Since the dawn of mankind, materials have played an essential role in human development. The Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age are part of our history and today we are heading towards the Nano Age. Using all the tools in chemistry, such as material synthesis and chemical and physical characterization methods, this broad engineering master's programme aims at deepening the understanding of materials properties in order to design and develop the materials of tomorrow.

Materials chemistry​ master's programme at Chalmers

Society is increasingly relying on chemistry in creating materials that are more environmentally sustainable, more durable, lighter, consume less energy and are cheaper. 

Centred around organic- and inorganic chemistry, polymers and nanotechnology we train you in how to use these tools in tweaking molecules to give materials specific properties. This could range from high-temperature corrosion-resistant materials and materials for catalysts in a chemical process or in cars to nanomaterials that have unique traits and precision-targeted pharmaceuticals.

Evolving fields where materials chemistry stands for great opportunities are e.g. biodegradable detergents, solvent-free paints, polymers made of renewable recourses, polymer-based solar panels and diodes, thermoelectric materials that transfer heat to electricity and handling complex emissions from fuel-efficient engines that rely on biofuels instead of fossil fuels. The master's programme provides you with an engineering education within the materials field where the emphasis is on synthesis, chemical characterisation, physical and chemical properties and applications, and top-down chemical nanomanufacturing. There is also a close connection to industrially relevant materials, including both present products and the materials of the future.

As a student, you will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that are necessary to handle the complexity of materials related to problem-solving in products and processes. This includes the design, development of new and existing materials, synthesis and characterization of material’s properties. Several of the compulsory elective courses have a project-based part where teamwork and innovation processes are included. 

Topics covered

The subjects of materials chemistry, polymers and nanomaterials are fundamental areas in the Materials chemistry master’s programme. The courses included in the programme plan handle topics such as advanced catalysis, surface chemistry and nuclear chemistry. ​