Specializations:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Applied Surface Chemistry
- Environmental Inorganic Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Industrial Materials Recycling
Syllabus
(approved by the Pro-Vice-President on May 17, 2005. Ref. nr. C2005/604)
(revised May 21, 2008)
(revised August 1, 2012)
(revised September 25, 2015)
1 Subject description and programme aims
Chemistry is the area of knowledge which deals with the
composition, structure and features of substances, the reactions which
transfer substances to other substances and the different types of
energy changes which accompany these reactions. Chemistry is a basic
natural science, which among other things means that research and
doctoral programmes are mainly governed by intrascientific arguments and
criteria. This of course does not prevent industrial and social needs
from playing a major role when research problems are formulated and
projects organised.
The extremely broad scope of the field of chemistry has during
the 20th century led to a division into a number of subjects which are
to a varying degree sharply delimited from each other. For inorganic and
organic chemistry as well as biochemistry the basis for division is the
substance classes dealt with by the subjects whilst the division into
subjects such as analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, nuclear
chemistry and theoretical chemistry is based more on common working
methods and applications. At present there is a tangible tendency,
internationally but also at Chalmers, to give research in chemistry (and
thus also doctoral programmes) an interdisciplinary orientation, e.g.
directed at areas such as bioorganic chemistry, molecular biophysics,
geochemistry or atmospheric chemistry. The basic subjects in chemistry
that are represented at Chalmers University of Technology are analytical
chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, nuclear chemistry,
inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry. The special orientations at
the graduate school of chemistry at Chalmers are presented in the
following sections.
1.1 Special research orientations
1.1.1 Analytical chemistry
Analytical chemistry aims to develop methods for the determination
of basic substances and chemical compounds. It is important to be able
to make these determinations with a high degree of accuracy and
precision, often in complex mixtures and in very small amounts. The
research in chemistry is conducted within electroanalytical chemistry
and atomic spectroscopy with applications within, among other things,
the immediate environment and the marine chemistry field. Within
separation chemistry, chromatographic and capillary electrophoretic
methods are being developed as well as new detectors for applications,
particularly in the pharmaceutical field. Multivariate data analysis
methods are applied, among other things to improve reliability in
spectroscopic methods in process analytical applications.
1.1.2 Biochemistry
Biochemis
try concerns the study of the chemistry of life itself and
the many molecular processes involved. Examples of topics for study are
the structure and function of different classes of biomolecules such as
proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, as well as the interactions between
such molecules that are important in understanding biochemical
processes. The subject is cross-disciplinary and is connected to many of
the other areas in the research school of chemistry in the form of
sub-areas such as biophysical chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry,
bioorganic chemistry and bioinorganic chemistry.
1.1.3 Physical chemistry
Traditionally, physical chemistry covers the theoretical basis for
chemistry, particularly the interaction between energy and materials.
The following areas form the basis for teaching and research:
thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, quantum chemistry, molecular
spectroscopy, photochemistry and electrochemistry. The research in
physical chemistry is conducted within photochemistry and photophysics,
as well as in biophysical and bioanalytical chemistry. Research projects
include the study mechanisms for energy- and electron-transfer, of
importance for harvesting solar energy and for photocatalytic reduction
of carbon dioxide. Other topics of interest are photochromic systems
with applications in biochemistry and molecular logics, spectroscopic
methods for investigating the interactions of nucleic acids with drugs
and enzymes, as well as the use of microscopic techniques and
nanofluidics for lipid membranes.
1.1.4 Nuclear chemistry
Nuclear chemistry, which has its roots in both chemistry and
nuclear physics, deals with the chemical aspects of nuclear science and
plays a central role in nuclear power technology. The subject has a
distinct interdisciplinary character and covers the study of mechanisms
and products in conjunction with nuclear reactions and radioactive
decay, production of radioactive nuclides, separation of isotopes, the
chemistry of the radioactive elements, interaction of ionising radiation
with materials, the measurement of ionising radiation, radiation
protection, the use of radioactive tracers etc. Nuclear chemical methods
are used in a large number of other scientific areas, including
archaeology, astronomy, biochemistry, genetics, geology, medicine and
engineering.
1.1.5 Inorganic chemistry
Inorganic chemistry strives for a fundamental understanding of
reactions, structure and bonding in inorganic, organometallic,
metal-organic and bio-inorganic compounds, molecules, substances and
materials. This knowledge is important in a number of more applied
disciplines and research areas such as catalysis, energy conversion and
energy storage, clean and efficient process technology, sensors,
corrosion, metallo-proteins, pharmacology, implants, biological process,
electronics, information and communication technology and nano-science.
