Curriculum

The interdiscipinary M.Sc. in Business Chemistry combines management, technology and chemistry modules. The programme starts with core management training in the first two semesters, covering essential topics such as innovation and technology management, sustainability, marketing, data analysis and consulting methods.

All management courses have been developed by the University of Münster's Business Chemistry Team specifically for the M.Sc. Business Chemistry and are therefore tailored to business chemistry students' needs. Our courses are delivered by our team of business chemistry experts - we do not import generic business administration courses from other programmes. This is one of the advantages of studying business chemistry at the University of Münster.

In the third semester you can choose between industry, start-up or science tracks. The industry pathway1 is an opportunity for you to apply and further develop your competencies in internships. In the start-up pathway you can start your own science or tech venture and you have the opportunity to participate in a incubator programme to accelerate your entreprenuerial endevour. In the science pathway2, you acquire new chemistry skills by choosing two advanced chemistry electives.

The programme concludes with the master's thesis in the fourth semester. The thesis is an independent piece of research, which you can undertake in collaboration with a company.

[1] Students are responsbile for organising their internships. Internships have to be in the context of the chemical industry or related sectors such as pharmaceuticals and are subject to approval by the Institute.

[2] This pathway is currently only available in German.

Programme structure MSc Business Chemistry (CP=Credit Point (ECTS))
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Modules Semester 1+2

In the 1st and 2nd semester, you acquire essential management skills in modules that are tailored to business chemistry students and taught by the business chemistry team.

  • Innovation and Technology Management

    • Credits: 7 ECTS
    • Typically offered: Semester 1
    • Courses: Innovation Management (lecture), Technology Trends (seminar), Patent Law and Analysis (seminar)
    • Examination types: Written exam (Innovation Management), seminar paper (Technology Trends), written exam (Patent Law and Analysis)
    • Language: English
    • Description: This module covers theories, concepts and tools of innovation management, methods for analysing technology trends and the basics of patent law and patent analysis. In addition, empirical findings and epistemological aspects of innovation and technology management are critically discussed. A particular thematic focus of the module is on the continuous adaptation and transformation ability of companies in the chemical industry and related sectors. Therefore, innovation processes and actors, strategies of innovation and technology management as well as methods of the early detection of technology trends and the systematic forecasting of future technologies are discussed. Case studies and practical lectures complement the theoretical aspects of the module and give you an insight into the practice of innovation and technology management.

  • Marketing

    • Credits: 8 ECTS
    • Typically Offered: Semester 1
    • Courses: Marketing Management (lecture), Strategic Marketing Simulation (seminar)
    • Language: English
    • Exam type: Written exam
    • Description: In this module, B2B marketing theory and practice are critically discussed. Topics include the type and scope of marketing, the need for customer orientation and the role of segmentation, alignment and positioning as well as the management of the marketing mix. You also learn about how marketing strategies evolve in light of current market and technology changes in the chemical industry and related industries. In addition, customer-centric decision-making and its consequences, the data-driven management of customer relationships as well as complex relationships between market valuation, customer value and investments in customer acquisition, retention and development are simulated.

  • Sustainability and Circular Economy

    • Credits: 5 ECTS
    • Courses: Concepts of Sustainability and Circular Economy (seminar), Material Flows and Energy Sources (seminar)
    • Language: English
    • Examination type: Case study analysis
    • Description: This module offers you a comprehensive insight into the concepts of sustainability and the circular economy, as well as material flows and energy sources. The challenges that industry and society face in the context of climate change and possible solutions from chemical research and development are also discussed. The module also addresses the question of how sustainability can be measured. Furthermore, basic principles of the circular economy are discussed and their implementation is critically reviewed using examples from industrial practice. Finally, the module is dedicated to physical material flows, particularly with regard to the extraction of strategically important raw materials, and the use of various energy sources. The environmental impacts of material extraction, production and disposal and the use of renewable energy sources as well as measures to increase energy efficiency in various sectors are discussed. Overall, the module focuses on a holistic and systemic approach to more sustainable business.

  • Data Analysis and Decisions

    • Credits: 8 ECTS
    • Typically offered: Semester 1
    • Courses: Statistics for Business (seminar), Data-driven Decision-making and Machine Learning (seminar), Financial Decision-Making (seminar)
    • Language: English
    • Examination types: Written exam (Statistics), Presentation (Data Analysis), Presentation (Financial Decision-Making)
    • Description: This module addresses the basics of descriptive statistics, in particular how data can be presented and interpreted. The focus is on the practical application of the statistical methods. In addition, the module focuses on the practical and tactical use of data for decision-making, limitations of data, predictive analytics and the opportunities and limitations of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in decision-making. You will also learn about basic accounting management, which is essential for financial analysis and strategic business decisions.

  • Leading yourself and others

    • Credits: 5 ECTS
    • Typically offered: Semester 1
    • Courses: Leadership Training (seminar), Career Seminar (seminar)
    • Language: English
    • Description: This module offers you the opportunity to reflect on how you lead yourself and others and to improve your leadership and professional skills. The module consists of a leadership training and a career seminar.

  • Strategy and International Business

    • Credits: 7 ECTS
    • Typically offered: Semester 2
    • Courses: International Strategic Management (lecture + tutorial), International Business and Strategic Change (seminar)
    • Language: English
    • Examination types: Written exam (International Strategic Management), Case study analysis (International Business and Strategic Change)
    • Description: In this module, you will learn about strategic decision making, espcially competitive and corporate strategy, the characteristics of effective strategic decisions and the way in which these decisions are implemented. Case studies are used to analyse strategic challenges and derive recommendations for action. The module also addresses the management of international business activities (e.g. location decision) and the strategic renewal of companies. You will learn about current developments in the global chemical industry.

