Chemistry: Molecular Design, Synthesis and Catalysis

Molecular Design, Synthesis and Catalysis aspires to understand and influence chemical and physical properties at the molecular level.

Molecular Design, Synthesis and Catalysis is a track of the Master's programme in Chemistry. It covers the broad area of organometallic, organic and bio-organic chemistry that forms the foundation for a fundamental understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and macroscopic behaviour. All other disciplines of chemistry as well as certain areas of biology and physics are based on this relationship. The programme is designed to give students the knowledge that will enable them to move from understanding these chemical and physical processes to being able to predict and design them.

Organic, organometallic and coordination compounds are at the heart of this programme. Students acquire hands-on experience in designing novel structures with desirable properties by using molecular design, often with the aid of computational methods.

They also conduct research into new methods for synthesising these compounds in order to enhance knowledge of the relationship between their structure and properties. From a practical point of view, the research is directed at devising efficient methods for synthesising molecules with desirable properties, developing novel catalysts to enable clean and selective transformations and designing new bioactive molecules for use as drugs and agrochemicals.

The Molecular Design, Synthesis and Catalysis is a track of the Master's programme in Chemistry and includes the following courses:

• Coordination and Organometallic Chemistry
• Synthetic Organic Chemistry
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
• Molecular Computational Chemistry
• Physical-Organic Chemistry
• Bio-Organic Chemistry
• Homogenous Catalysis
• Supramolecular Chemistry and Nanomaterials

After students have completed the core courses, they select theoretical electives from a large range of advanced Master's courses.

Students in the Molecular Design, Synthesis and Catalysis track can choose to complete the programme with a focus on research, communication and education skills or society-oriented skills.

Research training

Research training takes the form of a major research project conducted within one of the track's participating groups or in industry, and is rounded off with a Master's thesis. Alternatively, students can do their research training at another university or within an industrial setting. A literature study and colloquium conclude the programme.

Professional specialization within the Masters programme

In general, Masters students are trained to become independent researchers. But at the UvA Faculty of Science you can also choose to complete your Masters programme with a professional specialization, that focuses on other skills than doing research. In that case you will follow the programme of your chosen scientific discipline during the first year of your Masters, and the programme of the specialization during the second year.
You will graduate as a Master of Science.
There are three professional specializations available:

• Science Communication
• Teaching
• Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship.

A note to readers who dont speak Dutch: Only the specialization Management, Policy Analysis & Entrepreneurship is described in English, because the other two specializations are only taught in Dutch.

Degree requirements

A Master of Science in Chemistry is awarded upon successful completion of all the core courses in the curriculum and a written Master's thesis based on an independent research project. This translates into a total of 120 ECTS credits.

Certified competences Grade average: Applicants are expected to have an overall grade point average (GPA) equivalant to at least: 1) 3.0 (American system) 2) 2.1 (a second class upper/division one degree in the British system) 3) C (ECTS-system) Additional language requirements:Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: B1Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: B1IELTS overall band: 6.5IELTS listening: 6IELTS reading: 6IELTS writing: 6IELTS speaking: 6TOEFL paper based: 580TOEFL computer based: 232TOEFL internet based: 90 English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test: 90

---

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships / Grants:

The University of Amsterdam:
The University of Amsterdam provides a limited number of full and partial scholarships for excellent students from outside the European Economic Area. The Amsterdam Merit Scholarships have specifically been designed to offer talented, ambitious and dedicated students the opportunity to pursue a Mast
For additional information: Website

:
Students from Columbia can apply for this scholarship through their website.
For additional information: Website

Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: The Netherlands