate protection, health, and safety are considered regarding development and use of chemical products and processes.

The M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry is taught by internationally renowned experts in various areas of sustainable chemistry (such as (organo)catalysis, green chemistry, recycling, sustainable materials for, e.g., battery applications) of the Justus Liebig University Giessen. The M.Sc. programme provides students with both, theoretical and practical in-depth knowledge of chemical concepts of synthesis, analysis, and evaluation from a sustainability perspective. Beside lectures and seminars, students will be involved early on in cutting edge research projects. On completion of the programme, graduates will be equipped with the following skill sets:

  • Fundamentals of sustainability and sustainable chemistry,
  • Advanced topics in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry such as heavy metal-free synthesis and catalysis, photochemistry, electrochemistry,
  • Circular economy for chemical processes,
  • Chemical research in the context of sustainability.

The Master’s programme is taught entirely in English. Together with the University of Padua (Italy), the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) and the University of Zagreb (Croatia) of the network ”DigiChem - Creating a digital study environment for sustainable chemistry“, it offers various opportunities for international exchange.

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Composition of the Study Programme

Composition of the Study Programme

Degree

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Duration of Studies

4 semesters – 120 credit points (cp)

 

Composition of the Degree Programme

The study programme is research-oriented and can be started only in the winter semester.

The two years long course starts in the first year with taught modules (comprising lectures, seminars, exercises) including compulsory and elective modules. Students can choose the elective modules according to their interests (Energy Materials, Sustainable Water Treat­ment, Sustainable Materials Chemistry etc.). Likewise, soft skills (e.g., Scientific Writing and Data Dissemination) and professional skills (Innovation Management for Natural Scientists) can be enhanced. 

The second year of the programme is entirely devoted to research work. Students are directly involved in the current research of the chemistry working groups. They learn about the latest developments in sustainable synthesis and materials development, right through to the recovery of critical resources. At the end of the programme, students complete a Master’s thesis.

 

Modules of the first year - Taught modules

  • Introduction to Principles of Sustainability
  • M.Sc. Seminar: New Frontiers in Chemical Sustainability
  • Sustainability of Organic Reactions: Principles of Green Chemistry
  • Sustainable inorganic chemistry: criticality, synthesis, substitution and recovery
  • Sustainable Energy Technologies
  • Circular Economy
  • four elective modules - from chemistry or other subjects (see below)

 

Examples for elective modules

  • Sustainable Water Treatment
  • Sustainable Materials Chemistry: Energy Materials
  • Sustainable Organic Chemistry
  • Innovation Management for Natural Scientists
  • Risk and Quality Management
  • and more …
  •  

Modules of the second year - Research modules

  • two research modules with lab work in a research group
  • a laboratory project in sustainable chemistry
  • Master's thesis (30CP)

 

Information on the Master´s programme and the modules

A description of the modules can be found in the special regulations for the degree programme (appendices "Curriculum" and "Module Descriptions").

Special Regulations

 

Modules

Information on modules can be found in the JLU course catalogue an Stud.IP - the JLU´s learning Management System:

Electronic Course Catalogue (in German)

Stud.IP

Application

Start WS-engl: Commencement of studies

Commencement of Studies

Only possible in the winter semester.

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Application Procedure

Depending on where you obtained either your university entrance certificate or your Bachelor degree, we differentiate two application procedures:

Case A

You need to use JLU’s application portal if

  • you hold a completed Bachelor’s degree obtained at a German university (the country of origin of your university entrance certificate is of no importance).
  • your German Bachelor programme is not yet complete. Please provide a preliminary report. The country of origin of your university entrance certificate is of no importance.
  • you want to change to another degree programme at JLU. The country of origin of your university entrance certificate is of no importance.

Case B

You need to submit your application to uni-assist if

  • you hold a completed Bachelor’s degree obtained at a foreign university (the country of origin of your university entrance certificate is of no importance).
  • you obtained your university entrance certificate abroad and attended but not completed yet a Bachelor programme at any other university within EU. Please provide a preliminary report.
Application: deadline, intake capacity, fees

Intake capacity ("Numerus Clausus")

The intake capacity of this degree programme is not limited internally by the university.

 

Deadline

  • Application for enrolment starts
    • for applicants with a German Bachelor's: June 1
    • for applicants with an international Bachelor's degree: May 1

  • Application deadline
    • for applicants with a German Bachelor's: June 15 // extended until October 11
    • for applicants with an international Bachelor's degree: June 15

 

Fees

No study fees are charged for this study program. However, students have to pay a semester contribution of approx. 340 EUR for administration and the Germany semester ticket (details).

Application: Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission to the Master’s programme Sustainable Chemistry, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry (with at least 180 ECTS credit points). The previous studies must demonstrate a profile that complies with the "Empfehlungen der GDCh-Studienkommission zum Bachelorstudium Chemie an Universitäten". This is assessed by the examination board as part of the application and admission procedure.

In addition, the examination board may recognise other courses of study as equivalent following a case-by-case assessment. 

  • The admission may include additional coursework of up to 30 CPs, which must be completed within the first two semesters. These do not belong to the scope of the Master's degree programme.
  • Admission may be dependent on passing an entry examination. Here, the skills and knowledge required for the Master's programme are examined based on the "Empfehlungen der GDCh-Studienkommission zum Bachelorstudium Chemie an Universitäten". The examination board executes the entry examination. Applicants will be given an examination notices of at least three weeks.

 

Application: Language requirements

Language Requirements

As the entire degree programme is taught in English, applicants must provide proof of sufficient knowledge of written and spoken English. Accepted proofs of language proficiency (GER B2):

  • TOEFL-Test ITB (internet-based test) with at least 80 points or IELTS-Test with at least grade of 6 in the academic test;
  • or: Proof of obtaining a local higher education entrance qualification in one of the following countries: Australia, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, USA, United Kingdom, South Africa;
  • or: Proof of a Bachelor’s degree in English in one of the following countries: Australia, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, USA, United Kingdom, South Africa;
  • or: Proof of the UNIcert II certificate.


The examination board decides on the acceptance of other language certificates.

Further information-admission international

For further information please contact:

Registrar’s Office / Studierendensekretariat
Goethestrasse 58
Postal address: Postfach 11 14 40, 35359 Giessen
Tel.: 0641/99-16400
   /

Career Options

Career Options / Career Opportunities

Career Options / Career Opportunities

Graduates have a wide range of career options from industry to academia to public service in the fields of chemical research, development and evaluation in the context of sustainability. They may pursue roles in environmental regulations and organisations, public authorities, politics, and education. In addition to the potential to make a positive impact on the environment and society, the programme offers national and global career opportunities due to its international focus. These are fostered through international and networks with partner universities experts in the field.

Contact

Course Director

Sustainable Chemistry (englischsprachiger Studiengang)

Prof. Dr. Hermann A. Wegner
Institute of Organic Chemistry
Chemistry building, Room B 229
Heinrich-Buff-Ring 17
35392 Giessen
Phone: +49 641 99 34330

Anja Staffler - engl

Central Study Advisor (JLU)

Anja Staffler (Dipl. oec.troph.)

Further Information

Further Information: Dokumente

Examination regulations

 

Courses offered in the course catalogue

 Electronical course catalogue (in German)

Master's Degree Programmes of Faculty 08

taught in English

 

taught in German

Any more questions?

Any more questions?
Information and consulting services of the JLU can be found in the category "Contact" on this page!