What is it all about?

During the chemistry degree program, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating world of substances, their properties and their reactions. You will learn how atoms and molecules are structured, how chemical bonds work and which mechanisms drive chemical processes. Your bachelor's degree will teach you the basics of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry as well as analytics - the central disciplines of chemistry.

There is a strong focus on practical work in the laboratory. This is where you put theory into practice: you will learn to plan and carry out experiments precisely, work with modern analytical equipment and systematically evaluate the results. You will gain a deep understanding of how chemical findings can be used to find innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Chemistry is the basis for many key technologies and offers a wide range of possible applications, e.g. in pharmacy, materials science or environmental research. If you enjoy understanding scientific phenomena, thinking analytically and working creatively, this course offers you the perfect foundation for an exciting career.

Program structure

During your studies, you have various subjects, which consist of one or more modules. A module deals with a specific topic and consists of one or more courses. In the module handbook for your degree program, you will find a description of the modules and their subject assignment as well as a study plan. This gives you an orientation as to which courses you should attend in which semester in order to complete your studies within the standard period of study. It takes into account a balanced distribution of courses over the individual semesters. It also ensures that you are first taught the important basics before moving on to more advanced topics. Your individual course of study may differ from this.

You have these subjects on the Chemistry degree program:

• fundamentals of inorganic, organic, physical and applied chemistry: this subject forms the basis of the chemistry program and combines theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory work. It covers the central chemical disciplines: general and inorganic chemistry deal with the properties and reactions of elements and compounds, while organic chemistry focuses on carbon-based molecules and their synthesis. Physical chemistry combines chemical processes with physical principles such as thermodynamics and quantum chemistry. In addition, applied chemistry highlights practical applications in industry and research.
  
• fundamentals of physics and mathematics: you will learn about mathematical tools such as linear algebra and analysis, which are essential in chemistry and physics. In physics, you will deal with mechanics, vibrations, waves, thermodynamics as well as electricity, magnetism and optics.
  
• interdisciplinary qualifications: in the modules Legal Studies, Toxicology and Information Technology, you will acquire legal knowledge on safe laboratory operation and handling hazardous substances, gain basic knowledge on the toxicological effects of substances and learn to use information technology specifically for scientific work.
  

In the bachelor's degree program in Chemistry at KIT, you will start with a broad scientific foundation course that will provide you with a solid basis for the following study sections. This not only covers the classic chemical disciplines, but also physical and mathematical principles that will help you to understand and apply chemical processes and reactions.

After the foundation course, you choose one of three possible study variants depending on your interests, which allow you to specialize in certain areas of chemistry. These specializations offer you the opportunity to focus on topics that best suit your personal and professional goals.

In variant A: inorganic/organic, the focus is on the classic areas of chemistry. You will take one advanced module each with a corresponding advanced practical course in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. In addition, you will attend courses in applied chemistry to further deepen your practical knowledge.

Variant B: physical-mathematical is aimed at students with a particular interest in theoretical and quantitative aspects of chemistry. Here you will take an advanced module in physical chemistry with a practical course and a further module each in inorganic and organic chemistry, whereby you will only complete an advanced practical course in one of these areas. In addition, this variant includes a special variant module in which you can choose between courses in physics and mathematics. The variant module is supplemented by courses on Python, artificial intelligence and its applications, modeling and experimentation as well as a research internship.

In variant C: technically application-oriented , the focus is on practical and technological aspects of chemistry. You will take advanced modules in physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. The advanced module in physical chemistry includes a practical course. In inorganic or organic chemistry, you will complete an advanced practical course, whereby you choose one of the two practicals. This variant also includes a variant module, which contains courses on applied chemistry. Here, you will focus on topics such as reaction engineering, polymer chemistry and catalysis, and complete a work placement in applied chemistry.

As a rule, you will continue your chosen variant in the master's degree program. Each option allows you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals and to specialize in a particular area of chemistry. A special feature of the degree program is the high proportion of laboratory courses, which provide you with valuable practical experience. In addition, you will acquire interdisciplinary qualifications that will optimally prepare you for your future career in research, industry or other scientific fields.

