Chemistry
What complex transformations create nice smells when baking? How exactly do detergents work? And how is energy generated from waste? If you are interested in these questions, this is the programme for you!
cell samples
Programme content
Loud bangs, strange smells and bubbling concoctions? Long lab coats, thick gloves and large safety goggles? All those things might be associated with chemistry, but there is much more to it than that! Many everyday items like touchscreens, LED lighting and heat patches would be simply impossible without this field of science. It will also play a crucial role in overcoming future challenges, such as ensuring energy supplies, protecting the environment and combatting diseases.
Chemistry is the study of the structure, behaviour and transformation of materials and their laws. The three most important sub-disciplines are organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Students at the University of Jena also take courses in technical and analytical chemistry.
The bachelor’s programme offers you broad basic training, where you will learn about the structure and synthesis of materials and the safe handling of chemicals—including practical work in the laboratory from the very first semester onwards!
Digital discovery tour with free app: Would you like to find out more about our degree in Chemistry with fun quiz questions and puzzles? Click here for our interactive discovery tour app [in German].
Structure
The bachelor's degree is the first professional qualification. The standard period of study is a total of six semesters, during which various forms of courses (e.g. seminars, lectures or practical courses) are offered for the individual modules.
If you take a single-subject bachelor’s programme in ‘Chemistry’, your field of study will comprise 180 credits (ECTS for short; 1 ECTS = 30 hours for attendance, preparation and follow-up work, private study, assessed coursework and examinations).
We also offer optional preparation courses in mathematics and chemistry before the lecture period to ease you into the programme.
How might your degree programme shape up?
| Modules | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th |
| General Chemistry / Inorganic Chemistry | 15 ECTS | 13 ECTS | 3 ECTS | 9 ECTS | ||
| Organic Chemistry | 8 ECTS | 13 ECTS | 10 ECTS | 4 ECTS | ||
| Physical Chemistry | 7 ECTS | 9 ECTS | 11 ECTS | 9 ECTS | ||
| Analytical Chemistry | 5 ECTS | 6 ECTS | 2 ECTS | |||
| Technical Chemistry | 8 ECTS | 4 ECTS | ||||
| Required elective module* | 5 ECTS | 5 ECTS | ||||
| Physics | 8 ECTS | |||||
| Mathematical Methods for Chemists |
7 ECTS | |||||
| Toxicology | 2 ECTS | |||||
| Project Module | 5 ECTS | |||||
| Bachelor’s Thesis | 12 ECTS | |||||
Short form: ECTS = credit points (European Credit Transfer System)
* The following elective modules are offered: Bioinorganic Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry, Chemistry of Glasses / Chemistry of Materials, Macromolecular Chemistry, Specific Analytical Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry / Quantum Chemistry I + II, Environmental Chemistry I + II.
More detailed information can be found in the module catalogue for the study programme [in German]External link.
Why study in Jena?
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Popp
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)Jena offers students a unique environment with diverse specialization opportunities. Our institutes have established close networks with non-university research institutions—unlike at any other university in Germany—which means our programmes also deal with the latest findings.
Prof. Dr Jürgen Popp, Professor of Physical Chemistry
- Excellent reputation in Germany and abroad: Our university has close ties to the Max Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyExternal link, the Max Planck Institute for BiogeochemistryExternal link, the Leibniz Institute of Photonic TechnologyExternal link and the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and SystemsExternal link. The members of those institutions are involved in the teaching at our University. Numerous final and doctoral theses are also carried out in cooperation with industry.
- Lots of practical content: As special emphasis is placed on the acquisition of skills to prepare students for their future career; around 50% of the degree programme is spent in the laboratory.
- Excellent teaching facilities: The University has state-of-the-art facilities for practical work with a separate workplace for each student.
A look behind the scenes
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Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena) The perfect mix of theory and practice!Practical lessons in the laboratory will be a permanent fixture right from the start of your course. You will learn how to handle chemicals and laboratory equipment, and you will also be able to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired in your lectures.
What can you do after your studies?
Areas of employment for graduates
Chemielaborantin
Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)- industrial research: developing new products and improving existing processes
- production: monitoring production as a manager (e.g. deadlines, costs, quality and compliance with environmental and safety regulations)
- chemical analysis and quality control: analysing raw materials and products
- patenting: protecting research results and monitoring the commercial use of inventions
- marketing and sales: calculating production volumes and prices, advertising and selling new products, advising potential customers
- authorities and administration: researching, monitoring, working in laboratories
Downloads and links for the degree programme
What are we looking for in prospective students?
- good school knowledge of chemistry, physics and mathematics
- an understanding of scientific concepts
- enjoyment of laboratory work and experiments
- an interest in chemical processes and issues
Admission requirements
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University entrance qualification
A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.
More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.
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Language requirements
The study programme is taught in German. You must therefore have a very good command of German at the start of the study programme. Proficiency in English is required.
Contacts
Academic Advisor — Dr Kristina Dubnack
Room E006
Humboldtstraße 11
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Examinations Office of the Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Humboldtstraße 11
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Student Representatives Chemistry
Humboltstraße 11
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Central Student Advisory Service
University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Office hours:
The Central Student Advisory Service will be closed from 22 December 2025 to 2 January 2026. We will be happy to assist you again from 5 January 2026!
We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.
Consultation hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).
Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb
Student Service Centre
University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Opening hours:
Information Desk (UHG; Room E0.65)
Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)
You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.
Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 11:00)
Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena
International Office - International students
University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link