Most chemical research involves synthesising and characterising new molecules. So basically, a trial and error system. This??specialisation?at ?goes one step further: it aims at fundamentally unravelling the properties of molecules and materials. How do pharmaceutical molecules arrange in different forms and how does this affect their efficiency as a drug? And in what way does the molecular structure of a polymer influence the mechanical strength of plastics? We try to find the answers by developing theory and applying physical set-ups for advanced spectroscopic experiments, such as high magnetic fields, free-electron lasers and nuclear magnetic resonance.

Thanks to all our research facilities being located on the Radboud campus, ?you?ll be able to perform your research with advanced spectroscopic methods. You get to choose the focus of your research. Some students work on biomolecules while others prefer for example solar cells, plastics or hydrogels. It?s even possible to specialise in the development of new technology.

Studying ?at the interface between physics and chemistry means collaborating and communicating with people from different scientific backgrounds. Moreover, you?ll be trained to work with large-scale facilities and complex devices. These qualities will be useful in both research and company environments. Jobs are plentiful, as almost all industrial processes involve physical chemistry.

Career prospects

About 75 percent of our students start their career with a PhD position. However, eventually most students end up as researchers, policy advisors, consultants or managers in companies and governmental organisations. Whatever job you aspire, you can certainly make use of the fact that you have learned to:?

  • Solve complex problems in a structured way
  • Understand the professional jargon of different disciplines and work in a multidisciplinary environment
  • Use mathematical computer tools
  • Perform measurements with complex research equipment

Want to know more?

Would you like to learn more about this programme and Radboud University? Join us for our Master?s Open Day on 16 March 2019! To learn more and register for this exciting event, visit www.ru.nl/masters/openday.