Chemistry

Specializations

Chemistry offers the following specializations:

• Analytical Sciences
• Molecular Design, Synthesis and Catalysis
• Molecular Simulation and Photonics
• Science for Energy and Sustainability 

Analytical Sciences

For the development of new pharmaceuticals, the unravelling of complex biological systems or the design of new sustainable materials and chemical processes, methods and techniques are required to identify and quantify chemical compounds in a variety of materials and environments. In analytical sciences, you will gain insight in modern analytical technologies. You will learn to apply various analytical techniques in this specialization track, including chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy as well as laser-based approaches. Major topics in the research at VU University Amsterdam include the development of analytical screening and characterization techniques for biologically active compounds.

More information on Analytical Sciences

Molecular Design, Synthesis and Catalysis

Organic, organometallic and coordination compounds are at the heart of this track. You will be involved in designing novel structures with desirable properties using molecular design, often with the aid of computational methods. You will do research into new methods for synthesizing these compounds, which will then be studied to enhance our knowledge of the relationship between structure and properties. From a practical point of view, the research is directed at devising efficient methods for synthesizing molecules with desirable properties, the development of novel catalysts to enable clean and selective transformations, and the design of new bioactive molecules for use as drugs and agrochemicals.

Molecular Simulation and Photonics

The specialization in Molecular Simulation and Photonics focuses on state-of-the-art computational and photonic research of structure, dynamics and function in atomic, (bio)molecular and multiscale systems. The programme is closely linked to leading international research programmes in the Amsterdam area, allowing the integration of teaching and research in:

• Molecular Photoscience
• Computational Physics and Chemistry
• Theoretical Chemistry
• Biophysics
• Biomedical Physics
• Quantum Atom Optics

More information on Molecular Simulation and Photonics

Science for Energy and Sustainability

Scientific research in the field of energy and sustainability is of utmost importance to ensure a sustainable society. The specialization Science for Energy and Sustainability is a broad, interdisciplinary specialization, covering topics from both physics and chemistry. This specialization trains you to provide sustainable solutions to the current pressing global situation with regard to energy, climate and sustainability. Besides your scientific involvement in the development of new technological solutions to these problems, you will also be trained in analysing the societal context of global developments in this field.

It covers a broad area of scientific topics: 
• Bio-based economy
• Green chemistry
• Photophysical  and Photochemical energy conversion
• Biosolar cells
• Catalysis for sustainable synthesis and energy conversion

More information on Science for Energy and Sustainability

Science, Business and Innovation

Read all information about this programme.