1.1.6 Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry concerns the synthesis, reactions and properties
of carbon compounds. Research at the department is conducted within the
areas of physical organic chemistry, organometallic chemistry,
asymmetric synthesis, modification of cellulose, as well as the
synthesis of biologically active compounds. Green chemistry is the basis
for developing new technologies for sustainable materials/chemicals and
for supramolecular gels. A new and exciting area of research is
graphene chemistry, with a highly interdisciplinary character connected
to the EU funded graphene flagship. Cellulose research involves
refinement to bulk chemicals and functional materials, including
theoretical and practical studies of molecular properties and how these
affect the physical and mechanical properties of materials. Within the
field of supramolecular chemistry, research is directed towards design
and synthesis of biomimetic systems intended for systematic studies of
excitation energy and electron transfer phenomena, of fundamental
importance in the development of future molecular electronics
1.1.7 Applied Surface Chemistry
Applied Surface Chemistry covers technical applications of surface
chemistry. Surface chemistry has its theoretical basis in physical
chemistry and can be divided into 1) surface and colloid chemistry,
mainly comprising solutions, and 2) solid surface chemistry. Surface
chemistry can be found as part of technical solutions within many
industries, from the food industry and pharmaceuticals to paper and
mining industries, as well as in industries where the nature and
reactivity of solid surfaces is crucial, such as in large parts of
materials technology, where superabsorbents, catalysts, fuel cells,
batteries and biomaterials are examples with extensive research in this
field. The term surface and colloid chemistry includes the
physicochemical properties and applications of surfactants and
suspensions. The area is a central part of nanomaterials chemistry
including the production of nanomaterials where the size and structure
is controlled at the nanometer scale. In this area, the research pace is
very high, and many high-tech materials are based on practices in this
field. A further field concerns supramolecular chemistry and special
investigations of structure as well as structure dynamics of such
systems. Biopolymergels and cellulose fibers are examples of
supramolecular systems studied. Transport of both water and substances
dissolved in water in these systems are investigated with the help of,
among other things, NMR diffusometry and various microscopy methods.
1.1.8 Environmental Inorganic Chemistry
The overall research strategy within environmental inorganic
chemistry is to contribute with chemical and material-chemical aspects
to bring about sustainable development in society. Our basic areas of
expertise are mainly within theoretical chemistry, structural chemistry
and the synthesis of new materials with specific properties. Research is
conducted, among other things, into perovskite-related super-conductors
and materials which demonstrate different forms of magnetic
arrangement. Another highly topical research area is magnetoelectric
systems, an example of a multifunctional system where electric and
magnetic arrangements coexist in the same compound. Double perovskites
are the most promising class of materials for the stabilisation of
magnetoelectric properties. This type of materials research is of basic
significance for electronics and IT systems.
1.1.9 Pharmaceutical technology
Pharmaceutical technology concerns the manufacturing and studies of
different kinds of drug formulations as liquids, gels and tablets. A
modern drug contains not only the active compound but also a number of
additives to give the product the desired properties for storage and
use, and also to facilitate the preparation of the compound.
Pharmaceutical technology is therefore to a large extent involved in the
characterization of the additives and their properties using a variety
of different methods. The additives are in general different kinds of
polymers and lipids, and the methods range from X-ray crystallography,
via NMR to rheology and dissolution and swelling experiments.
1.1.10 Industrial materials recycling
Industrial materials recycling cover in principle all disciplines
of chemistry and in addition on all levels from basic science to
development of industrial processes. The main direction is recovery of
metals from waste flows but also other kinds of wastes such as e.g.
plastics are handled. To be able to achieve this it is often required
that several elements are separated from each other. Typical methods to
achieve this separation are solvent extraction, electrochemistry and
pyrochemistry. Other important aspects are the development and use of
separation equipment such as e.g. mixer-settlers and columns.
1.2 The aim of the PhD studies
The programme should acquaint the student with principles and
working approaches within modern chemical research and provide in-depth
knowledge within one or more of the special orientations. The programme
also aims to provide skills in research methodology and experience of
independent research. The programme will prepare the doctoral student
for later professional work as a researcher or as a teacher in industry,
the education sector or some other sector in society.
2 Qualification and admission
To qualify for admission to the postgraduate program in chemistry a
student must have completed a Master of Science in Engineering
(Civilingenjör) or a Master of Science (Filosofie magister), or the
equivalent. Students with equivalent degrees can be accepted to the
program after special consideration. The student should also be judged
to have the capacity to successfully complete a postgraduate research
education. The decision of admission to the graduate program is taken by
the Deputy Head of the Department after check-up and approval from the
Director of Studies for the Graduate School in Chemistry. For more
details about admission requirements, see Chalmers web site Education -
Doctoral Programmes – From Admission to Graduation.
3 Organization and structure of the program
For full-time students the programme is expected to require a net
period of four years for a PhD and two years for a licentiate degree.
