The Master's in Chemistry is a problem-based programme where you combine theory, experiments and application. You will complete two biannual research and development projects and a thesis, allowing you to tailor large parts of the programme to fit your specific academic interests. You will immerse yourself in advanced chemistry and learn how to plan, conduct and analyse chemical experiments using modern laboratory techniques and equipment. You will work with current issues and apply your knowledge in practice ¨C often based on current issues in collaboration with companies and the university's own research environments. Classes are conducted in a close-knit professional environment where you have easy access to supervision and professional interaction, and where both independence and collaboration are important parts of your everyday work. . While writing your thesis, you have the opportunity to be integrated into one of the university¡¯s research groups with your own office space. You can also choose to write your thesis abroad with an external partner at a university or an organisation.

With a Master¡¯s in Chemical Engineering, you will have in-depth knowledge of the many nuances and applications of chemistry and chemical technology ¨C based on theory, practical experience and the latest international research. You can identify and analyse problems and help solve them by applying the right theories, methods and models. At the same time, you can contribute to researching new materials, new separation methods, new molecules and other current topics.

With a Master¡¯s in Chemistry, you will have a wide range of job opportunities in Denmark and internationally. You can fill positions in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, public authorities, engineering companies, universities, research centres, and in the plastics, furniture, food and metal industries, among others. Your future employer might be Rockwool, LEGO, Aalborg Portland, Siemens, Novo Nordisk and Novonesis. Here, you can work in the development and production of new materials and products for food, textiles, medicine, cosmetics, detergents, pesticides, plastics, adhesives or building materials. 
As a chemical engineer, you can also choose a career as an industrial scientist or PhD fellow at a university.

You can work with topics such as:

• Inorganic materials
• Controlled release
• Functional polymers
• Separation processes

Inorganic materials
Studies of structure and properties of inorganic materials. Emphasis is placed on glassy or amorphous materials. The relationships between structure, dynamics and properties of glasses and liquids are studied by using the knowledge of materials chemistry and physics. The development of both new structural and functional materials and nanomaterials is another essential part.

Controlled release
Study and development of the group of molecules called cyclodextrins and their inclusion complexes. The interest in cyclodextrin applications includes development of novel drug delivery systems and pesticide formulations, which are more environmentally friendly than those used today.

Functional polymers
The molecular design of target macromolecules, synthesis and the separation, purification and characterisation of the polymers. The principles of polymerisation dynamics and kinetics are other important aspects.

Separation processes
The physical chemistry of processes in water and wastewater treatment with special emphasis on membrane technology and its application in developing sustainable solutions.

In your semester projects, you and your project group study complex chemical issues, that challenge you to use all of your collected knowledge to come up with possible solutions. You are encouraged to occasionally collaborate with external organisations and businesses in your projects to get an idea of the work processes and current issues in the industry. This will prepare you for your own work life after you graduate.

On the first semester, you will work with the production and process of materials. You will for example explore the materials of the future.

Courses

• Materials Chemistry (5 ECTS)
• Processing of Materials (5 ECTS)
• Physical Chemistry of Materials (5 ECTS)

Project

• Materials Technology (15 ECTS)

Examples of project topics

• Characterisation and optimisation of Rockwool fibers
• Alkali-resistant glass fibers for fiber-cement production

On the second semester, you focus on the design and production of natural and synthetic polymers, which are used in e.g. the medical industry.

Courses

• Polymer Chemistry (5 ECTS)
• Supramolecular Chemistry (5 ECTS)
• Carbohydrate Chemistry (5 ECTS)

Project

• Industrial Applications of Macromolecules (15 ECTS)

Examples of project topics

• Design and synthesis of short peptide-cyclodextrin hybrid oligomers for improved binding properties to protein interfaces
• Donor polymers for photovoltaic cells??

During the third semester, you have different options to earn the required 30 ECTS:

• You can do an internship in Denmark or abroad, where you take part in the day-to-day operations in the business. During the internship, you will write a project about one or more of your tasks during the process
• You can study a semester at another educational institution abroad or in Denmark
• You can do a regular semester at AAU with courses and project work
• You can begin your Master¡¯s thesis, so your work is spread out over both your 3rd and 4th semester

Aalborg University has collaboration agreements with universities around the world, and the programme¡¯s research environment has a wide range of internship contacts.

Find out more about studying abroad and internships?here.

On the fourth semester, you write your Master¡¯s thesis, where you draw on all the knowledge, experience and skills you have acquired during your studies. Depending on your topic choice, the thesis will be in the nature of developmental work, further development, or actual research.

Master¡¯s thesis

• Topic of own choice (30 ECTS)

Example of thesis topic

• Investigating if osmotic effects explain the influence of sodium chloride upon the filtration characteristics of polyacrylic acid

See the curriculum here.

Your future work assignments can involve for instance development of new materials, offshore processes, development of catalysts for reduction of air pollution, or teaching.

Since you have studied at AAU, you have many skills that make you an attractive candidate on the job market. Because of the problem based learning method and project work in groups, you know how to approach a problem and solve it in collaboration with other people, which will benefit you in your future job.

You can work with:

• Materials development
• Materials production
• Plastics and polymer chemistry
• Waste treatment
• Separation industry
• Analytical chemistry
• Polymer chemistry
• Supramolecular chemistry

AAU Career helps you on your way from student life to job life in Denmark by giving you the tools to examine your options and find out what to do.

While studying at AAU, you can participate in career and job-related events, find help on our website, and book a personal career counselling session to talk about e.g.:

• Finding your way in your career
• Danish working culture
• Application and CV the Danish way
• What you can offer an employer
• How to go about job search in Denmark ¨C both student job, internship and full-time job

Read more about AAU Career here