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 educational content of this program is structured over two years, with students gradually acquiring knowledge in various disciplines and following a precise chronological sequence of course units, thereby providing a high-level, specialized, and multidisciplinary education. The goal is to acquire scientific and technical knowledge, as well as work methods and communication tools.

Expertise and Skills

Upon completion of this training, you will have acquired the scientific and technical skills that will enable you 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 governing the nuclear sector, including those related to radiation protection, regulatory oversight, safety, and waste management
  • Be able to understand the chemical properties of radioelements and radionuclides, and to 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 strategic metal separation process
  • Be able to understand a material’s life cycle in relation to its intended properties under 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 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 4 semesters of 30 ECTS credits each, in accordance with the European system. Each course is assessed either through a final written exam, continuous assessment, or—for certain professional-oriented courses—a written synthesis paper and an oral presentation. Credits from these courses can be carried over to other semesters. An average grade of 10/20 or higher for the entire semester is required for the semester to be considered complete. Semesters cannot be used to make up for grades in other semesters.

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

  • Target audience for admission to the M1 program: selection 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
  • Target audience for admission to the M2 program: selection 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

  • Continuing Your Education in France: Doctoral or Master’s Degree to Gain Dual Expertise
  • Further Studies Abroad: Doctoral Dissertation
  • Transfer Programs: Admission to the second year of the Master’s program based on application review for applicants who have completed the first year of a Master’s program in chemistry or have equivalent training
  • Changes in Academic Focus: Students may change their academic focus at the end of their first year of the Master’s program

Employment Integration

'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., for which this program prepares students): conducting scientific studies and implementing technological projects