Master's in Chemistry

Separative Chemistry, Materials, and Processes

Overview

This program provides training in 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.

Objectives

You will be trained for careers in industry and research related to the fields of separative chemistry, materials, and processes—particularly those in the nuclear sector (fuel cycle, reactor operation, radiation protection and safety, waste management, decontamination, and decommissioning) or the recycling of strategic metals (extractive and separative chemistry, reprocessing).

The curriculum for this program is structured over two years, featuring a gradual acquisition of knowledge across various disciplines and a carefully sequenced series of course units designed to provide high-level specialized and multidisciplinary instruction. The goal is to equip students with scientific and technical knowledge, as well as effective work methods and communication skills.

Expertise and skills

Upon completion of this training, you will have acquired the scientific and technical skills necessary to:

  • Recognize the challenges associated with the upstream phase of the fuel cycle, particularly those related to extractive and separative chemistry, ore processing, and the remediation of mined and/or contaminated sites
  • Understand the various laws and regulations governing the nuclear sector, including those related to radiation protection, oversight, safety, and waste management
  • Be able to understand the chemical properties of radioelements and radionuclides, and address the scaling factors associated with the trace level (trace-level chemistry and environmental chemistry)
  • Be able to use simple models to evaluate the performance of a process for separating strategic metals
  • Be able to understand a material’s life cycle in relation to its intended properties under actual conditions of use
  • Mastering scientific and technical communication tools

Upon completion of this program, you will have acquired disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge and expertise in: radiochemistry, analysis of radioelements, the nuclear fuel cycle, reprocessing, extraction and separation processes for strategic metals, waste storage and disposal management, materials chemistry (preparation, structure, properties), fuel materials and waste containment matrices, nuclear safety and radiation protection, decontamination, decommissioning of nuclear facilities, and remediation of contaminated soil.

Organization

The master’s program spans four semesters, each worth 30 ECTS credits, in accordance with the European system. Each course is assessed through one of the following methods: a final written exam, continuous assessment, or a written synthesis paper and an oral presentation for certain professional-oriented courses. Credits from these courses can be transferred between semesters. An average grade of 10/20 or higher for the entire semester is required for validation. Semesters cannot be offset against one another.

Internships and supervised projects

  • M1 – Semester 1: Professional Projects – Project Supervision (8 ECTS)
  • M1 – Semester 2: Communication and Career Preparation (2 ECTS)
  • M1 – Semester 2: A 2- to 4-month internship in a laboratory or company, preceded by a literature review (10 ECTS)
  • M2 – Semester 3: Project Management – Business Law – Innovation and Intellectual Property (4 ECTS)
  • M2 – Semester 4: Bibliographic Project / Scientific Information (3 ECTS)
  • M2 – Semester 4: 4- to 6-month laboratory or industry internship (25 ECTS)

Prerequisites

  • Eligibility for admission to the M1 program: admission based on application materials; holders of a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physical chemistry, process engineering, or an equivalent field; recognition of prior learning by a review committee for holders of other science-related bachelor’s degrees
  • Eligibility for admission to the M2 program: admission based on application materials; holders of a Master’s 1 degree in chemistry, physical chemistry, process engineering, or an equivalent field; recognition of prior learning by a review committee for holders of other science-related Master’s degrees
  • Required prerequisites: Knowledge of chemistry or physical chemistry
  • Recommended prerequisites: Knowledge of solution chemistry and materials chemistry; proficiency in French is an added advantage for international students

Further education

  • Further Studies in France: Doctoral or Master’s Degree for the Acquisition of Dual Expertise
  • Further Studies Abroad: Doctoral Dissertation
  • Transfer Programs: Admission to the second year of the Master’s program is based on the applicant’s academic record for candidates who have completed the first year of a Master’s degree in chemistry or have equivalent training
  • Changes of major: Students may change their major after completing their first year of the Master’s program

Employment placement

's areas of activity are: nuclear chemistry (upstream and downstream of the fuel cycle, waste management, decontamination and decommissioning operations); extractive and separative chemistry; chemistry for the reprocessing and recycling of strategic metals; energy, environment, and chemistry; materials chemistry and process chemistry. The types of jobs available are:

  • Chemical engineer, materials chemist, or process chemist responsible for production, analysis, quality control, or project management
  • R&D engineer in a design office or in the nuclear industry, the recycling industry, or the environmental sector
  • Researcher / R&D or research engineer (upon completion of a Ph.D. program for which this course is designed): conducting scientific studies and implementing technological projects