Master's degree in chemistry

Materials science exploring large-scale facilities

Presentation and objectives

This program is part of international partnerships developed in close collaboration between partner universities, industry, and research centers. The program awards 120 ECTS credits. It focuses on R&D in functional materials in the fields of energy storage and conversion, catalysis, and thin films. It offers excellent scientific and industrial career opportunities for master's students in an international environment, with all courses taught in English. It strongly encourages industrial partners to access cutting-edge materials characterization using large-scale neutron and synchrotron radiation instruments.

The courses in this program are currently integrated into the Erasmus Mundus MaMaSELF master's degree, and students can also apply for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.

The curriculum is multidisciplinary, covering broad and in-depth training in materials science, physical chemistry, and chemical physics. Students become familiar with different synthesis methods, structural characterization and refinements using X-rays, electron microscopy and neutron diffraction methods, including magnetic structures, supplemented by the study of interfaces, defect thermodynamics and catalysis. Another important part of the program is an introduction to theoretical aspects, i.e., courses that aim to introduce the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and simulation methods, supplemented by the electronic properties of solids. Two research internships of 3 and 5/6 months complete the teaching activities and familiarize students with applied and fundamental research activities.

Organization

Internships in research laboratories are an important part of the training program. A three-month internship in a research group takes place in the second semester, while the entire fourth semester is devoted to the Master's internship. The Master's internship can be carried out in a university laboratory, an industry or a research organization (e.g., large instruments) in France or in partner organizations in Japan, Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, India, Brazil, the United States, or Russia.

Prerequisites

  • Target audience: Students who have obtained a bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a similar field.
  • Prerequisites: Standard knowledge of a bachelor's degree in chemistry/physics/materials science/for courses in crystallography and quantum mechanics: the concepts covered start from the basics.
  • Recommended prerequisites: Standard knowledge of a bachelor's degree in chemistry/physics/materials science/for courses in crystallography and quantum mechanics: the concepts covered start from the basics.

Continuing education

  • In France: Approximately 80% of our students continue their studies with a thesis, and 20% enter the industry.
  • Abroad: Due to the structure of the Master's program, our students have many opportunities to pursue a doctorate abroad.

Professional integration

Generally, all students find a thesis or industrial contract before completing their Master's degree or in the months following the end of their Master's degree.

Some areas of application in industry: design and implementation of new advanced materials such as batteries, ceramics, plastics, glass, biomaterials, metals and alloys, semiconductors, dielectrics, materials for optics and electronics in R&D research institutes; characterization of materials using large-scale instruments such as synchrotron radiation and neutron scattering; research activities requiring fundamental knowledge of solid-state physics and chemistry. Projects requiring knowledge of material properties such as physical measurements, structure, and spectroscopy; targeted technology watch.