Chemistry

Modern tumor treatment, molecular machines, chip technology, efficient catalytic converters, new sources of energy—these are all fields of research to which chemists contribute their ideas and develop new concepts. Chemistry is the most important comprehensive scientific field which effectively combines fascinating aspects from varied areas of research. Chemistry has a long, uninterrupted tradition in Germany, where it is the most economically important science today. Chemistry is the ideal subject for young people interested in sciences who are looking for a broad-based education and who wish to specialize during their course of study without having to commit themselves to a narrow, specialized field at the outset. The chemistry department at TUM offers excellent, up-to-date teaching of the fundamentals of science. TUM is one of the few German universities that covers so many different aspects of chemistry: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, construction chemistry, food chemistry, medicinal chemistry, radiochemistry, technical chemistry with chemical engineering, and hydro chemistry, as well as the classical disciplines of organic, inorganic, physical and theoretical chemistry. Our department’s idea of specialization following a thorough foundation course guaranties a flexible combination of subjects leading to a bachelor or master of science based on the European guidelines. Exams are an integral part of the course, and periods of study abroad are taken into account by means of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Which professional opportunities can I take up with this qualification?

After graduation chemists can choose from a wide variety of professions: Industry, research institutes, universities and the civil service offer attractive possibilities. In the sectors of chemical or pharmaceutical industries, chemists usually start in research, where their work is partially determined by practical application, economic climate and market requirements. Industrial chemists improve existing products and processes or develop new ones. After several years of professional experience they often move into areas of production (on-time production taking into account quality, expenditure and material cost), product development, application (optimizing products to customer needs), processing technics (adapting new methods developed in the laboratory for use in general production, considering economic and ecological aspects), analysis, environmental protection, marketing, patenting, documentation or public relations. Further areas of employment for chemists are: the cosmetics industry, the food industry, the automotive industry, the electrical industry, the building materials industry, the metal production and metal working industry, economic consulting, the energy sector, insurance, water supply, timber processing, paper production, law offices (as patent attorneys), national offices and regional authorities (for example, the German national offices for materials testing, chemical-technical testing, hydrography, environmental protection, health and safety), factory inspectorates, customs, fire department, police departments and hospitals. A chemist with a doctorate who enjoys teaching and research might instead opt for a career in tertiary education. Many opportunities are offered at universities and research institutes.