Before the Semester
In the specialization phase of the Chemistry B.Sc., you will first be faced with a choice: you need to decide on 3 out of the 4 core disciplines (Organic Chemistry (OC), Inorganic Chemistry (AC), Physical Chemistry (PC), Theoretical Chemistry (ThC)). This decision then becomes final with your exam registrations. Within each chosen discipline, there is an advanced lecture (graded by exam) and an advanced practical course, which together total 10 ECTS.
Organic Chemistry:
The OC specialization already kicks off in September of your 4th semester with the Advanced OC Practical (OC-Fortgeschrittenen Praktikum). This is a direct continuation of the OC-A Practical from the summer, and you will continue it in the same location. The activities here also build directly on OC-A, intensifying classical organic synthesis work and spectroscopic characterization. The timing of the practical is very convenient; within just under 2.5 weeks, you earn your 5 ECTS in exchange for approximately 5 short experiment reports. Note that these credits count towards the following winter semester (don’t forget this during exam registration!).
The advanced OC Specialization (OC5) lecture takes place in the summer semester (6th semester) and follows the very popular Retrosynthesis (OC4, in the 5th semester). PD Kataev always holds his module on Thursdays as a block event combining lectures and seminars. The lecture covers stereochemistry and, in parts, stereoselective synthesis. We highly recommend borrowing a textbook in parallel with the course and actively engaging in the seminar. For this, the “Allstar,” Clayden, or more in-depth reading (Kurti, Czako) are recommended.
Theoretical Chemistry:
The ThC specialization begins in the 5th semester with the TPS (TC4/TC-O) lecture by Professor B. Meyer. TPS is a relevant introduction to solid-state physics and, within this framework, primarily covers topics and considerations relevant to materials chemistry. TPS is presented in the spirit of ThC3 and will be more of a highlight for theory fans. The tutorials are typically exam-oriented and should become a weekly appointment for you. Generally, it’s a good continuation of the previous ThC program.
The ThC-F Practical in the 6th semester picks up directly where ThC-A (5th semester, mandatory for Chemistry B.Sc.) left off. It consists of 2 consecutive parts, lasting 3 and 2 weeks respectively, each involving a two-day computer practical. The two parts are led by Dr. Hommes (known from ThC-A) and Dr. Neiß (known from ThC II and III). They initially deal more with molecular systems, while the second part focuses on solid-state properties as a direct application of the theory from TPS. Don’t worry, most competencies are acquired on-site here too! After short independent project work, you can exchange the better of 2 concise reports for 5 ECTS.
Inorganic Chemistry:
The AC specialization begins quite soon after the exam period of the winter semester (5th semester) with the AC-F Practical. There, over approximately 3 weeks, you can expect a de facto continuation of the synthesis lab, involving the preparation of classical ligands and their coordination. Following rather uncomplicated, yet sometimes multi-step, synthesis, the focus here is more on extensive characterization and scientifically precise documentation. The hard work is generously rewarded with 5 ECTS at the end.
AC-O (AC5) opens in the summer semester (6th semester) with an innovative concept: a block event with 2 consecutive lectures (Homogeneous Catalysis, Materials Chemistry) every Wednesday. Additionally, the lecturers change around the middle of the semester to provide a wide-ranging overview. Professor Harder and Professor Dorta (both known from AC4) share the Homogeneous Catalysis part, while Professor Mandel and Professor Bachmann cover Materials Chemistry. The Homogeneous Catalysis part picks up roughly where AC4 left off. Materials Chemistry and its characterization are the clear new additions here, deviating from previously taught material, but primarily offer perspective thanks to Professor Bachmann’s incredible motivation. After the long AC break (3rd/4th semester), it’s important to keep track of the constantly changing topics here. The exam, which is set in equal parts by all four (!) lecturers, is an arduous but well-deserved 5 ECTS, traditionally being the final achievement of the B.Sc. Chemistry.