Chemistry (Joint Degree UvA-VU) - Molecular Sciences Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Overview

The Chemistry (Joint Degree UvA-VU) - Molecular Sciences programme from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam allows you to become an expert in designing new compounds with specific properties, often with the aid of computational methods, devising efficient methods for the synthesis of new compounds, developing clean and selective catalysts using the interaction of light and matter to observe and control chemical and physical processes, and developing and applying methods in computational and theoretical chemistry in research of structure, dynamics and function in atomic, (bio)molecular and multi-scale systems.

The programme is embedded in various leading national and international research institutes, such as the Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences at the VU, the Research Priority Area Sustainable Chemistry at the University of Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Center for Multiscale Modeling (ACMM, part of CECAM) and the LaserLab Amsterdam (part of LaserLab Europe). These collaborations provide you with direct access to a broad pool of experts in relevant fields of study.

Understanding how molecules function is one of the most important worldwide challenges in chemistry. Organic chemistry, biochemistry, organometallic chemistry and theoretical chemistry are the foundations for a fundamental understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and performance. This field offers society the molecules and materials we need for our health, transportation, energy, agriculture and communication. 

Start working

Graduates of the Master's programme Chemistry typically pursue careers:

• as PhD students at chemistry institutes around the world, progressing from there to careers in academia or industry

• in research, within industry (e.g. Akzo Nobel, Shell and DSM)

• in research, within research institutes (e.g. TNO, KNMI and SRON)

• as teachers, within high schools or universities

• as (technical) policy officers, within (science-oriented) governmental and non-profit organisations

• in business (e.g. ICT companies, energy companies, investment banks, consultancy firms)

• as writers, for (science-oriented) media

• as entrepreneurs