Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling KU Leuven

Overview

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Modern chemistry would be unthinkable without the achievements of theoretical and computational chemistry. These disciplines became an essential tool for the molecular sciences towards the end of the 20th century, and they will undoubtedly mark the new era that lies ahead. From this perspective, training and educating new generations of computational and theoretical chemists with a broad, practice-based knowledge is of paramount importance. Experts from several European universities have come together to do just that.

The Erasmus Mundus Master of Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling is a joint initiative of and organised by: 

• Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (coordinating institution), Spain
• Universiteit Groningen, the Netherlands
• KU Leuven, Belgium
• Università degli Studi di Perugia, Italy
• Université Paul Sabatier - Toulouse III, France
• Universitat de Valencia, Spain

The programme is organised over two years:

• The first stage introduces you to concepts and methods. The core of the programme is an intensive international summer course intended to bring all participants to a common level of excellence. It takes place during the summer between stage 1 and stage 2 and runs over four weeks in total. Coursework is taught by a select group of invited international experts.
• The second stage of the programme is devoted to tutorials covering the material dealt with in the intensive course and to a thesis project carried out in part at another university within the consortium.

The intensive course is organised at the partner institutions on a rotating basis.

You’ll have the opportunity to specialise in research relating to:

• Modelling of catalysis, both homogeneous and heterogeneous

• Modelling of biomolecular systems, using both classical and quantum mechanical methods

• Photochemistry and photophysics
• Materials and nanomaterials
• New theoretical algorithms and methodologies

Career perspectives

In addition to commanding a sound theoretical knowledge in chemistry and computational modelling, you will be equipped to apply your mastery of code in a work environment or to develop new codes to address emerging specifications in the fields of research or production. 

You will have attained the necessary skills to pursue a scientific career as a doctoral student in chemistry, physics or material science. You will also be qualified to work as an expert in molecular design in the pharmaceutical industry, at petrochemical companies and in the new materials industry. You will also have a suitable profile to work as a computational expert.