The chemistry program of study might be of interest to you if you enjoy considering theoretical and practical issues. In addition to its focus on chemistry, the degree program also incorporates themes from mathematics and physics. A general interest in science is therefore the best prerequisite for success in the chemistry degree program. Knowledge from advanced courses in these areas is helpful, but not mandatory. As you will be required to complete a range of laboratory internships during your studies, you should enjoy conducting experiments independently. Good communication skills, the ability to learn and work in a structured manner, and good time management will play a key role in enabling you to complete your studies quickly and successfully.

For this program of study, you must be able to read and understand specialist literature in English. However, you will not be required to provide separate proof of your language skills.

After the orientation phase in the first semester, in which the fundamentals of general chemistry, mathematics, and physics are taught, you will delve more closely into the core subjects of inorganic, organic, and physical Chemistry from the second semester onwards. In addition, you can choose from several options for your elective area, such as Introduction to Biochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Macromolecular Chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry, or Theoretical Chemistry. Interdisciplinary qualifications in law, information retrieval or academic writing complement your degree program.

1st-4th semester:

• General chemistry
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Inorganic chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Physical chemistry
• Analytical chemistry
• Computational chemistry

5th-6th semester:

• Organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry for advanced students
• Required elective modules

6th semester:

• Required elective modules
• Additional skills: Ethical questions regarding scientific practices, law for chemists, tutor qualification, academic writing
• Bachelor’s thesis

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

The degree plan allows students to arrange an optional semester abroad during the master’s program. Due to the sequential nature of the bachelor’s program, integrating a semester abroad can be challenging. If you do decide to study abroad, it is recommended that you do so during the final phase of your studies.

Internships

In the bachelor’s degree program, you will complete the following university internships:

• General chemistry: weekly, accompanying lectures
• Inorganic and organic chemistry: several weeks, partially as a block internship
• Physical chemistry: weekly, accompanying lectures
• Further internships depending on the required elective area

Voluntary internships are another good opportunity to obtain more in-depth insight into a professional field.

An internship allows you to discover whether everyday life in a particular occupation suits your career expectations and interests. You can gain qualifications for a professional field and acquire important professional and personal skills to start a career. An internship helps you both shape your career path, and mold the remainder of your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

The chemical industry is one of the strongest economic sectors in Germany. As a graduate of the bachelor’s degree program in Chemistry, you will possess the fundamental knowledge that will allow you to smoothly transition into an entry-level position. Mid- to upper-level positions typically require a master’s or doctoral degree. These include jobs in laboratory, process development, and production as well as management roles in the chemical, chemical-pharmaceutical, automotive, food, and medical technology industries.

Other potential career paths include:

• Public service
• Consulting company
• Approval agencies
• Patent law
• Software development
• Environmental authorities
• Scientific journalism and editing

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.