Chemistry

Course outline
Course structure
Main research and teaching interests
Formal requirements
Academic advisor
Contact and location

Note for prospective students interested in coming to Heidelberg University to take the Teaching Degree course qualifying its graduates to teach at higher secondary (grammar) schools (Gymnasien) in Germany:

In accordance with the statutory provisions laid down by the State of Baden-Württemberg, students wishing to embark as of winter semester 2015/2016 on a Teaching Degree qualifying them to teach at higher secondary (grammar) schools (Gymnasien) in Germany can only do so by enrolling in two-tier courses with a Bachelor/Master structure (polyvalent two-subject (50%) Bachelor programme with a Teaching Degree option; Master of Education course scheduled to start in winter semester 2018/2019).

As of winter semester 2015/2016, the subject described on this page can be studied in a polyvalent two-subject (50%) Bachelor course with a Teaching Degree option. It has to be combined with another 50% subject of relevance for secondary-school education.

For more information, go to https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/studium/zlb/

Note for students already enrolled in a Teaching Degree course in the framework of the Examination Regulations for Teachers at Higher Secondary Schools (GymPO I):

In the winter semester 2015/2016 and later, students enrolled by 31 July 2015 in a Teaching Degree course regulated by the provisions of GymPO I (2009) are entitled to switch to a different main subject under the conditions set out in said GymPO provided that the change is in accordance with the statutory provisions.

In this case, the following transitional regulations apply: http://www.uni-heidelberg.de/md/studium/zlb/beratung/150515_gympo-uebergangsregelungen_final.pdf

For more information, go to https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/studium/zlb/

Course outline

Chemistry is largely an experimental science. Chemists investigate the composition and properties of substances.

Traditionally, the subject is divided into three sectors: Organic Chemistry (the chemistry of carbon compounds, from which all living organisms develop), Inorganic Chemistry (the chemistry of the other elements and their compounds) and Physical Chemistry (experimental investigation of material properties, chemical laws; theoretical chemistry; development of theoretical systems, models and methods). Then there are the more specialised subjects Analytic Chemistry, Macromolecular Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Radiochemistry and Biochemistry.

Studying chemistry means not only acquiring the requisite knowledge of the subject (which in view of the pace of scientific progress can only be imparted on an exemplary basis), but also focusing on experimental and theoretical methods for investigating chemical reactions (chemical change) and determining chemical structures. As in all experimental sciences, the “hands on” method of acquiring knowledge and skills is of major significance in this subject. Accordingly, practical classes take up as much space (and time) in the curriculum as the theoretical approach to the subject (lectures, seminars etc.).

The boundaries between chemistry and neighbouring science and engineering subjects are fuzzy. This is true notably of mathematics, physics, biology, mineralogy, pharmacy and process engineering. Accordingly, chemistry students should not only relish the opportunity for experimentation and critical observation but also take a keen interest in subjects like the ones referred to.

From the outset, one essential objective of the course is to instil in the students a responsible attitude to the substances they are called upon to deal with. This includes an awareness of how environmental damage and accidents can be avoided/prevented.

Much of the literature on chemistry is published in English, so students crucially require a good working knowledge of that language.

The Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences offers chemistry courses leading to the award of the following degrees: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science (see also here) .

 

Course structure

B.Sc. course 100%

The B.Sc. course in Chemistry 100% is organised by the Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences. With the requisite breadth of focus, it acquaints students with the scientific foundations and methodological skills required to embark on a profession in chemical research, development and administration and essential for the consecutive M.Sc. course in Chemistry. In addition, it also offers opportunities to achieve qualifications in a sector outside the natural sciences.

Standard course duration (including examinations)) is six semesters.

The B.Sc. course is modular in structure and encompasses chemical studies proper and cross-disciplinary skills.

Students will require certification of successful participation in the following basic modules:

general chemistry; foundations of inorganic chemistry; reaction classes in inorganic chemistry; structure and chemical bonding; foundations of organic chemistry; organic chemistry practical; spectroscopy class, physical chemistry I and II; physics I and II; mathematics I and II; biochemistry; safety and dangerous materials.

In-depth / (elective-)compulsory modules are: chemistry of transition elements; mechanisms of synthetically important reactions; practical in molecular chemistry methods; physical chemistry III; practical in physical chemistry II; B.Sc. thesis and final oral examination.

