Master's Degree in Chemistry
Overview
The Master’s program in Chemistry is offered by the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Montpellier. Our program is designed to best address major societal challenges and meet industry expectations in key sectors related to chemistry and its subfields, while taking into account future developments in these areas. The Master’s program aims to provide students with expertise in the latest developments related to the design, synthesis, formulation, and advanced characterization of (bio)materials and biomolecules, as well as flavors, fragrances, and cosmetics.
Our curriculum also ensures that students understand the underlying phenomena driving their field of study in targeted applications. To give our students the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of chemistry aligned with local, national, or international chemical industry needs, we offer a variety of specializations that allow them to pursue careers in the following sectors: healthcare, sustainable development and the environment, separative and nuclear chemistry, biomolecular and life sciences chemistry, cosmetics, flavors, and fragrances engineering, and analytical and quality control chemistry for products and processes.
A research-based master's degree
Our educational programs are based on the scientific excellence—recognized both nationally and internationally—of the research teams at four research institutes: the Max Mousseron Institute of Biomolecules; the Charles Gerhardt Institute in Montpellier; the European Institute of Membranes; and the Marcoule Institute of Separative Chemistry.
A joint master's program
The master's program is offered in collaboration with other educational institutions, such as: the National School of Chemistry in Montpellier; the National Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Technologies; and the University of Toulouse III–Paul Sabatier.
The Courses
Biomolecular Chemistry
This program offers multidisciplinary training in organic chemistry with a focus on the life sciences. The curriculum centers on the synthesis, characterization, and study of the biological properties of essential biomolecules such as nucleosides, oligonucleotides, saccharides, peptides, proteins, and biopolymers.
Materials Chemistry
This program provides training to develop skills in the fields of materials chemistry and its interfaces, for use in research or in industrial sectors related to sustainable development, energy, health, and the environment. The program introduces the concepts and tools used in the design and development of various types of materials, as well as their characterization and applications in the aforementioned fields. The training received enables students to bridge the gap between academic research and research conducted in industrial settings.
Separative Chemistry, Materials, and Processes
This program provides training that introduces students to the concepts and tools used in solution chemistry, extraction and separation chemistry, process engineering, and materials and process science, within the context of research and development activities, particularly those related to the nuclear fuel cycle and the recycling of strategic metals.
Theoretical Chemistry and Modeling
Theoretical chemistry and molecular modeling are playing an increasingly important role in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and materials science. This branch of chemistry provides conceptual tools, qualitative models, and quantitative data that enable theoretical chemists to contribute to the development of innovative and customized chemical systems.
Flavor and Fragrance Engineering
This program is a two-year professional degree program, divided into four semesters, offered in partnership with the industrial sector to train high-level chemists specializing in the flavors and fragrances industry, where there is strong hiring potential. The program is open to apprenticeships starting in the first year of the master’s program (M1), as well as to a dual degree program with the IAE.
Cosmetic Engineering
The goal of this program is to train future engineers specializing in scientific fields relevant to research and development in the cosmetics and wellness industries. The program is offered as a full-time degree program with a 5- to 6-month internship each year, as well as through a work-study program. Admission is subject to a selection process.
Materials Science Using Large-Scale Facilities
This materials science program is part of international partnerships between partner universities, industry, and research centers. The program awards 120 ECTS credits, and courses are taught in English. It focuses on R&D in functional materials for energy storage and conversion, catalysis, and thin films. It provides industrial partners with access to state-of-the-art characterization using major research facilities (neutron and synchrotron radiation).
Membrane Engineering for Sustainable Development
The Master’s program in “Membrane Engineering for Sustainable Development” offers an advanced curriculum in membrane science and engineering at the intersection of materials science and chemical engineering, with a focus on specific applications such as energy, food, health, and water. It is an Erasmus Mundus Master’s program.