Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling INTERUNIVERSITY PROGRAMME Faculty of Science Rubik s Cube used with permission from Seven Towns Ltd. www.rubiks.com
Faculty of Science Modern chemistry is 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 broad knowledge is of paramount importance. Experts from seven European universities have join forces to do just that. The effort first took the form of the European Master s Course on Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling (TCCM), launched in 2005 and co-ordinated by the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. In 2007, the programme was awarded accreditation by the European Chemistry Thematic Network Association (ECTNA) and, in 2009, it was selected for the Erasmus Mundus Action for joint Master s courses. The Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling launched in 2010. The aim of the programme is to educate scientists able to address a wide range of problems in modern chemical, physical and biological sciences through the combination of theoretical and computational tools. Admission requirements Candidates holding a Bachelor s degree in chemistry, physics or material science (or an equivalent degree as authorised by the legislation of the corresponding European country) are eligible for admission. Holders of other scientific Bachelor s degrees may be accepted provided the student takes complementary levelling courses under the supervision of his/her local tutor. Candidates must submit an internationally recognised English proficiency certificate equivalent to a TOEFL score of minimum 500/213, or an IELTS score of 6.
The same criteria apply to students from third countries (outside the EU). For students from third countries or students with Bachelor s degrees different from those mentioned above, the prerequisite knowledge level should be certified, as specified above. All application files (including those of students from third countries and those with other Bachelor's degrees) are evaluated by the programme's International Committee. For students coming from third countries or holders of a Bachelor s degree different from those mentioned in the admission requirements, proficiency in the following (or equivalent) subjects at the level of the Chemistry Eurobachelor must be certified: Chemical Bonding, Atomic and Molecular Structure and Intermolecular Interactions, General Physics, Mathematics, General Physical Chemistry, Thermodynamics and Kinetics, Spectroscopy. Some deficiencies in mathematics, physics or chemistry may be remedied through the levelling courses. If there are deficiencies in more than two of these areas, however, the applicant will not be accepted. Programme The programme is organised according to a two-year structure consisting of 120 ECTS. The first year of the programme introduces you to concepts and methods. The core of the programme is an intensive international course intended to bring all participants to a common level of excellence. It takes place in the summer between year 1 and year 2 and runs for four weeks. Coursework is taught by a select group of invited inter national experts. The second year 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 (2011 Valencia, 2012 Perugia, 2013 Madrid, etc.).
ERASMUS MUNDUS MASTER OF SCIENCE IN THEORETICAL CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTATIONAL MODELLING COURSE 120 ECTS ECTS YEAR 1 60 Core Courses 28 Quantum Chemistry 3 Chemical Applications of Group Theory 6 Reactive Systems 6 Density Functional Theory 4 Dynamics of Chemical and Biochemical Systems 6 Electronic Structure of Molecular Materials 3 Levelling Courses max. 6 Students choose a maximum of 6 ECTS, depending on their background. Computational Chemistry 3 Quantum Physics 3 Language Courses 3 Students choose one of these courses: Dutch Language and Cultures 3 Foreign Language Course 3 Elective Courses 9-15 Students choose 9 to 15 ECTS: Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems 6 Molecular Spectroscopy 6 Electrochemical Methods in Inorganic Chemistry 3 Physical Chemistry of Polymers 3 Nanostructured Bio-Macromolecules 6 Biomolecular Interactions 6 Advanced Computational Chemistry 3 Chemistry at Nanometre Scale 6 Computational Methods in Solid State Physics 3 Research Internship 14 YEAR 2 60 International Intensive Course 24 Research Internship 2 6 Master s thesis 30 For detailed descriptions of this programme s courses and for the course timetable, please consult www.kuleuven.be/ma/tccm
Application procedure Both European and non-european students can apply for Erasmus Mundus scholarships. All applications for admission and scholarships must be submitted via the online application on the website of the coordinating institution. The application deadline is 31 January. Please consult the website for detailed information: www.emtccm.org/tccm-em Career prospects In addition to commanding sound theoretical knowledge in chemistry and computational modelling, you will be equipped to apply any of the scientific codes mastered in the programme in a work environment, or develop new codes to address new requirements associated with research or productive activities. 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.
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE Oude Markt 13 box 5005 3000 LEUVEN, Belgium tel. + 32 16 32 40 10 fax + 32 16 32 40 14 onderwijscommunicatie@kuleuven.be www.kuleuven.be More information www.kuleuven.be/ma/tccm General information International programmes: www.kuleuven.be/internationalprogrammes International Office: www.kuleuven.be/english Faculty of Science Department of Chemistry Prof. Arnout Ceulemans Celestijnenlaan 200f box 2404 3001 HEVERLEE, Belgium arnout.ceulemans@chem.kuleuven.be This brochure provides the most complete and accurate information available concerning this Master's programme offered at KU Leuven. However, amendments to the composition of this programme may be approved at any time. Consequently, KU Leuven is in no way legally bound by the information provided in this brochure. The most recent information on all our academic programmes may be consulted online at www.kuleuven.be/coursecatalogue Last updated: February 2013 Copyright: D/2012/1082/129 v.u.: Isabelle Van Geet, Oude Markt 13 bus 5005, 3000 Leuven