Master's degree Chemistry Track Catalysis, Environment and Sustainable Development
field(s) of training :
Science, Technology, Health
diploma level :
Grade de Master (Bac+5)
duration of the program :
2 years
location(s) :
Caen (Campus 2)
Course overview
Manage pollution and develop new biofuels and energy carriers is vital for energy transition. As such, heterogeneous catalysis has an important part to play to face industrial issues and set industries on the path of green chemistry.
You are interested in the synthesis and structural analysis of catalytic materials (through modern spectroscopy), as well as the study of their physics and chemistry properties? The master’s degree in Chemistry specialised in Catalysis, Environment and Sustainable Development is made for you! With this two-year full-time programme, you will acquire high-level knowledge and practical skills used in the industry.
Highlights
This research-oriented master’s programme in Catalysis, Environment and Sustainable Development is supported by the Catalysis and Spectrochemistry Laboratory (LCS), with researchers sharing their expertise with the students.
Application requirements
Entry requirements
To enter this master’s, you should
- Possess knowledge and skills in Chemistry, Physics, and Materials
- Graduate from a degree in Chemistry or Physics
Language proficiency requirements
Minimum French proficiency level: C1
Minimum English proficiency level: B2
Course structure
Courses
- Take place on site in the Faculty of Sciences, located on Campus 2 (Caen)
- Amount to 540 hours in Year 1 and 210 hours in Year 2, around 20 hours per week
- Are completed by two compulsory internships
Course units
In Year 1, you will attend theory courses in analytical chemistry and environment:
- Environment and sustainable development chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Analytical and theoretical chemistry
- Solid-state characterisation
- Chemistry and energy
- Polymers
- Processes for energy and environment
- Characterisation in chemical physics
In Year 2, you will specialise in catalysis for environment and sustainable development and in applied spectroscopy:
- Fundamentals of heterogeneous catalysis
- Innovative synthesis of catalytic materials
- Analysis methods of catalytic materials (characterization of the core and surface) with a training in advanced spectroscopy techniques
- Introduction to major catalytic processes (transformation of fossil matter and agricultural resources, pollutants separation and removal)
- Filters and sensors
- (Bio)fuels
- Energy carriers
- Remediation catalysis
- CO2 sensing and valorisation
In addition to these courses, the master’s degree in Chemistry also supports your professional journey:
- Conferences with professional who will provide expertise of the industry to your academic experience
- Internship in a public or private laboratory
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 3 months
- Year 2, 2nd semester: from 4 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 pts 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 laboratory!
Learning outcome
By the end of this course, you will acquire scientific and transferrable skills in Catalysis, Environment and Sustainable Development. As such, you will be able to
- Master in-depth knowledge in heterogeneous catalysis and its applications in environment and energy industries
- Master main applications of analysis techniques; evaluate their potential and their limits in order to collect information related to their physics and chemistry properties; link information to catalysts reactivity parameters
- Master both cutting-edge methods and analysis techniques, as well as innovating methods of materials synthesis and heterogeneous catalysis applications adapted to contemporary social challenges
- Demonstrate communication and writing skills in French and in English (including scientific English)
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.
Careers
With a master’s in Chemistry specialised in Catalysis, Environment and Sustainable Development, you will have opportunities in:
- Research and development
- Automobile industry and manufacture
- Growing careers in environment and sustainable development
As such, you can work as:
- Executive in research & development
- Production team leader (including pharmaceuticals)
- Product engineer
- Application engineer
- Business engineer
Address
Université de Caen Normandie
UFR des Sciences
Boulevard Maréchal Juin · CS 14032 · 14032 Caen Cedex 5
France