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Good reasons to study chemistry in Marburg:
Are you passionate about science and interested in future-oriented topics?
When you study chemistry, you can work on solutions for the future: whether it's faster computers, more powerful solar cells and storage media, sustainable batteries, environmentally friendly materials for industry, or new approaches to even more effective medicines—you can go to the lab every day knowing that you are doing something relevant. Can you imagine changing the world as a chemist? In that case, studying chemistry at the University of Marburg could be the right choice for you.
Especially attractive in Marburg...
The network at the Lahnberge campus (short distances! Open doors! Professors who were very open and unbureaucratic).The history of the chemistry-department in Marburg is certainly also very impressive.
What did you learn for your current job?
Being proactive, forming networks, thinking interdisciplinarily, conducting joint research with other universities. Mobility (between Marburg, Giessen, and Munich in my case)
...Devid Mrusek, Evonik – Strategic New Business Development Life Sciences......
Versatile and forward-looking
Marburg offers you a wide range of opportunities:
Bachelor's program in Chemistry
The Bachelor's programm in Chemistry allows you to study the key areas (inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry) at your own pace right from the start. You can also explore topics in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, and theoretical chemistry, or gain insights into other disciplines such as physics, biology, or computer science. Incidentally, the Bachelor's program in Chemistry in Marburg has no admission restrictions (no NC) and starts in summer and winter semesters! So you can get started immediately.
Teacher training program in chemistry
In the Chemistry teacher training program, you will not only learn to understand chemistry yourself, but also how to pass on your knowledge to young people. In addition to the necessary specialist knowledge, you will acquire excellent problem-solving skills. You will always consider issues in the context of everyday life, nature, the environment, and technology (e.g., climate issues, sustainable materials, LED or nanotechnology). Thanks to the free choice of subjects in Marburg, you can also combine chemistry with philosophy or history, for example – none of your subjects have to be a school major. This is not available in other federal states! Of course, in Marburg you will be well prepared to promote young people's critical awareness of the sustainable development of technology and society and the preservation of our living conditions. In addition to laboratory work, you will also gain initial experience in school teaching under scientific supervision and can test your subject-specific didactic knowledge in the classroom – thanks to the “Marburg Practice Modules,” you do not need to plan a separate practical semester. The focus of teacher training in Marburg is particularly on the intertwining of experimental and theoretical training, so that you will be excellently prepared for experimental teaching later in your career – whatever the grade level and group size.
Master's program in Chemistry
In the Master's program in Chemistry, you will expand on the comprehensive fundamental knowledge you acquired in the Bachelor's program and can even supplement it with materials chemistry or medical chemistry. With complete freedom of choice, you can set your own focus and pursue your personal interests. You will work in working groups on cutting-edge research topics early on. This will make it easier for you to start your doctoral studies.
Master's program in Biochemistry
Since the 2020/2021 winter semester, the University of Marburg has also offered a Master's program in Biochemistry, which is only available at a few universities in Germany. Here, you can conduct research into the molecular understanding of microorganisms in global material cycles, for example, or focus on synthetic microbiology or structural biology. Both Master's programs begin in summer and winter semesters.
Doctorate (Dr. rer. nat.)
During your PhD program, you will work independently on a research topic of your choice in a well-connected working group. You will present your findings at national and international conferences. Through your involvement in teaching, you will also gain initial experience in imparting knowledge in the lecture hall. For young scientists, there are also a wide range of opportunities and support available, e.g., at the Academy for Young Scientists (MArburg University Research Academy, MARA).
State-of-the-art equipment for teaching and research
When studying chemistry in Marburg, you will study in a new department building with state-of-the-art practical training rooms and laboratories on the Lahnberge campus. Right from the first semesters, you will gain practical experience in the laboratory and have access to state-of-the-art shared laboratory equipment and large-scale analytical instruments such as NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
Familiar and open-minded
Marburg offers excellent conditions for studying chemistry. Direct contact with lecturers and close cooperation with fellow students, e.g. during laboratory practicals, create a very friendly atmosphere in the department. To help you make contacts and find your feet in everyday student life, there is an orientation week at the beginning of your studies, during which you will receive support in creating your timetable, get to know the classrooms, and explore the city with your new co-students.
International exchange programs and guest lectures from around the world give the department an international flair. You also have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad.
discover more....
