Natural Products & Drug Chemistry

Profile The Master’s programme in Natural Products & Drug Chemistry at the University of Bayreuth is a strongly research-oriented, chemistry-driven degree programme that focuses on the design and synthesis of complex organic molecules relevant to natural product research and drug-related chemistry. The programme addresses one of the core challenges of modern chemical science: how to develop efficient, selective, and sustainable synthetic strategies for biologically active small molecules, and how to understand their structure, reactivity, and interaction with biological systems at the molecular level. These questions are of fundamental importance for human health, innovation, and sustainable development. Structure and content The Master’s programme Natural Products & Drug Chemistry is a two-year, research-oriented degree programme (120 ECTS) with a modular structure that allows students to develop a strong profile in advanced chemical research. The degree programme is rooted in organic chemistry and builds on a strong undergraduate foundation in chemistry. It places particular emphasis on: (Stereoselective) synthesis of complex natural products Expanding chemical space with modern synthesis methods Analytical methods for reaction screening and structural elucidation Molecular interactions between organic compounds and targets. In addition, students complete: a research proposal module, preparing them for independent scientific work, two extended research modules, carried out in research groups, a Master’s thesis, which constitutes an independent research project at the forefront of current chemical research. The University of Bayreuth provides excellent laboratory facilities and instrumentation. Students are integrated early on into ongoing research projects through laboratory rotations, gaining hands-on experience with modern synthetic, analytical, and mechanistic methods in chemical research. Career prospects The Master’s programme prepares graduates for research-intensive careers in academia, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, or related high-technology sectors. Graduates are ideally qualified for positions in the majority of areas of chemistry and for interdisciplinary careers in the pharmaceutical industry, life sciences, agro sciences and health sciences. The degree also provides excellent preparation for PhD studies in chemistry or closely related disciplines. Successful Master's graduates have the opportunity to pursue a doctorate in the PhD programme Molecular Biosciences at the Bayreuth Graduate School BayNAT, including a fast-track access option. Programme Outline The two-year Master’s programme in Natural Products & Drug Chemistry focuses on acquiring skills in the organic synthesis and analysis of natural products with biological activity. There is a balanced mixture of lectures and practical hands-on time in the laboratories covering topics from high molecular weight (biochemical) compounds to small molecules. Lab courses are organised in groups as well as on an individual basis for in-depth research topics.