Polymer Science MSc

Profile The Master's programme in Polymer Science is geared towards students who have an interest in natural and material science issues, want to work on a future-oriented class of materials and want to hold a responsible position in companies, research institutes or universities. A prerequisite for enrolment in the programme is an initial degree (Bachelor of Science) in polymer and colloid chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, materials science or a related discipline. Structure and content The Bayreuth Master's programme in Polymer Science covers all important areas of polymer science: polymer and colloid chemistry, polymer synthesis, catalyst design, colloid chemistry, polymer analytics, polymer physics, polymer processing, biomacromolecules, biomaterials and polymer technology. Students are introduced to current research topics at an early stage. In personal contact with their lecturers and in small teams, they acquire basic and application-related skills in all areas of polymer science. Programme Outline The two-year Master’s programme in Polymer Science focuses on the path from monomers to polymers, the design of functional polymers, and testing of various fields of application. The programme begins with fundamental aspects and covers recent developments in the field along with applications of polymer materials and biomacromolecules. The programme is research-oriented and is taught by reputable scholars who are active in the field and who are experienced in teaching the various aspects of polymer science. The Master's in Polymer Science is highly chemistry-oriented, and chemical skills are essential. Although some engineering modules are offered in the programme, plastic engineering is not the main focus. Career prospects Graduates of the Master's degree in Polymer Science are in high demand in the chemical industry, the plastics producing and processing industry and related industries. They are exceptionally well qualified for a variety of professional fields of work in large and medium-sized companies, at universities and non-university research institutions. After completing a doctorate, graduates have access to interesting management positions in Germany and abroad. All courses in the Master’s programme in Polymer Science are grouped into modules, which are generally made up of several related courses in the form of lectures and labs. The Module Handbook gives a detailed account of the workload for each individual course. A total of 120 credit points must be earned to complete the Master’s programme in Polymer Science. First Semester of Study: In the first semester of study, students are introduced to the foundations of polymer science. Each student selects four modules from a choice of eight recommended modules (Polymer Synthesis, Physical Chemistry of Polymers, Colloids and Surfaces, Polymer Materials and Technology, Polymer Physics I, Organometallic Chemistry, Polymerisation Catalysts, Catalysis and Sustainable Synthesis and Biomaterials). Each module, with the exception of Polymer Physics, includes an introductory lecture and a laboratory course to cover the experimental and practical aspects of the subject and to teach hands-on skills. Second Semester of Study: In the second semester of study, students focus on – and specialise in – their own individual areas of interest. Students select three advanced modules, of which each consists of a lecture and a lab. In order to introduce students to research at an early stage, the labs are carried out in one of the research groups in which the Master’s programme in Polymer Science is involved. Recommended modules are Polymer Architectures, High Performance and Speciality Polymers, Advanced Methods in the Physical Chemistry of Polymers, Current Topics in Colloid, Polymer and Interface Science, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Physics II, Catalyst Design and Sustainable Polymer Chemistry and Polymer Materials. The students also develop a research plan for carrying out