Chemical Engineering

    Become an expert in Chemical Engineering

    Key data

    Degree
    Master of Science in Life Sciences
    Studying type
    Double-Degree with foreign University optional
    ECTS points
    90
    Studying mode
    Full-time and part-time
    School days
    Monday to Friday
    Teaching language
    English
    Place
    Muttenz (Basel-Land)
    Stay abroad
    optional
    Application fee
    CHF 200

    The deadline for applications for the autumn semester is 30 April of the relevant year and 30 November for the spring semester.

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    Chemical Engineering – Career Opportunities
    Climate change, raw material scarcity, digitalization, and renewable materials instead of fossil fuels as the basis for platform chemicals, are major global challenges. These challenges require processes which are sustainable, robust, well-engineered and rapidly available. Finding solutions requires highly trained specialists with sound scientific knowledge and the ability to develop, implement and successfully operate new processes.

    Chemical Engineering – Curriculum
    Students specialising in Chemical Engineering are offered a tailored training program: in addition to in-depth elements of (bio)chemistry, pharmaceutical and environmental engineering, the course emphasises aspects of safety engineering, sustainability, process development and optimisation. The tension between what is possible and what is necessary and feasible is resolved in special courses and in group work. Modern simulation and calculation tools, and the use of real-time data from innovative measurement techniques for process control and development complete the training.
    Modules from related specialisations, in particular Biotechnology, Analytical Chemistry, Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry, and Environmental Technology complement the specific courses. This broad range of specialised and generic modules allows each student to create an individually tailored study programme.
    Students may also study an take an extra semester at a foreign partner university, allowing them to gain an additional degree (Double Degree option, see p. 21 for details).
    The MSc includes an eight month thesis; this can be done at the research, development or manufacturing facility of one of our industrial partners, or with a partner at the FHNW’s new process technology centre (PTC), with its outstanding facilities for investigating disruptive technologies and complete processes. The thesis opens the door to successful employment in industry or in academia. Students have an outstanding preparation for challenges awaiting them in their careers in R&D, engineering and production, and can access a wide range of fascinating jobs whose requirement profiles closely match their qualifications.

    Chemical Engineering – Entry Requirements
    The MSc in Life Sciences – Chemical Engineering is especially suited for students with a BSc degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering or related fields.

    Details of the Master's programme

    Modul Groups for Chemical Engineering

    Module Group Chemical Engineering (4 out of 5 required)

    • Sustainable Process Development
    • Reaction Technology
    • Transfer and Scale-Up
    • Process Development and Technology
    • Process Automation

    Module Group Electives (3 out of 8 required)

    • Process Technology for Industrial Pollution Control
    • Costs and Benefits of Sustainbale Production
    • Valorization of Biomass Waste and Side Streams
    • Modern Technologies in Organic Synthesis
    • Continuous Biomanufacturing
    • Process Analytical Technology
    • Pharmaceutical Production Facilities
    • Continuous Pharmaceutical Production

    Module Group Cluster-Specific (3 out of 5 required)

    • Materials Science
    • Chemistry and Energy
    • Physicochemical Principles of Pharmaceutics
    • Green Chemistry
    • Industrial Chemistry Process Safety

    Module Group Core Competences (4 out of 8 required)

    • Handling and Visualizing data
    • Design and Analysis of Experiments
    • Modelling and Exploration of Multivariate Data
    • Data and Ethics
    • Business Administration for Life Sciences
    • Management and Leadership for Life Sciences
    • Innovation and Project Management
    • Politics and Society

    N.B. In total 50 ECTS (meaning 17 modules a 3 ECTS) have to be gained. Further modules can be chosen: Module Overview
    You may also plan your studies in advance with our MSc Life Sciences planning tool.

    Double Degree with Linköping University and the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague

    Selected students from our Master's programme can earn a double degree by completing an additional semester at Linköping University or the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. They will receive two titles: MSc in Life Sciences FHNW and MSc in Chemistry from Linköping University or MSc in Synthesis and Manufacturing Pharmaceuticals UCT Prague.

    More information on Double Degree.

    Admission

    Graduates with an excellent Bachelor's degree are admitted directly if they:

    • hold a Bachelor's degree in a related technical field from a university of applied sciences with a mark of A, B or ≥ 5 or an equivalent mark (≥ good)
    • or demonstrate an equivalent background (BSc) and practical experience
    • and have excellent English skills.

    Prospective students who meet most but not all of the entry requirements are invited to interview.

    Study guide

    Downloads

    FHNW School of Life Sciences

    FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
    School of Life Sciences

    Hofackerstrasse 30

    CH - 4132 Muttenz