The University of Marburg maintains numerous partnerships with other universities: you can spend your semester abroad at over 270 European and over 70 non-European partner universities, usually exempt from tuition fees. In chemistry, an exchange with renowned universities such as Heriot-Watt in Edinburgh (Scotland), the University of Cambridge (England), or ETH Zurich (Switzerland) is a good option. Many stays are also specifically supported through scholarship programs.
Whether English, Chinese, or Spanish, you can learn the right language for your stay abroad at our Language Center.
Direct and forward-looking practical relevance
Understanding and research are the primary objectives of studying chemistry. The course content is directly relevant to practical applications, and you will work directly on current research questions. This close link between practice and theory is unique in Marburg. During your studies, you will learn to deal with future-oriented topics both theoretically and during numerous laboratory internships. You will be well prepared to scientifically advance sustainable innovations.
more on outlooks...
You can, for example, contribute to research into reducing greenhouse gases, develop environmentally friendly battery components, modern LED technologies, or sustainable materials, or learn how to handle hazardous substances such as fluorine or uranium in a controlled manner. You will understand why bacteria can be multi-resistant and how new drugs are developed. As a chemist, you have the opportunity to change the world. After completing your studies, you will have a wide range of career prospects, e.g., in research and science, product development and application technology, environmental technology, large-scale chemical industry, but also in quality assurance in companies, patent law firms, or government agencies such as state criminal investigation offices or environmental authorities.
Even while you are still studying, you can gain practical experience at cooperating institutes, research facilities, and companies, making use of the department's strong network. For example, there are contacts with the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology and CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, as well as many local companies. The teaching staff will be happy to help you find an internship.
Marburg – a lively, dynamic city
“Marburg doesn't have a university, Marburg is a university.” Marburg is a typical student town: around a third of Marburg's residents are students. The historic townscape with its castle, old town, and half-timbered houses is characterized by a youthful atmosphere. Marburg's compact layout means that everything is within easy reach: in no time at all, you can reach the campus on the Lahnbergen hills, the new university library with its modern workstations, the lecture hall building, the two cafeterias with a large selection of dishes that change daily, or one of over 120 other university buildings scattered throughout the city. Here, you don't study anonymously. You quickly make friends and form lifelong connections.
more about Marburg...
Incidentally, Marburg is one of the oldest and most traditional university towns in Germany. Since 1527, young people have not only been studying here, but also partying extensively. The upper town offers a lively pub and cultural scene—and the prices are reasonable. Whether you prefer a cozy vaulted cellar, a cocktail bar, or bars with live DJs, there is something for every taste.
In addition, several socio-cultural centers in Marburg offer a very broad cultural spectrum – from concerts and theater to variety shows. The best places to enjoy a leisurely picnic and relax are the Lahnwiesen meadows or the Old Botanical Garden. In and around Marburg, you can quickly reach the countryside for hiking, mountain biking, or simply going for a walk. In addition to 130 sports activities at the University Sports Center, a music house, a classical orchestra, the student big band, and the university choir, you will find numerous student initiatives that you can get involved in.
So there is plenty to balance out your studies, true to Georg C. Lichtenberg's saying: “Those who understand nothing but chemistry don't even understand that properly.”
And another plus: Marburg University offers a very attractive semester ticket that allows you to travel beyond the regional borders, e.g. to Göttingen or Mainz.
Things you should bring with you
When you ,...
... are curious,...
... enjoy solving problems,...
... want to think logically, and...
... really want to understand issues,...
then you'll enjoy studying chemistry!
Still have doubts?
Even with little or no prior knowledge, you can master the study of chemistry. The introductory phase of the program is deliberately designed so that you can study at your own pace and fill in any gaps in your knowledge. A certain interest in mathematics and physics is helpful; if you have conceptual knowledge of chemistry, physics, and/or mathematics from high school, you will find the program easier.
Perhaps you are still at school and are considering doing an internship? We offer internships for school students, subject to availability. In cooperation with your school, we offer you an initial insight into working in a laboratory.
How do I apply for an internship?
The following documents are required for an application:
Application letter
Curriculum vitae
Last school certificate
Internship confirmation from the school or information letter stating the specific internship period
Formular to the obligation of confidentiality.
The application address is:Wirtschaftsverwaltung des Fachbereichs Chemie
der Philipps-Universität Marburg
- Schülerpraktikum -
Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4
35043 MarburgE-mail - For email applications, please only use the following formats: *doc, *docx, *pdf.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Heike Stock (06421/28-25543).
The application deadline is 3 months before the start of the internship.
Please only submit copies, as the documents will not be returned. They will be destroyed after the procedure has been completed for data protection reasons.