In chemistry, we make and discover things nobody's made or discovered before. We use our skills to manage cool reactions to seek answers to today's great challenges in sustainability, nanomaterials, and molecular life sciences. Both in education and in research, we are driven to understand and advance the molecular processes behind sustainable materials or new drugging strategies. Our research and education form an integrated whole and all our researchers are involved in teaching alongside their research programs and commitments. Vice versa, all our students are involved in cutting-edge research right from the very beginning.
Our department offers personal and laboratory-driven teaching in the interdisciplinary bachelor programmes Chemistry (Dutch) and Molecular and Biophysical Life Sciences (English), and international master programs such as Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences and Nanomaterials Science. In September 2024 the new MSc Sustainable and Circular Chemistry will start.
Our research is grouped in three interdisciplinary institutes with state-of-the-art equipped laboratories: the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science (nanomaterials) the Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research (molecular life sciences) and the Institute of Sustainable and Circular Chemistry (sustainability).
Research
Debye InstituteThe mission of the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science is to facilitate and promote fundamental and more applied research in the wide field of nanomaterials science, with a special emphasis on the research lines Catalysis, Colloids, and Nanophotonics. These three strong and interrelated disciplines are connected via the theme ‘Nanomaterials for Sustainability’, as many applications that are relevant for sustainable use of materials and energy arise from the intersection of these disciplines.
Institute for Sustainable and Circular ChemistryWith fundamental and more applied molecular chemistry research, the Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry contributes to the three important transitions that our society faces: the energy, resource, and materials transitions. Building on our chemistry strongholds in synthesis, catalysis and spectroscopy, ISCC will provide the means to connect to other disciplines, across faculties and beyond academia, to ensure that our sustainable chemistry efforts connect well to the societal needs.
Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular ResearchResearch within the Bijvoet Centre has a strong fundamental focus, using and developing advanced technologies, studying processes happening at the membrane and aiming at understanding protein biogenesis, folding and interactions. These, which are all contributing to our mission of “discovering the molecular basis of life”, are identified as our research focus areas.
Bachelor's programmes
ChemistryStudying Chemistry in Utrecht means you learn how to make molecules, know what their structure is, which reactions they give and what their characteristics are. You understand and apply the laws of nature.
Molecular and Biophysical Life SciencesThe interdisciplinary Bachelor’s programme Molecular and Biophysical Life Sciences (MBLS) combines biology, chemistry, physics and the pharmaceutical sciences to study life from different perspectives.
Master's programmes
Molecular and Cellular Life SciencesThe Master's programme in Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences (MCLS) is research oriented and takes a multidisciplinary approach to the study of molecules, cells, and organisms.
Nanomaterials ScienceNanomaterials Science is a two-year multidisciplinary Master's programme. You will explore how to make nanomaterials to find solutions for the transition to a sustainable society.
Drug InnovationThe Master’s programme in Drug Innovation focuses on diagnostics and the improvement and management of small molecule and biomolecular drugs.
Energy ScienceThis programme is aimed at students with a background in science or engineering who want to contribute to the transition towards sustainable energy systems.
Science Education and CommunicationScience Education and Communication focuses on broadening your views on science and mathematics, sharing your knowledge with others, and making science more visible to society at large.
Sustainable DevelopmentThis two-year Master’s programme educates the scientists of the future. These scientists will be able to use their research and skills to help build a sustainable society.
