Master's programme in Molecular Science and Engineering
The Master's programme in Molecular Science and Engineering aims to provide in-depth knowledge of molecular systems and tools for advanced careers in industry, academia and society. The programme focuses on the molecular design, characterisation and application of molecular structures and materials, where a wide range of advanced techniques are employed. Aspects of innovation, environmental issues, ethics, safety and societal sustainability are implemented, and the programme is in addition preparative for advanced research in different areas of chemistry and molecular sciences.
Programme outline
The two-year programme (120 ECTS) consists of courses amounting to 90 ECTS, followed by a Degree project (30 ECTS). One mandatory course is included the first year, and the remaining courses may be chosen from a list of five conditionally elective courses, 20 recommended courses, and freely chosen courses corresponding to 15 ECTS. The conditionally elective courses are regarded as particularly important, covering the whole range of molecular science and engineering, of which the student is required to choose at least three. This gives the student a great opportunity to create his/her own curriculum.
Examples of specialisations include the following profiles:
- Design and synthesis of molecular structures
- Chemical analysis and spectroscopy
- Theoretical chemistry and molecular modeling
- Organic and biological chemistry
- Nanomaterials chemistry
- Surface chemistry and surface-active materials
Other specialisations can be designed, where guidelines and recommendations for course combinations will be given.
Career prospect
Specialists in all areas of molecular science and engineering are extremely interesting to industry. It is a very wide field covering most national and international industry. Important areas include: pharmaceuticals; life sciences, medicine and medical engineering; biotechnology; environmental technology; forensics; fine chemicals; consumer products; cosmetics; polymers; pulp and paper; food and agriculture; petroleum; mining and materials; microfabrication; and energy. There is also an increased demand for consultants with specialist knowledge in patenting, scientific writing, venture capital and marketing, expertise for governmental bodies and authorities, as well as a large demand for PhDs within the area.
Degree project
The degree project amounts to one semester of full time work (30 ECTS) and is undertaken the second year. The thesis topic may be chosen from a list of available thesis projects at the School of Chemical Science and Engineering, generally carried out in the area defined by the courses taken during the first year of the programme. The project may be carried out either in industry, at a KTH department, or in another university or research institute, anywhere in the world.
