Chemistry

The Bachelor's programme in Chemistry at Radboud University offers a comprehensive and stimulating education in the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry. Designed for students with a keen interest in understanding the composition, structure, and reactions of matter, this programme provides a solid foundation in various branches of chemistry including organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry. Throughout the three-year curriculum, students will engage in rigorous coursework, laboratory experiments, and research projects that foster both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and experimental techniques, preparing graduates for diverse careers in industry, research, and academia.

Radboud University’s Chemistry programme is characterized by small-scale teaching and close interaction with faculty members, ensuring personalized guidance and ample opportunities for hands-on learning. The curriculum integrates modern laboratory facilities and state-of-the-art instrumentation, allowing students to gain invaluable practical experience early in their studies. In addition to core chemistry courses, students may explore interdisciplinary topics such as materials science, environmental chemistry, and biochemistry, broadening their understanding of chemistry’s role in society.

Internationally oriented, the programme encourages students to participate in exchange programmes, internships, and collaborative projects with industry and research institutions worldwide. This global perspective aims to prepare graduates for careers across borders and sectors, emphasizing innovation and sustainability. The programme also enhances students’ communication skills, often including presentations, scientific writing, and teamwork, vital for success in professional environments. Upon completion, graduates will have developed a strong scientific basis and the analytical skills necessary to address complex chemical problems, contribute to technological advancements, and pursue postgraduate studies or professional development in various fields related to chemistry.

Each academic year starts in September and is divided into quarters of ten weeks each. You will attend lectures and do lab courses during the first eight weeks, followed by an examination period of two weeks. You will have a full-time working week of forty hours, consisting of various forms of education. The majority of the courses include lectures and tutorials, which will take up forty percent of your time. Tutorials are typically held in groups of approximately twenty students. In addition, you will spend one third of the time on lab courses. Some of these are done individually, others, in pairs or with a project group. These lab courses follow the themes of the lectures. In addition you are expected to spend 25 percent of your time in self-study.

First year: During the first semester, the emphasis is on atomic structure and fundamental aspects of biochemistry. You’ll also become acquainted with hands-on laboratory learning. Furthermore, you learn more about the structure and conformations of molecules and about spectroscopic techniques for analysing molecules. This semester also includes a biochemistry project, in which you learn to isolate and characterise cell organelles
and in which you study enzymes. In the second semester, you’ll not only learn how molecules interact with each other, but also how to synthesise, purify, and analyse molecules yourself in the laboratory. Furthermore
you’ll be taught how molecules behave under the influence of temperature and pressure (thermodynamics) and you’ll work independently on a project in which the concepts of energy, enthalpy, and entropy are further developed. You’ll also be introduced to aspects such as sustainability and the societal impact of chemistry on our environment. 

Second and third year: Knowledge of molecules is further deepened in the second year and you are also introduced to the different branches within chemistry. You will learn about organic and inorganic chemistry, more about thermodynamics and you will be introduced to quantum mechanics. You will also learn a lot about fundamental spectroscopy and take various lab courses. At the end of your second year, you can choose a  especialisation within chemistry: Molecular Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Physical Chemistry as a profile. Each of these options contain a wide range of electives to help you prepare for your Master’s programme. For instance, if you’re interested in the Master’s specialisation in Molecular Chemistry, in the third year you’ll mainly choose courses such as Organic Chemistry, Stereoselective Synthesis, and Physical Organic Chemistry.
You finish the third year with an eight-week Bachelor’s internship during which you contribute to a research project in one of the research groups at Radboud University. You’ll learn, for example, to develop new reactions that can be used in biological research for the purpose of labelling biomolecules and thus unravel cellular processes.

Language requirements
You should have sufficient proficiency in the English language in order to be admissible. No proficiency in the Dutch language is required. Should you have obtained a high school diploma from a European country in which you have taken English in the final examinations, then in some cases you do not have to provide a separate language certificate. You will find a list of these diplomas on the specific programme web pages. Proficiency in the English language can be proven by meeting one of the following conditions:
• You have a diploma from the list of European diplomas, as mentioned above.
• You have a Dutch VWO diploma.
• You have a German ‘Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife’ with English as ‘Grundkurs’ or ‘Leistungskurs’ in the ‘Abitur’.
• You have an International Baccalaureate.
• You have a European Baccalaureate with English Language 2 or 1.
• You have obtained a diploma equivalent to or higher than the Dutch VWO level from an institution where the language of instruction is English in one of the member states of the EU/EEA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA.
• You are a citizen of Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA. Should you not meet one of the conditions mentioned above, then, in general, you should provide one of the following language certificates. Some programmes may have further language requirements, so please check the web page of the programme you’re interested in carefully. 
• IELTS Academic: A minimum overall score of 6.0, apart from Chemistry and Molecular Life Science, which require an minimum overall score of 6.5. Please check programme specific web pages for information on minimum sub-scores.
• TOEFL iBT: A minumum overall score of 80, apart from Chemistry and Molecular Life Sciences, which require a minimum score of 90. Please check programme specific web pages for information on minimum sub-scores.
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): minimum mark of C.
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): minimum mark of C.

Governmental student finance: EU/EEA students might qualify for a student loan from the Dutch government. To be entitled to this loan, you need to work for fourteen hours a week (56 hours a month) in the Netherlands (next to your studies). If you are entitled to receive the student loan from the Dutch government, you may receive up to € 1,000 per month, in addition to your salary. After graduation, you will need to pay back the loan. In order to determine how much you need to pay back each month, the Dutch government will take your financial situation (such as income) into account. More information is available on www.duo.nl

The Bachelor's degree programme in Chemistry at Radboud University offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry. This programme is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in chemical theories, laboratory techniques, and research methodologies. Students will have the opportunity to study various branches of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the discipline. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical laboratory sessions, fostering essential skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Radboud University emphasizes a research-oriented approach, encouraging students to participate in innovative projects and collaborations with industry and academic partners. The programme prepares graduates for diverse careers in research, industry, or further academic pursuits through a multidisciplinary approach that also integrates elements of environmental science, material science, and biochemistry. The faculty's commitment to small class sizes ensures personalized attention and close interaction with professors, facilitating a supportive learning environment. Additionally, students benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities. The programme promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical considerations in scientific research, aligning with the university’s mission to contribute positively to society through education and knowledge. International students are welcomed, and the programme offers opportunities for exchange and internships abroad, enriching the educational experience. Upon completion, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for a variety of scientific careers or further specialization through master's programmes at Radboud University or other institutions.