Chemistry - master

120 credits, taught in Norwegian. Contact: Department of Chemistry, biotechnology and food science (IKBM), www.umb.no/ikbm. Contact: Student adviser: studieveileder-ikbm@umb.no

The study of chemistry will give the students a solid competence in chemistry, which can be used in order to solve environmental and pollution problems, as well as to develop healthier food and safer medicines.Candidates with a Master\'s degree in chemistry can work in analytical chemistry companies, in industry, research, education, and counselling. The study programme gives competence for further Ph.D. education in Norway or abroad.

Admission requirements
A Bachelor\'s degree / 180 credits (ECTS) in Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Biotechnology or equivalent. It is desirable that the Bachelor\'s degree includes 80 credits (ECTS) or more in chemistry, but candidates with a minimum of 60 credits relevant chemistry courses will also qualify. Students who lack some Bachelor-level courses, must arrange for a transition agreement with the study coordinator. To be admitted into this program, the average grade must be C (ECTS) or better in the BSc degree. In BSc degrees with a more practical approach, the average grade must be B (ECTS) or better.

Internationalisation, studies abroad and exhange agreements
The programme has an international level, and courses will be offered in English upon request. The scientific and pedagogical level is comparable with international standards. The course material is usually in English. Supervision on the Master\'s thesis is offered in English, and the thesis may be written in English.The students may take their thesis or postgraduate courses at external institutions. The studies abroad are adapted after agreement with the supervisor and the Study Coordinator. It is possible to follow courses at the Svalbard University Center in the second semester. It is recommended that the chemistry students take advantage of the possibility of studying abroad for one or two semesters, within the prescribed duration of the programme, on the exchange programmes at UMB or IKBM. In addition, more individually designed exchange programmes can be discussed in order to enhance the competence within a field not covered by UMB or any of the partner universities. Normally recommended during 1st or 2nd semester. More about student exchange: http://www.umb.no/sit_english/article/student-exchange

Teaching in English upon request. Most of the literature is in English.

Related studies
The study programme in Chemistry has similarities with the Master in technology programme in Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as the Master\'s programme in Biotechnology, specialisation Biochemistry. Master\'s theses can be given as collaborative projects with other departments and scientific areas where chemistry topics are relevant.

Learning goals
A candidate who has completed the education is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in competence, knowledge and skills: Competence: - Has an objective understanding of scientific literature, and can give both oral and written presentations of scientific fields and results. - Is able to reflect over central ethical and scientific challenges, regarding others and his/hers own work. - Can contribute to innovative processes within the field of study and related fields. Knowledge: - Has in depth knowledge to the study fields\' terminology and theories, and is able to use these. - Knows how to analyse scientific problems in chemistry, reflecting the history, traditions, distinctive character and position of the field of study in the society. - Has very good competence in chemistry, and is prepared for research, teaching and other employment needing chemical competence. - Has specialised in one of the following fields of study; organic or inorganic analytical chemistry, radio chemistry, environmental chemistry or natural products chemistry. Skills: - The candidate is able to analyse scientific data, and work independently in the laboratory. - Can perform surveys independently; collect, edit and analyse data, as well as evaluate and present methods and sources of error, before giving an objective conclusion.

Teaching and evaluation methods
The theoretical instruction is given in the form of lectures, seminars and colloquia. The students learn experimental methods by lab work combined with lectures, seminars and discussion groups. Oral examination is a normal form of continuous evaluation during the programme, in addition to written examinations or project assignments. The Master\'s degree programme ends with the delivery and oral discussion of a written Master\'s thesis, which describes the experimental work done.Engelsk:The students\' competence is continuously assessed during the programme and through final exams. Emphasis is put on testing the understanding and use of acquired knowledge, and on the development of independent thinking for the Master\'s thesis.

Programme content
The study of chemistry at UMB is divided into three main areas: the chemistry of natural substances, organic and inorganic analytical chemistry, and environmental/radio chemistry. The chemistry of natural substances encompasses biological active bindings in plants and animals. Analytical chemistry encompasses provisions and characteristics of biological and synthetic substances by use of advanced analytical instruments. Environmental chemistry includes investigations of short-time and long-time effects of various substances in nature. The Master\'s degree contains a research thesis, consisting of a practical work of 60 or 30 credits (ECTS). The student and the supervisor decide the extent and the content of the thesis at the start of the study. In addition to the research assignment, courses in chemistry worth 30 credits (ECTS) are mandatory, as well as freely chosen courses worth 30 credits (ECTS) - a total of 60 credits (ECTS). A minimum of 30 credits (ECTS) must be master courses, and the courses shall support the practical scientific work so that they provide a scientific breadth and depth in the chosen scientific area. A study plan with good progression and development towards the Master\'s thesis will be presented for the students. Courses are chosen in consultation with the supervisor. Basic courses (at the 100 level) will generally not be approved in this Master\'s programme.

Spesialisation requirements
In addition to the Master\'s thesis of 60 credits, there is a requirement of 30 credits of chemistry courses in the degree, preferably at the master\'s level. The students take 30 credits of freely chosen courses.

Student advising

Evaluation