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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!
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Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
Key facts
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Duration
6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
180
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 265,60
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Application & Deadlines

Content of the study programme

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 study programme shape up?

Modules — semester 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 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

Behind the scenes

Laborarbeit
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?

Chemielaborantin Chemielaborantin Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)

Areas of employment
for graduates

  • 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 

Postgraduate master’s programmes at our University

Master of Science
Master of Science
Master of Science
Master of Science
Master of Science

What are the personal requirements?

  • 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

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.

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

Subject-specific academic advisory service — Dr Kristina Dubnack
Examinations Office of the Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Student Representative Committee Chemistry
Central Student Advisory Service
Office hours:
We offer consultations and the handling of your concerns in person, via video chat or telephone. Appointments can be made by phone or via service desk.

Consultation hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 12:20, Tuesday 14:00 to 18:00 and on Wednesday and Thursday from 14:00 to 16:00.
Video chat:
Videochat Zeiten
Monday to Friday 12.30 to 13:00
Videochat Passwort
ZSB2020
Student Service Centre
Opening hours:
Monday 10 - 12
Tuesday 13 - 15
Wednesday 10 - 12
Thursday 13 - 15
Friday 10 - 12

Updates / adjustments may occur at any time. Thank you for your understanding!

We currently provide advice and handle your concern solely also via phone and service desk.

You can reach us by phone
Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 11:00
Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena
International Office - Stay abroad
University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena