Master's degree (2 years)
Full time
Chemistry

Master of Science in Chemistry - specialisation Arctic Environmental Forensics.

This specialisation is no longer open for application. For applicants with Norwegian language skills: please apply for the Norwegian "Master i kjemi".

Until the fall term 2024 there were two alternative Master's studies in Chemistry at NMBU, the Norwegian programme and the English specialisation in Arctic Environmental Forensics (continue reading this page).

The students on Arctic Environmental Forensics have their first semester at Örebro University, Sweden, whereas the second semester will be at NMBU, Norway. Please read more here.

Apply here

Application deadline:

International applicants: 1 December 2023

Norwegian, Nordic and EU applicants: 15 April 2024

Start of Studies:

Fall term 2024

Requirements:

All applicants need to fill in a motivation letter and include it in their application.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate English language ability in accordance with the NMBU regulations.
BSc in Chemistry, or equivalent, including 80 credits' (ECTS) chemistry specialization.
The mean grade of the BSc degree must be C (ECTS) or higher.

Requirements in detail
A Bachelor`s degree in Chemistry, or equivalent. It is desirable that the Bachelor`s degree includes 80 credits (ECTS) or more in chemistry, but candidates with a minimum of 60 credits relevant chemistry courses will also qualify. Students who lack some Bachelor-level courses, must arrange for a transition agreement with the study coordinator. To be admitted into this program, the average grade must be C (ECTS) or better in the BSc degree. In BSc degrees with a more applied approach, an average grade of B (ECTS) or better may be required.

Bilder av Line Degn Hansen som er stipendiat på KBM.

Rekordmange vil studere ved Handelshøyskolen NMBU

In collaboration with Örebro University (Sweden) and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), the specialisation in Arctic Environmental forensics was established in 2021. The program has been organised as a part of NMBU's Master's in Chemistry.

The last students were admitted in July 2024.

NMBU cooperates with UNIS - the University Centre in Svalbard. Master students may follow courses at Svalbard during their second semester.

Career opportunities

Knowledge in chemistry is an important competence for solving environmental problems.

Master candidates in chemistry can work in the chemical industry, within science, or in chemical laboratories in general.

With additional pedagogy studies, you may teach chemistry at the Norwegian high school level.

A master of science in chemistry may qualify for PhD studies.

Learning outcomes
If you are pursuing a master's degree in chemistry, you will achieve the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge
- Depth and Breadth of Knowledge: You will be able to analyze chemical issues within the historical, traditional, and societal context of the field.
- You will attain international-level chemical knowledge and have the opportunity to work across disciplines in areas such as pharmacy, medicine, environmental science, and other technological fields.
- Through your master's thesis, you will develop a profound understanding of a specialized area within chemistry. You will also have an in-depth comprehension of chemical theories, terminology, and methods and be able to apply them in practical scenarios.
Skills
- Experimental Design and Execution: You will have the ability to design and conduct your experiments, from data collection to analysis and conclusion, with a deep understanding of methods and potential sources of error.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: You will gain experience in collaborating across disciplines on chemical issues and will be capable of devising sustainable solutions.
- Application of Existing Theories and Methods: You will be proficient in using existing theories and methods in chemistry and placing your own results within a broader academic and international context. With your broad theoretical and practical foundation, you will contribute to innovation and forward thinking within the field of chemistry.
General Competence
- Independent Work as a Chemist: Through laboratory exercises and an extensive master's thesis, you will be able to work independently as a chemist.
- Scientific Literacy: The program will train you to use scientific literature and methods effectively, and you will be able to present complex topics clearly, both orally and in writing.
- Critical Reflection: You will be capable of critically reflecting on ethical and scientific challenges within your work.
- Application of Chemical Knowledge and Skills: You will be able to apply your chemical knowledge and skills in new contexts.
- Effective Learning: The program will enable you to structure your own learning effectively.
Exchange possibilities
The students may conduct their thesis research or take postgraduate courses at external institutions. Studies abroad need to be approved by the supervisor and the Study Coordinator. Students can take courses at the Svalbard University Center in the second semester. It is recommended that chemistry students take advantage of the exchange programmes at NMBU or KBM to study abroad for one or two semesters, within the prescribed duration of the program. In addition, individually designed exchange programmes can be approved with the aim of building competence in a field not covered by NMBU or any of the partner universities. Studies abroad are normally recommended during 1st or 2nd semester. For more about student exchange: www.nmbu.no/en/students/exchange
Program structure
The chemistry studies at NMBU are divided into four main areas: natural product chemistry, organic/inorganic analytical chemistry, environmental/radiochemistry and Arctic Environmental Forensics.
- Natural product chemistry encompasses biologically active compounds in plants, animals and food products.
- Analytical chemistry includes identification and characterisation of biological and synthetic substances using modern analytical instruments.
- Environmental chemistry includes investigations of short- and long-term effects of various substances in nature.
- Arctic Environmental Forensics is a Nordic master program, registered as a specialisation under the master program in chemistry. The specialisation is a cooperation with Örebro University (Sweden) and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). More information about Arctic Environmental Forensics.
The Master`s degree contains a research thesis, consisting of 60, 45 or 30 credits (ECTS) of practical work in chemistry. The student and supervisor decide together the extent and topic of the thesis at the start of the programme. In addition to this research task, students must take 30 credits (ECTS) worth of courses in chemistry and 30 credits (ECTS) worth of freely chosen courses - a total of 60 credits (ECTS). A minimum of 30 credits (ECTS) must be master level courses, and the courses shall support the master`s thesis research, providing scientific breadth and depth in the chosen scientific area. Each student will have an individual study plan with good progression and development towards the Master`s thesis. Courses are chosen in consultation with the supervisor. Basic courses (at the 100 level) are not approved in this Master`s programme.
More about the program
- Societal relevance
  The study of chemistry will give students solid competence in chemistry, which can be used to solve environmental and pollution problems, as well as to develop healthier food and safer medicines.
- Learning activities
  Learning activities for the theoretical part of the programme include lectures, seminars and colloquia. Students learn experimental methods by participating in lab work, in combination with lectures, seminars and discussion groups. Written examination is a common form of evaluation during the program, in addition to oral examinations or project assignments. The Master`s degree program ends with delivery and oral discussion of a written Master`s thesis, which describes the student`s experimental work.
- Examination
  The students` competence is evaluated both by portifoio assessments and final exams (written or oral). Emphasis is put on testing understanding, application of acquired knowledge and development of independence during the Master`s thesis work.
- Information for students from partner universities
  Teaching in English upon request. Most of the literature is in English.