Chemistry

Modern tumor treatment, molecular machines, chip technology, efficient catalytic converters, new sources of energy—these are all fields of research to which chemists contribute their ideas and develop new concepts. Chemistry is the most important comprehensive scientific field which effectively combines fascinating aspects from varied areas of research. Chemistry has a long, uninterrupted tradition in Germany, where it is the most economically important science today. Chemistry is the ideal subject for young people interested in sciences who are looking for a broad-based education and who wish to specialize during their course of study without having to commit themselves to a narrow, specialized field at the outset. The chemistry department at TUM offers excellent, up-to-date teaching of the fundamentals of science. TUM is one of the few German universities that covers so many different aspects of chemistry: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, construction chemistry, food chemistry, medicinal chemistry, radiochemistry, technical chemistry with chemical engineering, and hydro chemistry, as well as the classical disciplines of organic, inorganic, physical and theoretical chemistry. Our department’s idea of specialization following a thorough foundation course guaranties a flexible combination of subjects leading to a bachelor or master of science based on the European guidelines. Exams are an integral part of the course, and periods of study abroad are taken into account by means of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the bachelor's program in Chemistry (PDF, German) 

Bachelor curriculum: lectures and lab courses in inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry / biochemistry, technical chemistry and physical / theoretical chemistry, as well as basic courses in scientific mathematics, experimental physics, toxicology, patent law and business administration (all mandatory).

The program ends with a Bachelor's thesis (max. 2 months).

• Overview degree program structure (PDF 122 KB)
• Module handbook (German)

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your German language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.   

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is German.

After graduation chemists can choose from a wide variety of professions: Industry, research institutes, universities and the civil service offer attractive possibilities. In the sectors of chemical or pharmaceutical industries, chemists usually start in research, where their work is partially determined by practical application, economic climate and market requirements. Industrial chemists improve existing products and processes or develop new ones. After several years of professional experience they often move into areas of production (on-time production taking into account quality, expenditure and material cost), product development, application (optimizing products to customer needs), processing technics (adapting new methods developed in the laboratory for use in general production, considering economic and ecological aspects), analysis, environmental protection, marketing, patenting, documentation or public relations. Further areas of employment for chemists are: the cosmetics industry, the food industry, the automotive industry, the electrical industry, the building materials industry, the metal production and metal working industry, economic consulting, the energy sector, insurance, water supply, timber processing, paper production, law offices (as patent attorneys), national offices and regional authorities (for example, the German national offices for materials testing, chemical-technical testing, hydrography, environmental protection, health and safety), factory inspectorates, customs, fire department, police departments and hospitals. A chemist with a doctorate who enjoys teaching and research might instead opt for a career in tertiary education. Many opportunities are offered at universities and research institutes.
 

How does the application process work? [Bachelor]

Admission requirements and the application procedure vary depending on the type of higher education entrance qualification you hold.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with an international higher education entrance qualification must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• What are the steps of the application process?
• What admissions requirements do I need to fulfill?
• Important information about your application from the TUM school or department

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Letter of Motivation
• Essay
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• if applicable: Proof of Internships or Professional Experience (optional)
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by uni-assist - for international applicants only

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Higher Education Entrance Qualification (certified copy)
• Student Health Insurance Certificate
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for the winter semester: 15.05. – 15.07.

For information on applying for a higher semester, please contact the Departmental Student Advising.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

The Aptitude Recommendation is a mandatory part of the application process. It is a two-part procedure evaluating your ability to successfully manage the particular qualitative requirements of the bachelor’s program.

In the first stage, your overall secondary school grades, your grades in subject-specific courses, and any relevant practical experience or additional qualifications will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted or invited to a mandatory interview.

• Aptitude Recommendation (SOV)
• Description of the Aptitude Recommendation

The online application process takes place through our application portal TUMonline.
 

This degree program does not encompass a compulsory internship nor is an internship a requirement for admission. However, it is recommendable, as a rule, to gain practical experience as soon as possible.