Master's degree Chemistry Track Organic Chemistry and Interfaces
field(s) of training :
Science, Technology, Health
diploma level :
Grade de Master (Bac+5)
duration of the program :
2 years
location(s) :
Caen (Campus 1)
Course overview
Organic synthesis, homogenous catalysis, spectroscopy… These state-of-the-art topics are at the core of energy transition, and thus of the University of Caen Normandy’s laboratories. You want to specialise in organic and analytic chemistry? You’re interested in new catalytic process? The master’s degree in Chemistry specialised in Organic Chemistry and Interfaces is made for you!
This two-year full-time programme aims at training you to fundamentals and objectives of green chemistry, in order to tackle environmental issues. You will learn to use renewable resources and new, clean and efficient synthesis technologies. This research-oriented programme will also provide you with high-level knowledge in organic and organometallic molecules, polymers, catalysts, structural analysis (modern spectroscopies) and the study of their physical and chemical properties.
Application requirements
Entry requirements
To enter this master’s, you should
- Possess knowledge and skills in Chemistry and Physics
- Graduate from a degree in Chemistry
Language proficiency requirements
Minimum French proficiency required: C1
Minimum English proficiency required: B2
Course structure
Courses
- Take place on site in campus 2, within the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Caen Normandy
- Amount to 540 hours in Year 1 and 240 hours in Year 2
- Are completed by two compulsory internships
Course units
In Year 1, the courses of the master’s degree in Organic Chemistry and Interfaces rely on theory, methodology and techniques used in organic synthesis, catalysis and spectroscopy:
- Synthesis and retrosynthetic analysis in organic chemistry
- Introduction to organometallic chemistry
- Radical chemistry
- Theoretical chemistry
- Retrosynthetic analysis
- Physics and chemistry characterisations of organic compounds
- Environmental and sustainable chemistry
In Year 2, you will go deeper into organic synthesis, homogenous catalysis and spectroscopy with 4 specialised course units. Each course unit includes comparative studies of organic chemistry and catalysis strategies used in academic and industrial fields.
- Synthesis methods (organic synthesis strategy, heterocyclic compound and heteroatoms)
- Selectivity monitoring (asymmetric catalysis, organocatalysis, enzyme catalysis and synthesis critical analysis)
- Chemistry and sustainable development (industrial processes through homogenous catalysis, energy transition, polymers for organic materials, polymer recycling)
- Organometallics and sustainable development (organometallic catalysis and photoredox chemistry)
Moreover, as English plays a very important part in every scientific and technical activities, the master’s includes high-level English resources:
- Course resources mostly in English
- Interventions of foreign professional partners in conferences and courses
- Some courses taught in English
- Internship abroad
- Introduction topics to research provided by laboratories in English
Internships and placements
The master’s programme includes two compulsory internships, in a company or a laboratory, in France or abroad:
- Year 1, 2nd semester: from 2 to 4 months
- Year 2, 2nd semester: from 2 to 6 months
Both internships will be evaluated through a detailed written report and an oral presentation of this report.
Coursework and assessment
The course lasts 2 years and is divided in 4 semesters, each comprising several courses units. Assessment takes place either through coursework (during lab sessions) or final exams at the end of each semester. Assessments are graded on a scale from 0 to 20, 20 being the best grade. Grade compensation is organised without eliminatory marks and on the basis of the general average obtained in every course unit:
- Over each semester
- Over the 2 semesters of year 1
The 2 semesters do not compensate each other in year 2.
To successfully complete a semester, you must have an average mark of at least 10 points out of 20. If you have not completed your semester, you can retake the courses units you failed; you do not have to retake the courses in which you have obtained at least 10 points out of 20.
Language
- French
- English
Study abroad
You wish to go abroad during your master’s? You can do an internship in a foreign company!
Learning outcome
By the end of this course, you will acquire scientific and transferrable skills. As such, you will be able to
- Master organic chemistry and apply your knowledge and skills
- Master specific knowledge and skills depending on your specialisation during Year 2: organic synthesis, analysis methods, and organic materials chemistry
- Make decisions, be autonomous, demonstrate discipline and concentration
- Tackle research issues in your field of speciality
- Demonstrate communication and writing skills in French and in English, to convey your knowledge in chemistry in a scientific or communication publication
- Master the professional environment and know the main actors of an activity sector, as well as the approaches in quality, intellectual property, business creation, hygiene and security
Further study
Once you’ve obtained your master’s degree, you can pursue careers in Chemistry, including doctoral studies, for example within the Norman doctoral school for chemistry (resource in French).
Careers
With a master’s in Chemistry specialised in Organic Chemistry and Interfaces, you can work as:
- Project manager
- Product owner
- Application engineer
- Business engineer
- Research professor in Chemistry, Universe Sciences, Material Sciences and Life Sciences
- Manager and engineer in Research & development or industrial development
- Laboratory director in industrial analysis
- Manager and engineer in industrial quality
All these fields offer many opportunities for a material structural analysis expert! You will have opportunities in:
- Fine chemistry
- Pharmaceuticals, food, perfume
- Automobile industry and manufacture
- Organic materials manufacture
Address
Université de Caen Normandie
UFR des Sciences
Boulevard Maréchal Juin · CS 14032 · 14032 Caen Cedex 5
France