Molecular and Biological Chemistry

Modern science is continuously leaning towards Chemistry. In Life Sciences, Materials or Environment, researchers realize that pertinent answers are hidden at the molecular scale. Key activities spread across the chiral synthesis of molecules with biological interests, elucidation of biological mechanisms, molecular conversion of energy, catalytic processes, biosensors and development of new analytical tools. In the heart of this process, chemistry at EPFL benefits from an international environment with more than 70% of research fellows from aborad.

Program's Objectives

The Master in Molecular and Biological Chemistry is a research program with a strong focus on practice in laboratory.

Students also follow advanced courses in current research domains such as analytics, target synthesis, biological chemistry, computational chemistry, etc.

The Master of Science in Molecular & Biological Chemistry prepares the students for a career in research, combining theoretical understanding of the molecular world and hands-on experience in laboratories.

Students must choose 3 modules in Specialization modules I and 12 ECTS in Specialization modules II.

Students can opt for a 30 ECTS Minor instead of the research internship preferably in:

• Management, Technology and Entrepreneurship
• Science, Technology and Area Studies 

Specialization modules I 24

Bioanalytical chemistry

• Bioanalytics and analytical sensors 3
• Mass spectrometry 3
• Methodology in instrumental chromatography 2

Biological chemistry & biophysics

• Cellular signalling 2
• Chemical biology 3
• Nanobiotechnology and biophysics 3

Computational chemistry

• Applied molecular quantum chemistry 4
• Computational methods in molecular quantum mechanics 4

Inorganic chemistry

• Catalysis for energy production 2
• Catalyst design for synthesis 3
• Inorganic reactivity 3

Organic chemistry

• Physical and computational organic chemistry 2
• Structure and reactivity 3
• Total synthesis of natural products 3

Physical chemistry

• Advanced NMR and imaging 3
• Electronic spectroscopy 3
• Photochemistry II 2

Specialization modules II 12

• Risk management 2

Molecular and supramolecular science

• Artificial photosynthesis 2
• Catalytic asymmetric reactions in organic chemistry 2
• Chemistry of small biological molecules 2
• Coordination chemistry and reactivity of f elements
• Pharmacological chemistry 2
• Supramolecular chemistry 2

Physical and analytical chemistry

• Laboratory information management system (LIMS) 2
• Molecular quantum dynamics 2
• Photomedicine 2

Material science

• Advanced materials for photovoltaics and lighting 2
• Analysis of ancient materials and their degradation 2
• Introduction to nanomaterials 2
• Organic electronic materials 3
• Physical chemistry of polymeric materials 3
• Polymer chemistry and macromolecular engineering 3

Food science

• Chimie des denrées alimentaires 2
• Chemistry of food processes 2

Projects 24

• Interdisciplinary / disciplinary project 6
• Project in molecular sciences 12
• Project in human and social sciences 6

Research internship 30

• Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree from a reputable university in chemistry and excellent academic results.
• Your resumé (curriculum vitae)
• Copy of your University degree(s) or Bachelor's degree. If you don't have your degree yet, you will bring it to the Registrar's Office upon registration at EPFL*.
• Legalized transcripts from each university you have attended.
• A statement of purpose. See hereunder for a more detailed explanation.
• Three recommendations (except holders of any EPFL Bachelor's degree applying in another field than their original field and except for candidates from another Swiss university applying to a Master in the same field of study as their Bachelor).
  During the electronic application process, you will have to give the details of three referees, who will then be requested to produce recommendation letters for you directly to EPFL. See hereunder for a more detailed explanation.
• Your identity card or passport.
• For foreigners who already live in Switzerland: your residence permit.
• Extra documents such as TOEFL or GRE scores, research publications or other portfolios of your previous work, are welcome but not compulsory. We will only consider documents uploaded in your online application form. (No documents sent by postal mail).
• Application fee CHF 150.

Scholarships

• Excellence Fellowships