Stays abroad

KIT offers a wide range of options for stays abroad, from individual courses to a year abroad. Especially if you are interested in a longer stay abroad, it is advisable to contact the International Students Office early on.

Bachelor's thesis

At the end of your bachelor's degree, you will complete your bachelor's thesis, an academic paper that allows you to apply and deepen the knowledge and skills you have acquired. It usually deals with a specific topic in your field of study and requires independent research, analysis and writing. The bachelor's thesis takes four months to complete.

The bachelor's degree program prepares students for the subsequent master's degree program. In chemistry, a doctorate is common after completing the master's program. The PhD program lasts approximately three years.

After graduating, you will have numerous opportunities in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, at research institutes, at universities, in the public sector or other branches of industry. The fields of activity range from research and development, management, production, environmental protection and sales to marketing or consulting.

Characteristic features of Chemistry B.Sc. at KIT

• ExperiMentoring program at the start of your studies
  
• high proportion of laboratory practicals
  
• three different study options
  
• broad range of courses, numerous specialization options
  
• insights into large-scale research projects
  
• specialist library and cafeteria in the department building
  

What KIT has to offer

• central campus close to the city forest and right next to the city center
  
• orientation week before the start of lectures
  
• 24-hour library offering single and group working places
  
• wide range of inexpensive catering options (dining hall, cafeteria, Koeri and Pizzawerk)
  
• numerous interdisciplinary offers for personal and professional development, e.g. Lernlabor, Schreiblabor and Perspektivenlabor
  
• study abroad, e.g. via Erasmus
  
• excellent university sports facilities with a large selection of sports
  
• comprehensive cultural offerings with university orchestras, choirs and theater groups
  
• extensive support for career entry and self-employment
  
• Lernraum app
  
• internationally oriented degree programs and diverse exchange programs
  
• modern laboratories and practical teaching methods
  
• diverse student initiatives, clubs and opportunities to actively participate in campus life
  
• stay in touch after graduation via the alumni network

Higher education entrance qualification (HZB)

Germans and persons of equal status to Germans (i.e. EU/EEA nationals and non-EU/EEA nationals with a German higher education entrance qualification) are entitled to study at KIT if they have one of the following qualifications:

1. General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
2. (relevant) subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification (not Fachhochschulreife)
3. Delta examination of the University of Mannheim (for holders of a Fachhochschulreife)
4. recognized advanced vocational training (e.g. master craftsperson) or vocational training, professional experience and aptitude test for those with professional qualifications

For further options, see §58 of the "Landeshochschulgesetz" (State Higher Education Act).

Please note: German nationals with a foreign school-leaving qualification must have the relevant "Regierungspräsidium" (regional authority) certify that their qualification is equivalent to the German Abitur.

For non-EU/EEA nationals with a foreign school-leaving certificate (hereinafter also referred to simply as non-EU/EEA nationals), the school-leaving certificate from some countries is recognized as a direct university entrance qualification in Germany. In many cases, however, in addition to the school-leaving certificate, a university entrance examination and/or a successful year of study in the home country and/or the "Feststellungsprüfung" must be proven with valid documents in order to be allowed to study a bachelor's degree in Germany. You can find the country-specific regulations in the DAAD admissions database or on the Anabin website (in German only) of the "Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen" (Central Office for Foreign Education). Further information is available from the International Students Office.

Language requirements and certificates

For the bachelor's degree program in Chemistry, you need sufficient knowledge of the German language. Your German language skills must correspond to at least level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Important: you must provide proof of the required language skills regardless of your citizenship and by the end of the enrollment period at the latest, but preferably at the time of application.

In what form do I have to provide the language certificates? Please read the following chapters on this website carefully. If you have any further questions, please contact

• Students Office if you are applying as a German, German national or a person with German equivalent status
• the International Students Office if you are a non-EU national

Proof of sufficient German language skills

As proof of your German language skills, your higher education or master's entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur, university degree or a professional qualification that entitles you to study) is sufficient if you have acquired it at a German-speaking institution with German as the language of instruction.