For their elective modules, students can choose from the following: astronomy, sectors of biology (botany, molecular biology, ecology, cell biology, zoology), sectors of chemistry (biochemistry, radiochemistry, chemical engineering, theoretical chemistry) , biophysics, computer science, crystallography, economics, environmental geochemistry, geology, hygiene, law, mathematics, mineralogy, pharmacology and toxicology, sectors of pharmacy (pharmaceutical biology, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutical engineering), physics, physiology.

(B.Sc.) Chemie wird von der Fakultät für Chemie und Geowissenschaften organisiert. In der notwendigen fachlichen Breite vermittelt er wissenschaftliche Grundlagen und methodische Fertigkeiten, die zum Berufsbeginn auf dem Gebiet der Chemie in Forschung, Entwicklung und Verwaltung benötigt werden und insbesondere für ein konsekutives Master-Studium der Chemie befähigen. Darüber hinaus bietet er die Möglichkeit, sich in einem Bereich auch außerhalb der Naturwissenschaften zu qualifizieren.
Die Regelstudienzeit beträgt einschließlich der Prüfungszeiten sechs Semester.

Das Bachelorstudium ist modular aufgebaut und umfasst die Fachstudien und übergreifende Kompetenzen.
Folgende Grundmodule müssen erfolgreich absolviert werden: Allgemeine Chemie; Grundlagen der Anorganischen Chemie; Reaktionsklassen in der Anorganischen Chemie; Grundlagen der Organischen Chemie; Organisch-Chemisches Praktikum; Spektroskopiekurs; Physikalische Chemie I und II; Physik I und II; Mathematik; Biochemie; Sicherheit und Gefahrstoffkunde.
Vertiefungsmodule sind: Anorganische Chemie (Chemie der Übergangselemente, Struktur und chemische Bindung); Mechanismen synthetisch wichtiger Reaktionen; Praktikum Methoden der Molekülchemie; Physikalische Chemie III; Bachelor-Arbeit in einem der chemischen Fachgebiete und mündliche Bachelor-Abschlussprüfung.
Im Wahlpflichtbereich stehen folgende Module zur Auswahl: Astronomie, Teilgebiete der Biologie (Botanik, Molekularbiologie, Ökologie, Zellbiologie, Zoologie), Teilgebiete der Chemie (Biochemie, Radiochemie, Technische Chemie, Theoretische Chemie), Biophysik, Geologie, Hygiene, Informatik, Jura, Mathematik, Mineralogie, Kristallographie, Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Teilgebiete der Pharmazie (Pharmazeutische Biologie, Pharmazeutische Chemie, Pharmazeutische Technologie) Physik, Physiologie, Umweltgeochemie, Wirtschaftswissenschaften.

 

B.Sc. course 50%

The B.Sc. course in Chemistry 50% is organised by the Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences. With the requisite breadth of focus, it acquaints students with the scientific foundations and methodological skills required in the various sectors of chemistry. The B.Sc. course Chemistry 50% is studied in combination with another 50% Bachelor subject. Standard course duration (including examinations) is six semesters.

The Teaching Degree option makes it possible to combine Chemistry with a large number of other subjects (Art, Biology, Chinese, Computer Science, Economics, English, French, Geography, German, Greek, History, Italian, Jewish Religion, Latin, Mathematics, Music (in conjunction with Mannheim), Philosophy/Ethics, Physics, Political Science, Protestant Theology, Russian, Spanish, Sport) and is the preparatory stage for a Master of Education course leading to a degree qualifying graduates to teach Chemistry at higher secondary schools (grammar schools) in Germany. Alongside subject-specific knowledge of Chemistry, students are also equipped with didactic and educational skills plus practical experience in school-teaching.

The Interdisciplinary option enables students to combine Chemistry with another scientific subject (Biology, Computer Science, Geography, Mathematics, Physics) and qualifies graduates for further research-oriented studies in the framework of a Master of Science course. In the cross-disciplinary skills sector, classes should be selected with a view to the professional career envisaged and due note be paid to the admission regulations valid for the relevant M.Sc. course. A B.A. degree course in which Chemistry accounts for 50% of the workload does not of itself qualify graduates to take the M.Sc. course in Chemistry.

In both these options, the first main subject is the subject in which the student completes his/her Bachelor thesis. Normally, the Bachelor thesis can only be done in Chemistry if the other (main) subject is a science subject (Biology, Computer Science, Geography, Mathematics, Physics).