  • Entrepreneurship

    • Credits: 6 ECTS
    • Typically offered: Semester 2
    • Courses: Start-up Management (seminar), New Business Development (Seminar)
    • Language: English
    • Examination type: Seminar paper and presentation
    • Description: On the one hand, the module deals with methods, tools and theories of creating a new venture. You will learn about the design of business models  and the evaluation of start-ups from the perspective of investors. Furthermore, you will work in a team to develop a start-up concept and present it in a short pitch. On the other hand, the module deals with the methods, tools and theories of new business development in the context of established companies. Theoretical concepts are linked with practical case studies in order to give you a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities of ​​new business development.

  • Sustainable Management and Technologies

    •  Credits: 6 ECTS
    • Typically offered: Semester 2
    • Courses: Sustainable Production and Supply Chains (lecture), Life Cycle Assessment (seminar), Corporate Sustainability Management (seminar)
    • Language: English
    • Examination type: Report
    • Description: In this module you will learn about the creation of sustainable and resilient supply chains, sustainable design and green manufacturing. The recycling of chemical products is also discussed. In addition, the module deals with the 3-pillar principle (people, planet, profit) and current regulatory frameworks (e.g. EU directive on sustainability reporting) and political objectives (e.g. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN)). Case studies and practical examples demonstrate the application of the content covered. In addition, you will learna about life cycle assessment (LCA) and apply LCA independently to various products.

  • Consulting Methods

    • Credits: 5 ECTS
    • Typically offered: Semester 2
    • Courses: Foundations of Consulting (seminar), Project Management (seminar)
    • Language: English
    • Examination types: Case study analysis and presentation
    • Description: In this module, you will learn about the basics of management consulting projects. Starting with an introduction to the work and development of management consultancies, the structured analysis of problems and effective communication with leading management levels are discussed. On the other hand, the module introduces you to the basics of project management. You will learn about different phases of project management, the amangement of the project team and the management of project risks.

  • Your Career and Development

    • Credits: 6 ECTS
    • Typically offered: Semester 2
    • Courses: 3x career seminars
    • Language: English
    • Description: This module offers you the opportunity to reflect on personal strengths and development needs and to develop key skills for your future career. The content can vary depending on your preferences. Seminar topics can be, for example, individual profile building, soft skills or job application. At the beginning of each semester you will be provided with a list of possible seminars from which you can choose a total of three seminars.

Modules Semester 3

In the 3rd semester, you will specialise according to your interests and goals by choosing between an indsutry, start-up and science pathway. In total you will earn 30 ECTS in this semester.

  • Industry Pathway

    • Credits: 30 ECTS (2x 15 ECTS)
    • Typically offered: Semester 3
    • Description: The industry pathway offers you the opportunity to get to know current problems in industrial practice and to use your specialist skills to develop solutions. In addition to developing new competencies, the module provides you with an opportunity to acquire skills to independently explore new topics and apply scientific methods, theories and concepts to industrial problems. The industrial path consists of two modules, each counting 15 ECTS.
    • Language: English
    • Examination types: Project reports
    • Study abroad option: The company internships can be completed abroad (note: students need to independently secure their internships). The research seminars are delivered online to facilitate internships abroad.

  • Start-up Pathway

    • Credits: 30 ETCS
    • Typically offered: Semester 3
    • Description: In the start-up pathway, you complete the “Chemistry and Entrepreneurship” module. It offers you the opportunity to work on a question from the field of business chemistry as part of your own research-based start-up project. The aim is for you to (further) develop a new chemical product or synthesis process through scientific work and to identify a suitable business model to transfer your product from the laboratory to the market. You acquire start-up-relevant skills by participating in a start-up incubator programme. This can be carried out at the REACH Euregio Startup Center at the University of Münster. You will also participate in two (online) research seminars to learn about trends and latest developments in the chemical industry and related sectors such as biotech.
    • Sprache: English
    • Examination type: Business plan
    • Study abroad option: This module can be completed abroad.

  • Science Pathway

    The science pathway (30 ECTS) gives you the opportunity to acquire new skills and competencies in chemistry by choosing two advanced chemistry modules, each counting 15 ECTS. You can choose from the following modules:

    • Modern Molecular Organic Chemistry
    • Applied Analytical Chemistry
    • Modern Aspects of Analytical Chemistry
    • Medicinal Chemistry
    • Spectroscopical Methods
    • Biochemistry and Biophysical Chemistry
    • Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion
    • Theoretical Chemistry
    • Industrial Chemistry

    Please note that this pathway is currently only available in German. The modules are imported from the master's programme in chemistry of the University of Münster.

Modules Semester 4

In the final semester you will complete the module "Research Methods and Integrity" and the module "Master's Thesis". You will earn 30 ECTS in total.

  • Research Methods and Integrity

    • Credits: 5 ETCS
    • Typically offered: Semester 4
    • Description: In this module you will learn the basics of good research practice. Examples of topics include literature research, the preparation of a summary of the research project, the research process and questions of research methodology and integrity. In addition, you select an in-depth methods seminar (online) according to your own research interests and your planned research project.
    • Language: English
    • Examination type: Exam (multiple choice)

  • Master's Thesis

    • Credits: 25 ETCS
    • Typically offered: Semester 4
    • Description: This is the final module of the MSc Business Chemistry programme. It is the programme's most independent piece of work as you independently identify and define an interdisciplinary research topic within a limited period of time, carry out the research independently and report on the results inyour master's thesis. For your master's thesis you can collaborate with a chemical company.
    • Language: English
    • Examination type: Thesis
    • Study abroad option: You can complete the thesis abroad.