In the first two years, you acquire a broad general knowledge of Chemistry and Biochemistry. You learn about the different aspects of the profession of a researcher in a laboratory. You learn to do laboratory experiments, to interpret the outcome, to plan further experiments to achieve the goal in mind and, finally, to communicate your results. You work on themes such as food chemistry, oil and biorefinery and health. In year two you focus on themes such as environmental chemistry, bio-organic foodbox, forensic science and marine biobased specialties.
In the third year you choose a specialisation: Applied Chemistry or Life Sciences. After you choose to do a research minor or project at HZ, a project for a Dutch or foreign company or studying at one of our partner universities. At year fourth you work on different research projects at one or two companies in The Netherlands or abroad.
Applied Chemistry
In Applied Chemistry you learn the chemical principles, processes and techniques that you can then apply in research, common instrumental separation and analysis. Applied Chemistry deals with the composition and quality of raw materials and products such as drinks, shampoo, medicine and food. You analyse organic materials and study environmental problems and may also conduct research into how to improve products. You focus on the chemical principles, processes and techniques which you can apply in research.
Life Sciences
In Life Sciences you study subjects such as bacteriology, virology, epidemiology and immunobiology, the development of modern vaccines and the application of DNA techniques to identify micro-organisms. You also learn how to use fluorescent imaging techniques.
In your third year you choose a minor. With a minor you can deepen or broaden your knowledge and skills. You can follow a minor at the HZ or at another university in the Netherlands or abroad. Here you can find all minors that HZ has to offer.
Your first internship is in your fourth year. You choose an internship that matches the specialization you have chosen. You can do your internship at laboratories, chemical companies, an university or a research institute in the Netherlands or abroad.
In the fourth year, you carry out a graduation project at a leading chemistry company. You will do experiments and process the results into a thesis.
First-year Chemistry students who want to gain more knowledge on Analytical Chemistry and get to know the most prestigious companies can join the Analytical Sciences Talent Programme. When you have been accepted to ASTP you will follow a three-year programme alongside your normal studies at HZ University of Applied Sciences. During each of the three years you will interact intensively with the leading companies and research institutes that form COAST (Centre of Expertise Analytical Sciences). You will have the opportunity to work in the most advanced laboratories and to participate in innovative research. You will also attend lectures presented by leading experts from academia and industry from all over the Netherlands. In addition to the extra education, the ASTP student will obtain a COAST grant (approx. 3000€/yr).
Read more information on our leaflet.
