Master of Science in Chemistry (1 year, 60 ECTS) – 2013/2014-2018/2019

Name and the Goals of the Study Programme

The name of the Study programme is Master of Science in Chemistry (1 year, 60 ECTS).

The purpose of the study programme is to

• Deepen and expand students’ knowledge acquired at the bachelor academic studies of chemistry, thus enabling them to develop original ideas and implement them during the research and professional work;
• Develop general (generic) and specific skills required for professional work in chemical and related industries, public services or the work of teacher/lecturer in primary and secondary schools, depending on the chosen profile;
• Gain sufficiently high level of knowledge and develop the competencies which open the possibility for the student to enrol in the third cycle studies.

Type of the Study and the Outcome of the Education Process

Upon completing the study program of Master academic studies in chemistry the student is able to:

• demonstrate advance knowledge and broad critical understanding of chemistry;
• independently plan the experiments and apply advanced methods, techniques and procedures of research in chemistry;
• solve complex problems;
• competently operate with modern laboratory and research equipment;
• adopt, estimate and objectively present the research results;
• engage competently in the realization of chemistry teaching process in primary and secondary education.

Professional Title, Academic, or Scientific Title

Upon completion of one-year studies and obtaining 60 ECTS, the professional title of Master in Chemistry is acquired.

Depending on the course, the students chose the narrow field and the direction in which the student’s profile will be closely determined, such as:

• Chemical sciences – Analytical chemistry,
• Chemical sciences – Inorganic chemistry,
• Chemical sciences – Organic chemistry,
• Chemical sciences – Quality control and environmental management,
• Chemical sciences – Chemistry teaching.

Admission Conditions

The candidates enrolment is carried out on the basis of competition announced by the University of Novi Sad and conducted by the Faculty of Sciences. In order to compete to enrol in the first year of master academic studies in chemistry, students should have completed the bachelor academic studies of chemistry (240 ECTS), or appropriate bachelor academic studies with at least 180 ECTS in chemical disciplines. Based on the competition criteria, the University of Novi Sad creates a ranking list of the candidates who applied. The right to enrol in graduate master academic studies is granted to those candidates who are ranked within the enrolment quota.

The Structure of the Study Programme

The list of courses with ECTS points, number of instruction lessons and exercises is given in Table. In the study programme of Master academic studies in chemistry only the Master thesis is obligatory and all the courses are elective, grouped in five blocks: MHA – analytical chemistry, MHB – inorganic chemistry, MHV – organic chemistry, MHG – quality control and environmental management and MHD – chemistry teaching.

The Time Allotted for the Realization of Particular Study Forms

The studies are conducted through the course instruction, stated in Table and distributed through semesters. Two semesters make one academic year. Master academic studies have at least 60 ECTS points (with the duration of one academic school year), with previously accomplished credit score of at least 240 ECTS points at bachelor academic studies.

Credit Values of Particular Courses

Each course carries a certain number of ECTS points whose specification is given in the book of courses.

Diploma Work

The study programme of Master academic study in chemistry is finalized with producing and defending the Master thesis which is the result of student’s independent work through which the student demonstrates autonomy and creativity in applying the acquired theoretical and practical knowledge. Preparation of a Master thesis begins already in the first semester, and lasts until the end of the second semester. During the second semester the work on the master thesis is intensified. Defence of the Master thesis is the final exam for the academic title of Master in Chemistry. The credit value of the Master thesis is 30 ECTS.

Detailed provisions on the application, the conditions for the development and defence of this thesis are determined by the Statute and the relevant regulations of the Faculty.

Prerequisites for the Registration for Particular Courses or Group of Courses

Enrolment requirements for certain courses are listed in the book of courses.

Way of Choosing Courses from the Other Study Programmes

The student may choose any course from the group of courses belonging to the chose study programme, taking into account that he/she has to achieve at least 60 ECTS during the academic year (including the Master thesis). Registration of the elective courses is done, as a rule, at the enrolment of the school year. The teaching of given course will be organized, if the total number of students at the selected course is greater than the limit provided by the study programme from which the course is selected.

If a student wishes to choose a course from another study programme, it is necessary to submit the application to the Department Council, which decides on the acceptance or rejection. The teaching of a given course will be organized, if the total number of students at the selected course is greater than the limit provided by the study programme from which the course is selected.

Transferring from Another Study Programme

There is possibility of transition from one to another study programme using the system of credit transfer for the same or similar courses.

The purpose of the study program of master academic studies in chemistry is achievement of appropriate competencies and in-depth academic knowledge necessary for competent work in chemical laboratories in all branches of industry, in developmental, control, service, research laboratories, as well as in educational institutions (elementary, high schools and vocational schools).

Academic chemical education within this study programme provides continuity in the development of chemical education acquired in basic studies in chemistry or related study programmes. Students gain such level of knowledge and competences that open the possibility of the student enrolling at the studies of the third level.

Academic chemical education provided by this study programme is accorded with the latest scientific achievements of modern chemistry and is designed to encourage graduates to permanent improvement and further professional development.

With the study programme of Master academic study in chemistry, a broad, detailed and critical level of understanding is achieved in the field of chemistry (analytical, organic, inorganic), quality control and environmental management and chemical education, which is accomplished through the defined goals of the study program.

The predicted goals of the study program of Master academic study in chemistry are:

• Expand students’ understanding of key concepts in the selected areas of chemistry;
• Training the students to independently plan and perform the experiments in the selected area of chemistry and to critically evaluate the significance of the obtained results;
• Developing the ability to adapt and apply the methodology in solving practical problems of unknown types;
• Creating and developing the necessary teaching competencies with future teachers of chemistry;
• Preparing students for successful work in this field or for doctoral studies in the field of chemical sciences, environmental protection that is in the methods of teaching chemistry.

The competences of graduated students are in accordance with the selected courses of master academic studies.

By mastering the study programme the student improves the following general competencies:

• the skill of collecting, evaluating and interpreting relevant information;
• the ability to establish science-based arguments and opinions taking into account scientific, social and ethical values;
• the ability to understand the tasks within his/her job;
• the ability to formulate the problem;
• the ability to apply knowledge in practice;
• the ability of teamwork and the ability to exchange ideas and information with other members of the professional team;
• adherence to professional ethics.

By completing the study programme, the student also promotes  the following scientific-research and professional competencies:

• the ability to apply fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge of chemistry and related sciences for both routine and research purposes;
• the skill of competent use of modern chemical equipment in routine analysis or scientific research;
• the ability to design and conduct experiments and interpret the obtained results;
• participation in multidisciplinary teams to solve a variety of chemical problems.

 Depending on the selected block of elective courses the student is qualified for:

• managing the work in analytical and control laboratories of chemical industry (food, petrochemical, agro-industrial, veterinary and other specialized laboratories), or
• managing the work of chemical laboratories for processing of natural organic materials, as well as in laboratories for organic or inorganic synthesis, or
• planning and implementation of environmental monitoring and usage of data on the chemical and physical-chemical processes in the environment in the management and improvement of environmental quality, or
• working in educational and research institutions within the legally provided professions, work in professional, developmental and supervisory educational services in administrative bodies dealing with research in chemical education.