The new full-time English-language Applied Chemistry bachelor degree programme is a direct response to the changing skills profile of chemical industry professionals. With its strong practical focus, the curriculum is designed to meet the new requirements of industry by linking specialist chemistry fields with computer-based methods.
Innovation, specialisation options and a forward-looking curriculum
This programme stands out in comparison to conventional chemistry bachelor degrees for a variety of reasons. Its innovative curriculum skilfully combines in-depth training in chemistry, the latest computer-based methods as well as groundbreaking topics such as the use of renewable raw materials and waste recycling and reuse. Students can also choose between two different areas of specialisation. The Instrumental Analysis and Chemometrics elective enhances students’ skills in instrumental analysis, statistical analysis of measurements, multidimensional data analysis and experimental design, preparing them for day-to-day professional tasks in the fields of product safety, as well as environmental, pharmaceutical, forensic and polymer analysis.
In the Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry elective, students acquire advanced skills in computer-aided simulation of reactions and chemical processes, as well as organic and pharmaceutical chemistry. This expertise is especially important in the pharmaceutical industry and essential for the production of fine chemicals.
With English as the language of instruction, graduates are ideally placed to enter the chemical industry jobs market in Austria or abroad.
Career prospects
Graduates of the Applied Chemistry degree programme will have a broad range of career options. Among other things, they will be qualified to:
- generate, visualise and interpret large amounts of data, and use this as a basis for developing chemometric models
- work in computer-based process control and modelling
- perform analysis in laboratories and for forensics/forensic science or pharmaceutical organisations
- synthesise drugs in the pharmaceuticals industry and manufacture basic chemicals for polymer production and the design of smart materials
- develop production and testing processes in order to ensure product quality
Students graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
Job security and highly sought-after expertise
The chemical industry needs highly trained professionals with exactly the type of skill set described above. A fact that experts such as Harald Weinstabl, Project Lead and Principal Scientist working in the field of medicinal chemistry at Boehringer Ingelheim, can confirm: “Identifying innovative first-in-class drugs is a big challenge and Boehringer Ingelheim’s primary goal on its path to helping patients in need of significant treatment. Well-trained and motivated staff are absolutely essential to achieve this goal. This is why we are supporting the new Applied Chemistry degree programme at IMC Krems.” Another such industry expert is Christian Schimper, Managing Director of Lower Austria-based Acticell, and a member of the programme’s development team: “I’m really excited that this application-driven degree is going to create a new platform for the education of chemical industry professionals. And I’m convinced that the programme’s graduates will enjoy excellent job opportunities.”
