Chemistry
Chemistry investigates matter, i.e. anything that has mass and occupies space, and the transformations it can undergo. Within the natural sciences, chemistry is often referred to as the central discipline, for the simple reason that whenever matter is involved, chemical knowledge is required. Chemical research occurs both at the fundamental and applied level and is vital in developing, amongst others, new materials, environmental benign processes (reducing both pollution and energy consumption), and drugs.
At University College Utrecht you obtain theoretical knowledge and insight, as well as practical skills, in order to cope with issues of chemical nature. After the introductory course the chemistry track branches out along two main lines: a materials/sustainability path and a biochemistry path. In the first path both organic and inorganic chemistry are addressed. Students learn about the properties of compounds derived from the elements in the various groups of the periodic system and obtain insight into how molecules and materials are formed by chemical reactions. This knowledge is then used and expanded by considering how it can be applied in sustainability topics. When following the biochemistry path students explore the highly sophisticated way in which nature performs chemistry in living systems. Fundamental theories and molecular concepts are studied to generate insight in life and to obtain an understanding of the molecular basis of diseases. In both paths, courses offered at Utrecht University can be integrated. Ask the chemistry fellow for information.
