Everything around you is chemistry. Even you yourself are chemistry. In this Bachelor’s programme you’ll get theoretical knowledge and practical skills to understand the world at molecular level. The ultimate goal is to design new molecules and materials in such a way that they possess the desired properties. Think of a very effective pain killer or a molecule that can efficiently convert light into electrical energy in a solar cell.
Is Chemistry a good fit for you?
Chemists are curious people. They want to understand a process in detail, up to the molecular or even atomic level. Moreover, they are creative: always looking for ways to improve the properties of molecules or even design one from scratch. To be able to do that, you need to understand the demands from the users of the material. This requires a flexible mindset and communicative skills. Do you identify with this description? Then chemistry can be the right programme for you.
As the world at the nanometer scale can only be studied by doing experiments, you’ll get an extensive training in the practical aspects of Chemistry. You’ll also get physics courses, for a thorough understanding of the techniques that make use of light or magnetic fields. This makes an excellent preparation for a career in science. Most of our students ultimately end up in large chemical, pharma or food companies.
Why study Chemistry at Radboud University?
- Besides a thorough background in chemistry, you’ll also become familiar with the cross-links with biology and physics.
- You’ll do lots of lab courses, where you can put the theory you have learned into practice and where you work closely with other students.
- Excellent supervision: all first-year students have a tutor and a student advisor who will answer all of your questions.
- The programme has been awarded ‘Top programme’ by the Keuzegids Bachelors 2016, meaning it is the best Dutch programme of its kind and the very best of all Dutch Bachelor’s
- You’ll have personal contact with your lecturers, who are very approachable.
- It is possible to switch to Molecular Life Sciences or Science after one year, without any delay.
- During your internship, you’ll have access to unique research facilities at the Institute for Molecules and Materials: NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), FEL (free-electron laser) and HFML (High Field Magnet Laboratory).
- You’ll work in a very stimulating research environment, as our facilities hosts top scientists like Nobel Prize winners Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov.
What will you learn?
Chemists are curious people. They want to understand a process in detail, up to the molecular or even atomic level. Moreover, they are creative: always looking for ways to improve the properties of molecules or even design one from scratch. To be able to do that, you need to understand the demands from the users of the material. This requires a flexible mindset and communicative skills.
As the world at the nanometer scale can only be studied by doing experiments, you’ll get extensive training in the practical aspects of Chemistry. You’ll also get physics courses, for a thorough understanding of the techniques that make use of light or magnetic fields. This makes an excellent preparation for a career in science. Most of our students ultimately end up in large chemical, pharma or food companies.
Future career opportunities
- Scientist at research departments of chemical or pharmaceutical
- companies and organisations
- Consultant for IT, business and non-profit service providers
- Teacher at secondary schools or universities
- Researcher at universities and research institutes
- Founder of your own business
- Researcher or business developer in a spin-off company