Faculty profile
In the heart of the Ruhr region, the scientists at the Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Ruhr University research and teach on the most important topics of our time.
Our outstanding professors and research groups represent the nine core disciplines of analytical chemistry and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, didactics of chemistry, organic and physical chemistry as well as technical and theoretical chemistry.
Our faculty is also home to one of the two German clusters of excellence with a focus on chemistry - “Ruhr Explores Solvation” (RESOLV). We are also involved in outstanding Collaborative Research Centers and the Graduate School of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Our researchers are also involved in other interdisciplinary and leading research structures, such as the Research Department Solvation Science, the Research Department Closed Carbon Cycle Economy, the Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Materials Simulation (ICAMS), the Materials Research Department and the Protein Research Department (PRD).
In this way, we not only enable excellent cutting-edge research, but also create the best conditions for the qualified and sustainable training of our young scientists.
As one of Germany's third most well-funded chemistry faculties, the German Science Council has recognized us as one of the locations for cutting-edge research in chemistry for 10 years.
Studies and training
Broadly specialised and research-oriented
3 Bachelor degree programmes
In our three Bachelor's degree programmes Chemistry, Biochemistry and 2-Subjekt-B.A. our students receive excellent specialist training through innovative teaching formats. At the same time, a high proportion of practical work from the outset guarantees a research-oriented, well-founded education in all modern laboratory techniques. The structure and design of the degree programmes encourage students to develop their own research interests and strengthen their personal profile right from the first academic phase. Although the Master's degree is typically the first qualification for admission to a doctoral programme, the best Bachelor's graduates have the opportunity to enter the doctoral programme directly with a fast-track procedure!
4 Master's degree programmes
Our four Master-programmes Chemie, Biochemie, Master of Education and the international Master's programme iMOS are the ideal preparation for a future in an international context in science, research, teaching and industry. In addition to sharpening your professional profile, our Master's programmes focus on the further development of individual and personal talents. In the English-language Master's degree programmes in Chemistry, Biochemistry and iMOS, a wide range of optional courses offers a broad spectrum of extracurricular further education opportunities during this phase. In the German-language Master of Education programme, the focus on subject-specific didactic training is the ideal preparation for a career, particularly in teaching at grammar schools and comprehensive schools.
Graduate School of Chemistry and Biochemistry
With the Graduate School of Chemistry and Biochemistry we were one of the first faculties to introduce a structured doctoral programme that accompanies our young scientists beyond pure research activities during their doctorate. In addition, our doctoral students have the opportunity to take advantage of numerous offers from the RUB Research School and to prepare themselves in the best possible way for their individual career paths and to build up a network with other young scientists. There is also the opportunity to become part of the integrated Graduate School Solvation Science (iGSS) of RESOLV, the Research Training Group Confinement Controlled Chemistry or the International Graduate School Neuroscience (IGSN). Every year, around 60 highly qualified young scientists complete their doctorates at our faculty.
The focus of research:
Excellent basic research for innovative applications
In the three central research areas of Chemistry and Energy, Intelligent Molecules and Materials and Concepts for Tomorrow, our globally recognised scientists cooperate locally, regionally and internationally with science, research and industry to generate solutions for the future.
Chemistry and energy
Energy generation and conversion is a key challenge of our time. Be it new electrodes for energy conversion, hydrogen production and storage or biomass-based fuels - our top researchers are pursuing the goal of answering these with innovative research approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration. Interdisciplinary research structures, such as the Research Department Closed Carbon Cycle Economy, are led by our scientists.
Intelligent molecules and materials
In times of complex scientific questions, our application-oriented research initiative responds by focussing on the presentation of materials and molecules with special functions and modes of action. Our contributions range from drug research to nanosensor technology and thus contribute to cross-faculty and cross-location projects.
Concepts for tomorrow's applications
The development of fundamental concepts as the basis for future applications is one of our core competences and places our faculty firmly in the international research landscape. Our unique research strength is reflected in the successful acquisition and extension of the RESOLV Cluster of Excellence and other collaborative projects such as the Collaborative Research Centre "Heterogeneous Oxidation in the Liquid Phase" and the Research Training Group „Confinement Controlled Chemistry“ .