About the programme

The objectives of this Chemistry programme from Universidade de Aveiro are:

• To provide a solid background in new and key fields of Chemistry, namely Nanochemistry and Computational Chemistry;
• To provide an advanced theoretical background and practical training in techniques for separation and spectroscopic characterization;
• To introduce students into specific areas such as Macromolecular Chemistry or Metrology and Accreditation in Chemistry;
• To develop soft-skills by offering a Free Option that may be chosen from UA 2nd cycle courses according to the students preferences. An example is Entrepreneurship that encourages graduates to create their own technology-based companies, and provides them with some very useful tools for their future professional performance.
• To provide advanced training in a specific area of Specialization which may be chosen by the student among the following:
• Specialization in Analytical Chemistry and Quality. Specialization in Inorganic Chemistry and Materials
• Specialization in Organic Chemistry and Natural Products
• Specialization in Chemistry of Renewable Resources and Bio-refineries
• Specialization in Inorganic Chemistry and Materials

Specialization in Analytical Chemistry and Quality is obtained after an integrated study of the various subjects related with the analytical process, from sampling and sample processing to the final report of analytical results and conclusions. Beside advanced theoretical and laboratorial practice on various instrumental techniques for Analytical Chemistry, special emphasis is given to the methodologies of Quality Control and to the principles of Accreditation and Certification of laboratory work. The students with a specialization in Analytical Chemistry and Quality will be prepared for applying Analytical Chemistry to solve various problems, following standards of Excellence set by International Standardization Organizations, and they will apply their expertise in areas such as Chemistry, Environmental Protection and Health.

In the Specialization in Inorganic Chemistry and Materials some fundamental concepts and subjects of two frontier areas of modern Chemistry will be addressed: Materials Chemistry and Colloids, Surface and Interfaces . In order to complement the background of students in Inorganic Chemistry, key issues such as Heterogeneous Catalysis, Organometallic Chemistry and Supramolecular Chemistry will also be covered (discipline of Advanced Inorganic Chemistry). In specialization area of Inorganic Chemistry and Materials, students may also choose a background knowledge in industrial processing of inorganic materials (Inorganic Industrial Chemistry course).

In the Specialization in Organic Chemistry and Natural Products, special attention will be given to advanced topics on the structure and reactivity of organic compounds and on the importance and biosynthetic origin of natural products, as well as on their synthetic route. Specific themes related to the synthesis and processing of organic compounds (natural products included) will also be addressed, namely the processes of catalytic conversion, industrial production and some specific applications, particularly in medicinal and agrochemical fields.

The Specialization in Chemistry of Renewable Resources and Bio-Refineries will cover key issues relating to chemistry, structure and reactivity of agro-forestry materials, as well as technologies for the processing and transformation of those materials. Particular emphasis will be given to aspects related to the chemical, biological or thermo-chemical conversion of plant biomass, in a rational and integrated use of renewable resources as sources of materials, chemicals (including precursors for polymers) and energy – Bio-refinery concept. Here, a special emphasis will be given to the chemistry and technology of processes, the potential for such products and materials as substitutes for petrochemical derivatives and the use of biomass products or their derivatives for the production of new polymers and composites.

Courses Included

• Nanochemistry
• Spectroscopic Techniques
• Macromolecular Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Computational Chemistry
• Separation Techniques
• Metrology and Accreditation in Chemistry