Starting in the 2018–19 winter semester, the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences will offer a degree program in “Applied Natural Sciences” with a concentration in chemistry within the life and material sciences.
“The seven-semester Bachelor degree programme offers an excellent education. Depending on their area of study, students gain not only a foundation in the natural sciences and chemistry but also specific insight into the fields of polymer technologies and surface engineering, or chemical biology and analytics,” says academic advisor Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Jens Weber.
Whether it’s lightweight and durable materials for the future, trace analysis of environmental samples, or the use of enzymes in biocatalysis—an understanding of the microcosm of molecules and atoms is essential for many innovations, and an interdisciplinary approach is required. Students gain the tools to put scientific theories into practice. In addition to the subject matter, the necessary soft skills—such as presentation techniques—are also emphasized.
The degree programme is also available as a dual-track degree programme (with integrated training to become a chemical laboratory technician or pharmaceutical technician). Students in the dual-track degree programme earn a bachelor’s degree along with a vocational qualification (through an IHK exam) via an accelerated training program based on an apprenticeship contract with a company.
During their studies, students have a wide range of opportunities to contribute to projects as student assistants. Likewise, it is easy at the university to get hands-on experience with current research and technology transfer topics in collaboration with local companies—both large and small—as well as regional and international partners. The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is a research-intensive institution and is integrated into a wide range of networks. Exchange programs for faculty and students regularly bring a breath of fresh air and new ideas.
Graduates with an interdisciplinary education and in-depth knowledge of chemistry can pursue careers at the regional, national, and international levels. During their studies, students acquire all the necessary skills for technical and business roles in small, medium, and large companies.
Career options are as diverse as the natural sciences themselves—opportunities exist not only in the traditional chemical industry but also, in particular, in interdisciplinary fields: for example, in environmental and analytical laboratories, in plastics, textiles, or surface finishing, as well as in the energy sector. Other fields of work include municipal utilities and waste management, government offices and agencies, and research institutes.
Contact
Subject-specific academic consulation
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Jens Weber
Email: j.weber@hszg.de