Chemistry

Graduate profile and learning objectives

a) The institution defines the learning objectives of the study programme such as student's abilities at the time of completion of the programme and the main learning outcomes[1].

Graduates of the Master's study program Chemistry carry out professional scientific activities in research, or provide consultancy or education in diverse branches of chemistry. They apply ethical principles in science and the principles of green chemistry in practice. Beside the theoretical knowledge and experimental skills acquired within the common compulsory courses, the student is free to choose specialized courses related to his/her research orientation represented by the diploma thesis topic. A graduate will have a broad understanding of the theoretical foundations of chemical bonding, crystal and molecular structure, as well as physico-chemical scientific research methods. The graduate is able to study new trends in the development of the field, formulate problems and hypotheses, determine appropriate procedures and solution techniques, solve the given problem independently or within a guided team, formulate, interpret and present research results. His/her work in the laboratory is carried out in compliance with the principles of safety at work with regard to environmental protection. He/she uses scientific research methods to solve specific tasks, masters the procedures for the preparation of new compounds and the methods of investigating their physical and chemical properties. 

Graduate specialized to Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, the graduate will be trained in trace and ultratrace analysis and analysis of complex multicomponent samples, analysis of chiral substances, together with application-oriented analysis of environmental, pharmaceutical, clinical and biological samples.  This specialization provides education also in methodologically oriented areas related to identification and detection methods, separation methods, chemometric methods and sample preparation methods. 

The graduates with the specialization Bioinorganic and Bioorganic Chemistry are focused to chemistry of compounds related to biological systems, including proteins, saccharides, nucleic acids and other biomacromolecules. The graduates will learn deep understanding of principles of inorganic and organic chemistry, including compound characterization and structure-properties relationship. They will understand the role of metals or trace elements in biological systems. They will be prepared to explore applications of coordination compounds and organic compounds in medicinal chemistry. They will learn principles of design, development and mode of actions of drugs. 

The graduates with the specialization Molecular materials or Materials chemistry of solids will have a broad understanding, where and how chemistry is used in the production and processing of materials and development of materials applications used in everyday life, as well as in the state-of-the-art technologies. They will learn what modern experimental and computational tools are used in characterization of materials and how to use these tools in fundamental and applied research. The graduate will be able to independently solve chemical problems encountered in a production and processing of materials and by chemical methods prepare various materials including nanomaterials and other advanced materials for solving various technological challenges. Molecular materials focus mainly on synthesis and physicochemical properties of organic and inorganic materials whose properties are determined by molecular structure, whereas Materials chemistry of solids is oriented to issues related to the bulk and/or surfaces. 

b) The institution indicates the professions for which the graduate is prepared at the time of completion and the potential of the study programme from the point of view of graduate's employability.

A graduate of the specialization Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry is able to creatively and independently carry out scientific research and development of methods of chemical analysis. He/she can be involved in the primary occupation: analytical chemist (SK code ISCO-08: 2113003). The graduate is able to lead projects and professional groups in state and private laboratories for quality control and product control of production processes, e.g. in research institutes and their laboratories, metrology and accreditation institutions, state health institutes, customs control laboratories, water control laboratories, forensic laboratories, clinical and diagnostic laboratories, environmental, operational and corporate laboratories.

A graduate of the specialization Bioinorganic and bioorganic chemistry is able to independently solve chemical problems encountered in a development, production and processing of drugs. He/she can be involved in the primary occupations: (bio)inorganic chemist, (bio)organic chemist, biological chemist. The graduate is able to lead projects and professional groups in state and private chemical, pharmaceutical and forensic laboratories and product control of production processes, e.g. in research institutes and their laboratories. Can develop new materials solutions for chemical, pharmaceutical, environmental remediation, healthcare and other industries as a member of corporate laboratories.

A graduate with the specialization Molecular materials and Materials chemistry of solids is able to independently solve chemical problems encountered in a development, production and processing of materials. He/she can, by chemical methods, process materials or prepare various new inorganic and organic materials including nanomaterials and other advanced materials for solving various technological challenges. He/she can be involved in the primary occupations: material chemist, chemist – materials specialist, chemist, materials scientist. The graduate is able to lead projects and professional groups in state and private chemical and materials development laboratories and product control of production processes, e.g. in research institutes and their laboratories. Can develop new materials solutions for electronics, photonics, chemical, environmental remediation, healthcare and other industries as a member of corporate laboratories. 

A graduate is typically employed in the following areas: C Industrial production – C20 Production of chemicals and chemical products; and M Professional, scientific and technical activities – M71 Architectural and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis, M72 Scientific research and development (SK NACE Rev. 2). The graduate is also ready to perform other related professions: chemical specialist in research, or research and development worker in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry (SK ISCO-08 code: 2145002), specialist in the field of science development, research and innovation (SK ISCO-08 code: 2422016), quality control specialist in chemical production (SK ISCO-08 code : 2145003), maintenance specialist in chemical production (SK ISCO-08 code: 2145004) and water quality control specialist (SK ISCO-08 code: 2143002). 

c) Relevant external stakeholders who have provided the statement or a favourable opinion on the compliance of the acquired qualification with the sector-specific requirements for the profession[2].

These requirements do not apply to this study programme. 

Employability

a) Evaluation of the study programme graduates employability.

Graduates are currently in demand mainly in the workplaces of the health sector, the environment, the economy and education sector (universities), or the academic sphere (public and private research and development workplaces). Furthermore, graduates can be employed in companies with chemical, pharmaceutical or biotechnological production, companies improving agricultural production, using environmentally acceptable and sustainable methods of production of energy, food, substrates and substances, decontaminating the environment from pollutants of natural and anthropogenic origin. 

b) If applicable, indicate the successful graduates of the study programme.

Does not apply, as it is a new study program. 

c) Evaluation of the study programme quality by employers (feedback).

The references and job requirements we receive from workplaces employing our graduates are positive, and we rightly assume that the level and profile of the graduate fully meets the current needs of the labor market. The positive response of employers is an indicator that the current focus of studying chemistry in given specializations is correct, balanced and reflects the needs of the current labor market. The following employers commented positively on the study program:

RNDr. Ivan Rybár, PhD., Supervisor for process analytical systems, Slovnaft MaO, a.s.

RNDr. Mariana Danková, PhD., procurist, Pragolab, ltd.

Ing. Vladimír Pätoprstý, PhD., department head, Chemistry Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences

Ing. Igor Lacík, DrSc., department head, Polymer Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences

Ing. Ľuboš Nižnanský, PhD., toxicologist, Office for Health Care Supervision, Forensic Medicine Department

Ing. Roman Fišera, PhD., chief manager, Synkola, ltd.

RNDr. Marián Gono, MBA, chief operative officer, Hameln rds, ltd.

RNDr. Richard Hercek, PhD., head of API plant, Saneca Pharmaceuticals, a.s.