The latter degree is strongly recommended as a stage along the path
towards a PhD.
The programme includes teacher-led courses, reading of
literature independently ("reading course"), thesis work and active
participation in the seminars run at the graduate school and within the
person's own subject specialisation. The emphasis in a doctoral
programme should be on research which will lead to a PhD or a licentiate
thesis. The research should be equivalent to at least 75% of the
nominal programme time. Testing of knowledge following courses can take
place through written or oral examinations, submission of assignments,
essays and seminars or in another appropriate manner. The grades for
courses are either Pass or Fail.
3.1 Seminars
The doctoral students should actively participate in the seminars
given in their own research field and in the seminar series run jointly
for the department.
3.2 Courses
For details of the current range of courses, see the web site of
the Department (the Swedish web site): Utbildning - Forskarutbildning -
Kurser.
3.2.1 Mandatory courses at Chalmers
Common Chalmers courses: three higher education credits in
education, three higher education credits in ethics and zero higher
education credit for the ”General introduction for doctoral students”.
Doctoral students admitted after September 1, 2012, are
required to take 15 credit points from the area of Generic and
Transferable Skills during their graduate studies. Of these, 9 credit
points are mandatory for the licentiate degree, and another 6 credit
points for the PhD degree.
In addition to the courses within Generic and Transferable
Skills, the student is also required to participate in the introduction
day for doctoral students (before the licentiate examination, at
latest). Further requirements are an oral popular science presentation
to be performed prior to the PhD thesis defence and a written popular
science presentation to be published on the back of the PhD thesis.
4 Theses
4.1 Licentiate thesis
A licentiate thesis requires that the scientific work is presented
in the form of a report, which may either be in the form of a monograph
or a collection of articles together with an introduction. The
requirements of independence and scientific stingency are similar to
those applicable to a doctoral thesis but are applied to a lesser
degree. Before the printing of the licentiate thesis it should be
examined by the Director of Graduate Studies in Chemistry if at least
half of the articles are published in peer reviewed journals. If this is
not the case, the licenciate thesis should be examined by two referees.
A licentiate thesis is presented at a public seminar and according to
the regulations of Chalmers University of Technology. For more details,
see the Chalmers web site Education - Doctoral Programmes – From
Admission to Graduation.
4.2 Doctoral thesis
A doctoral thesis requires that the scientific work is presented in
the form of a report, which may either be in the form of a monograph or
a collection of articles together with an introduction. The thesis
should be written in English. The quality of a doctoral thesis should be
such that it can be published in a high-standing, international journal
and stand up to peer review. The thesis should demonstrate a high level
of independence and scientific stringency. The thesis will be publicly
defended in accordance with rules of Chalmers University of Technology.
In order to assure the quality of a thesis before the public
defence, a preliminary version of the thesis should be previewed by the
opponent and the graduate committee. The thesis should be sent for
preview no later than three months before the defence, and written
statements should be returned to the department no later than two months
before the defence. There are special rules for a doctoral thesis at
the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
For more details, see the Chalmers web site Education - Doctoral Programmes – From Admission to Graduation.
5 Requirements for the degree
5.1 Licentiate degree
The licentiate degree program consists of 120 higher education
credits. Course work amounting to at least 30 higher education credits,
but up to 60 higher education credits, and research work amounting to at
least 60 higher education credits, but typically 90 higher education
credits, and culminating in a licentiate thesis report, should be
completed for the licentiate degree.
5.2 Doctoral degree
The doctoral degree program consists of 240 higher education
credits. Course work amounting to at least 30 higher education credits,
but up to 60 higher education credits, and research work amounting to at
least 120 higher education credits, but typically 180 higher education
credits, and culminating in a doctoral thesis report, should be
completed for the doctoral degree.
6 Supervision
A postgraduate student is entitled to receive academic advice and
guidance from the department at which he or she is pursuing doctoral
work for the equivalent of four years' full-time study, or two years'
full-time study for students pursuing the licentiate degree.
Each postgraduate student is assigned an examiner. The student
shall also have a main advisor (supervisor) who should have expertise in
the subject area of the thesis work, and at least one additional
co-advisor. The examiner and supervisor can be the same person.
Following admission to the graduate program, the student, in
consultation with the supervisor, examiner, and the Director of Studies
of the Chalmers Graduate School in Chemistry, must formulate an
individual plan of study and a time plan for the student’s education.
7 Examination of proficiency
The content of courses is tested by written and/or oral
examinations. Postgraduate students can receive the grades of pass or
fail.
8 Organization of the Graduate School in Chemistry
The Deputy Head of the Department is responsible for the doctoral
education at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. The
Director of Studies is responsible for the Graduate School in Chemistry.
There is also a Committee for Research and PhD studies at the
Department.