Students taking the Chemistry 50% B.Sc. course must be successful in the following compulsory modules: General Chemistry, Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry, Foundations of Organic Chemistry, Practical Organic Chemistry, Introduction to Physical Chemistry, Practical Physical Chemistry, Foundations of Mathematics and Physics, Safety and Dangerous Substances, Final Oral Examination.

Main interests in research and teaching

• Inorganic Chemistry

organometallic chemistry, complex chemistry, chemistry of main-group elements, bioinorganic chemistry, spectroscopy and structure determination, molecular modelling, catalysis

• Organic Chemistry

preparative organic and organometallic chemistry, catalysis research, enantioselective and metal-induced organic synthesis and natural-substance chemistry, physical organic chemistry, spectroscopic methods, applied quantum chemistry

• Physical Chemistry

reaction kinetics (notably in combustion processes), chemistry of surfaces, (non-linear) laser spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, bioengineering with single molecules, electrochemistry and radiochemistry, chemical engineering and theoretical chemistry

In addition, the Department cooperates closely with the Faculties of Biosciences, Physics and Medicine, with the Heidelberg Biochemistry Centre, the Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific Computing, the Max Planck Institutes for Nuclear Physics and Biomedical Research, the Max Planck Institute for Metals Research (Stuttgart), the German Cancer Research Centre, the Institutes of Chemical Technology and Nuclear Waste Disposal at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and the Institute for Transuranic Elements (Karlsruhe).

Formal requirements

Admission

B.Sc.

Admission is subject to an Admission Test (AT) the conduct and standards of which are laid down in the Selection Regulations for Admission (B.Sc. course) and in the Selection Regulations for Admission (Teaching Degree). Application for admission to the course is at the same time an application for participation in the Admission Test. The application process takes place online.

International students

There are special regulations for international applicants. For more information, apply to the International Relations Office of Heidelberg University (Seminarstraße 2). International applicants can participate in a preparatory course lasting one semester and taking place in the summer term prior to the start of the course proper.

Study and examination regulations

Examination and study regulations B.Sc. (29 July 2015)
Examination and study regulations B.Sc. (7 March 2006)
Study guide B.Sc.

Intermediate examination regulations Teaching Degree (29 April 2010)
Study and examination regulations for the Teaching Degree qualifying holders to teach at German secondary schools (General Part, 29 April 2010)
Examination regulations Teaching Degree Staatsexamen (GymPO)
Study guide Teaching Degree Staatsexamen (GymPO)

Module Handbook

Please click here to find the latest Module Handbook.

Examinations board

Issues arising in connection with examinations, credit transfer and academic credential recognition are dealt with by the relevant examinations board/office. For more information, consult the academic advisor(s) indicated below.

Fees

Tuition fees at Heidelberg University are payable at the beginning of each semester.

M.Sc. course

Heidelberg University offers a consecutive M.Sc. course in Chemistry.

 

Academic advisor

B.Sc. 100%
Dr. Elisabeth Kaifer
office hours by appointment
Im Neuenheimer Feld 275, first floor, office 2.03
phone: +49 (0)6221 548528
e-mail: elisabeth.kaifer@urz.uni-hd.de

 

Prof. Dr. H.-J. Himmel
office hours by appointment
Im Neuenheimer Feld 275, 2.OG, office 2.02
phone: +49 (0)6221 548446
e-mail: hans-jorg.himmel@aci.uni-hd.de

Teaching Degree

Dr. Matthias Hofmann
office hours by appointment
Im Neuenheimer Feld 270, office 253
phone: +49 (0)6221 548451
e-mail: Matthias.Hofmann@urz.uni-heidelberg.de

 

Prof. Dr. Roland Krämer
office hours by appointment
Im Neuenheimer Feld 270, office 255
phone: +49 (0)6221 548438
e-mail: roland.kraemer@urz.uni-hd.de

 

 

Contact

Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Im Neuenheimer Feld 234
69120 Heidelberg

phone: +49 (0)6221 544844
fax: +49 (0)6221 544589
e-mail: dcg@urz.uni-heidelberg.de
Internet: www.chemgeo.uni-hd.de
Location

 

Student representation
Im Neuenheimer Feld 272, Office 402,
e-mail: kontakt@chemie-heidelberg.de
Internet: www.fschemie.stura.uni-heidelberg.de