Why study Chemistry in Nijmegen?
Why should you study chemistry? Perhaps the most important quality you need to study chemistry is curiosity. You are interested in how things work, how reactions take place, how you can convert molecules into each other. In our Bachelor's programme Chemistry in Nijmegen, you learn to study the world at the molecular level using both theory and practice. You will study processes in detail, down to the molecular or even atomic level - to understand molecules and materials, or to create new applications by changing them. That's what makes chemistry research versatile and exciting. In Nijmegen, you will be taught by top researchers who develop and apply new chemistry in many different fields, such as sustainable energy, nanotechnology and drug development. This allows you as a chemist to have a real impact on a better, cleaner or more efficient world. Our students rate the easy-going and friendly atmosphere on campus and the close contact with teachers as one of the top reasons to study here. After the first year, it is still possible to switch to the Molecular Life Sciences and Science programmes.
Chemistry: something for you?
- You will receive a solid, broad scientific grounding.
- You do lots of practicals, in which you put theory into practice and work closely with your fellow students.
- Excellent supervision: all first-year students have a tutor and a student advisor who will answer all of your questions.
- You will have personal contact with your lecturers, who are very approachable.
- You participate in groundbreaking research at one of our research groups, for example on new medicines, ultra-sustainable materials or the origin of life.
- You will study alongside students of Molecular Life Sciences and Science, which makes it relatively easy to switch programmes during or after the first year.
- On our campus you will have access to research facilities that are unique in the world, allowing you to study materials down to the smallest precision.
- There is close cooperation with companies: this opens up a host of internship possibilities during your Master’s and gives you a taste of the job market.
- Study association Sigma takes care of the necessary relaxation during your time as a student. Sigma helps you with your studying and career, but also organises activities that allow you to meet your fellow students, alumni, and teachers.
Do you want to know more about what Radboud University has to offer?
The first cell
In the EYE-openers series, young scientists tell us what concerns them, what fascinates them about it and what they are looking for. Dr. Evan Spruijt talks about his research into how the first cells originated, and: can we also imitate that process?
'Living' plastic
In the EYE-openers series, young scientists tell us what concerns them, what fascinates them about it and what they are looking for. Dr. Peter Korevaar talks about how natural processes can help make our synthetic materials more sustainable.
The enzymes behind autoimmune diseases
Dr. Kim Bonger is trying to uncover how specific enzymes play a role in autoimmune diseases. These enzymes affect healthy cells and proteins in such a way that our body no longer recognizes them, and our immune system tries to break down the proteins, even when it's unnecessary. If we understand how these enzymes function, we can develop new medications for autoimmune diseases.
Ultra efficient batteries
During his 'interview tour' at the faculty, our dean Prof. Sijbrand de Jong talked to Evan Zhao about his research in electrochemistry and energy conversion.
Reading molecules
During his 'interview tour' at the faculty, our dean Prof. Sijbrand de Jong visits Prof. Jos Oomens at HFML-FELIX. He conducts research using a combination of two techniques: mass spectrometry and infrared laser spectroscopy. With this combination it is possible to isolate a molecule from a complex mixture of substances and to map the structure of that one molecule properly. Jos Oomens uses the method for research into metabolic diseases that he does in collaboration with Radboudumc.