Chemistry and Science Communication and Society

Specialisation of: Chemistry
Degree: Master of Science in Chemistry
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Start date: Flexible, for international students preferably September or January
Language of instruction: English and Dutch
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 66857
Share |

The MSc track Chemistry and Science Communication and Society offers students the opportunity to combine previous research training with programmes in different aspects of science communication, such as journalism, new media, museology and information visualisation. Students of this MSc track have an excellent opportunity to broaden their studies outside their own specialist field, and during the work placement are able to try out the interesting opportunities offered by a career as scientific communicator or scientific journalist. The experiences and insights gained will be of benefit to those who intend to continue in an academic environment, for example as a PhD candidate in their own specialist field. The ability to communicate about science is an essential skill which all scientists should have mastered.

The Master’s specialisation in Science Communication and Society offers students the opportunity to combine previous research training with programmes in different aspects of science communication, such as journalism, new media, museology and information visualisation.

Students of this master’s specialisation have an excellent opportunity to broaden their studies outside their own specialist field, and during the work placement are able to try out the interesting opportunities offered by a career as scientific communicator or scientific journalist. The experiences and insights gained will be of benefit to those who intend to continue in an academic environment, for example as a PhD candidate in their own specialist field. The ability to communicate about science is an essential skill which all scientists should have mastered!

The Master’s specialisation in Science Communication and Society comprises a chemistry research component and a communication component. In the chemistry research component students have a choice of three major research areas:

  • Biological Chemistry
  • Design & Synthesis
  • Physical & Theoretical Chemistry

Reasons to Choose Chemistry in Leiden

  1. The Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) is highly acclaimed for the international character of its education with a young and enthusiastic research staff.
  2. The LIC offers tailor-made individual study programmes.
  3. Students become true members of internationally renowned multidisciplinary research teams.
  4. The Chemistry MSc programme offers ample opportunities for research projects in distinguished groups worldwide or in an industrial environment.
  5. The high standard of education ensures excellent job prospects in research or industry.
Photo science indoor

Prof. Overkleeft

“An organic chemist can make a con-tribution to the development of new medicines.”

“My specialisation is organic chemistry, a very research-intensive science that couples a healthy dose of knowledge and a strong feeling for the subject with a highly developed capacity for imagination and
intuition. What makes one molecule react with another? How can I predict and control this reaction, and then apply the knowledge gained to develop new molecules with new characteristics?

Organic chemistry fulfils an important bridging function between physics on the one hand and biology on the other. This means an organic chemist can make a contribution to the development of new medicines. My inspiration comes primarily from nature. In the laboratory environment I try to prepare and imitate molecules which occur readily in nature, which are often very complex. I then use these molecules to influence biological processes, in order to gain more insight into the underlying biological processes. Certainly now that the human genome and that of other organisms has been identified, more emphasis will be placed on gaining insight into biological processes at molecular level. The combination of organic chemistry and biology has in this light a great future.”