In concrete terms, this means that you do not have to submit additional proof of German if you

• have obtained your Abitur at a German-speaking school in Germany or abroad,
• are a graduate of a bilingual secondary school in Germany or abroad and have passed a bilingual German examination, such as the AbiBac or the Gemischtsprachiges International Baccalaureat (GIB) or
• you graduated from a foreign school, but there is another official agreement with the respective country regarding the recognition of your school-leaving certificate or language certificate as proof of language proficiency for university studies in Germany.

A complete list of foreign school-leaving qualifications and language certificates that are recognized as proof of sufficient German language skills can be found on the website of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Laender (KMK) in the Federal Republic of Germany.

If you have already completed a German-language degree at a German university, this can also count as proof of German language proficiency - but only if the diploma supplement, transcript of records or degree certificate clearly states that German was the sole language of instruction and examination.

If, on the other hand, you did not obtain your higher education or master's entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution with German as the language of instruction, you must provide proof of German language proficiency at least at DSH-2 level. This corresponds to CEFR level C1.

Only the following certificates are accepted in accordance with the KIT admission and enrollment regulations:

• passed German section of the Feststellungspruefung (assessment test)
• passed German language test for university admission (DSH) with overall result DSH-2
• passed Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF) with level 4 in all four parts of the exam
• German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs - second level (DSD II)
• Goethe certificate C1 or higher
• passed telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule exam
• Austrian Language Diploma C1 or higher

Note: The above-mentioned tests are accepted as proof of language proficiency for an unlimited period of time, even if the provider specifies an expiration date.

What if I cannot provide suitable C1 proof of German at the time of application?

If you are unable to provide any of the C1 certificates listed above demonstrating your German language skills by the application deadline, you may still be admitted if you can provisionally demonstrate at least B1 language proficiency. Proof of B1 level is provided by a recognized language certificate or other certification from a language or other educational institution that clearly shows that B1 level has been achieved.

But please don't forget: you still have to submit the C1 certificate by the end of your enrollment period at the latest, which is stated in your admission letter.

Therefore, check early on whether you can provide the necessary language certificates by the deadline and, if necessary, plan to take a recognized language test.

In justified cases, you can apply for an extension of the enrollment deadline to provide proof of your language skills, but this extensvion can only be granted up to the day before the start of the lecture period. Please contact the Student Office or the International Students Office - depending on who is named as your point of contact in your letter of admission.

Additional necessary requirements for enrollment

In addition, all applicants, regardless of their nationality, must take part in the subject-specific study orientation interview in order to enrol at KIT.

• all year round Information events of the Student Advisory Service (ZSB) on your desired degree programs, application and admission as well as starting your studies
• Try out KIT - clarify your interests and support your study decision by taking advantage of the diverse summer offers or participating in taster lectures.
• Campus Day: experience the campus live (together with your family) in spring and make your first personal contacts with the departments and their students
• Studieninformationstag: visit KIT on the state-wide study information day in November and experience the lecture hall feeling for the first time
• topMINT: you don't know yet what you want to study and need to bridge the summer? Take advantage of our orientation semester before you start your studies.
• Use our central online portal studienstart.kit.edu with all the important information and services you need to prepare for your studies and your first semester at KIT. Be it preparatory courses, study-related courses or mentoring programs.
• Orientation phase before the start of lectures - from students for students to get to know KIT, your fellow students and your student council. You will receive specific information on this when you enrol.
• You will be welcomed by KIT with a colorful supporting program at the welcome event for first semester students. You will receive the invitation after your enrollment.

Weitere Ansprechpersonen:

• KIT-Fakultät für Chemie und Biowissenschaften
• Fachstudienberatung
• Vorsitzender des Prüfungsausschusses
• Prüfungsorganisation
• Informationen zum Auslandsstudium
• Fachschaft ChemBio

Teaching calendar

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• Course catalog current term
• Course catalog current term PDF (English)
• Archive of previous catalogs