Master's degree in chemistry

Separative chemistry, materials, and processes

Presentation

This program provides training in the concepts and tools used in solution chemistry, extraction and separation chemistry, development, and materials and process science, in the context of research and development activities, particularly in relation 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 field of separation chemistry, materials, and processes, particularly in the nuclear sector (fuel cycle, reactor operation, radiation protection and safety, waste management, decontamination, and decommissioning) or strategic metal recycling (extractive and separation chemistry, reprocessing).

The educational content of this program is spread over two years, with knowledge being acquired gradually in the various disciplines and a precise chronological sequence of teaching units, enabling the provision of high-level specialized and multidisciplinary education. The aim is to acquire scientific and technical knowledge as well as working methods and communication tools.

Know-how and skills

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

  • Recognize the challenges associated with the upstream fuel cycle, particularly those relating to extractive and separative chemistry, ore processing, and remediation of mined and/or contaminated sites.
  • Be familiar with the various laws governing the nuclear sector in terms of radiation protection, control, safety, and waste management.
  • Be able to understand the chemical properties of radioelements and radionuclides, and address the scale factors associated with the trace scale (chemistry at the indicator scale and environmental chemistry).
  • Be able to use simple models to evaluate the performance of a strategic metal separation process.
  • Be able to understand the life cycle of a material in relation to the properties required under conditions of use.
  • Mastering scientific and technical communication tools

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

Organization

The master's degree program is spread over four semesters, each worth 30 ECTS credits, in accordance with the European system. Each course unit is assessed either by a final written exam, continuous assessment, or, for certain professional course units, a written summary and oral presentation. These course units can be offset against each other. An average grade of 10/20 or higher for the entire semester is required for validation. Semesters cannot be compensated for each other.

Internships and supervised projects

  • M1 – Semester 1: Professional Projects – Project Monitoring (8 ECTS)
  • M1 – Semester 2: Communication and Professional Integration (2 ECTS)
  • M1 – Semester 2: 2- to 4-month internship in a laboratory or company, preceded by a bibliographic report (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 internship in a laboratory or company (25 ECTS)

Prerequisites

  • Target audience for admission to M1: selection based on application; holder of a bachelor's degree in chemistry, physical chemistry, process engineering, or equivalent; validation of prior learning by a jury for other scientific bachelor's degrees.
  • Target audience for admission to M2: selection based on application; holder of a Master's 1 degree in chemistry, physical chemistry, process engineering, or equivalent; validation of prior learning by a jury for other scientific Master's degrees.
  • Required prerequisites: Skills in chemistry or physical chemistry
  • Recommended prerequisites: Skills in solution chemistry and materials chemistry; proficiency in French is an additional asset for international students.

Continuing education

  • Continuing studies in France: Doctoral thesis or master's degree to acquire dual skills
  • Continuing studies abroad: Doctoral thesis
  • Bridge programs: admission based on application for Master 2 for candidates with a Master 1 degree in chemistry or equivalent training
  • Reorientation: reorientation possible at the end of the Master 1 year

Professional integration

's areas of activity are: nuclear chemistry (upstream and downstream fuel cycle, waste management, decontamination and decommissioning operations); extractive and separative chemistry, chemistry for the reprocessing and recycling of strategic metals; energy, environment, 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, recycling industry, or environmental sector
  • Researcher/R&D or research engineer (after completing a PhD, which this program prepares students for): conducting scientific studies and implementing technological projects