Chemie / Chemistry (B.Sc.)
At JLU, the Bachelor’s in Chemistry offers a comprehensive understanding of all the core areas of chemistry and combines in-depth specialist knowledge with practical laboratory work – with personalised and intensive support.
Overview
On the Bachelor’s degree programme in Chemistry, you will gain a sound understanding of the key areas of modern chemistry. The degree programme combines academic foundations with practical laboratory and research components, and specifically prepares students for careers in research, industry and development.
Start of studies
Winter semester
Mode of admission
No admission restriction
Duration of studies
6 semester
Workload
180 credit points (CP)
Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
Language of instruction
German
Composition of the Study Programme
What can I expect from this programme?
Over the course of six semesters, you will acquire a sound knowledge of the core areas of chemistry (inorganic, analytical, organic, theoretical and physical chemistry, as well as biochemistry and bioanalytics).
As part of their final dissertation (‘Bachelor’s thesis’), students work independently on an academic research question from one of the four areas of chemistry, which must be addressed in a structured manner and which introduces them to typical questions and problems encountered in practice and research.
What skills and interests should I have?
An interest in natural science and in particular in chemistry is expected. Basics in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics are helpful. As the practical education plays a big part in that course of study, the pleasure in experimentation, a minimum of practical skill and a certain amount of persistence are also to be desired. Students applying should have a good knowledge of English or be ready to acquire this as soon as possible.
There is a corresponding pre-course offer for all first-year students of this degree programme. Participation is highly recommended.
How is the programme structured?
| 1st semester | 2nd semester | 3rd semester |
|---|---|---|
| General and Inorganic Chemistry | Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry | Inorganic Chemistry for advanced student |
|
Qualitative Analytics- |
Organic Chemistry of Materials |
Physical Chemistry: Practical training |
| Experimental Physics I | Experimental Physics II | Analytic Chemistry I |
| Mathematics for Natural Science Students | Inorganic Chemistry: Practical training I (not marked) |
Organic Chemistry II |
| Basics of Data Processing |
|
Organic Chemistry: Practical training I |
| 4th semester | 5th semester | 6th semester |
|---|---|---|
|
Organic Chemistry: Practical training II |
Inorganic Chemistry III |
Physical Chemistry: Practical training II |
|
Analytic Chemistry II |
Inorganic Chemistry: Practical training II |
Scientific Writing and Data Dissemination |
| Physical Chemistry II | Physical Chemistry III | Elective I |
| Biochemistry | Organic Chemistry III | Bachelor dissertation |
|
|
Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Chemistry | |
| Toxicology and Legal Studies |
Career Options
Which options for further study does JLU offer?
Upon successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree, the following consecutive Master’s programmes are available at JLU:
- Chemistry (M.Sc.)
- Sustainable Chemistry (M.Sc., taught in English)
- Advanced Materials (M.Sc.)
- Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources (M.Sc., taught in English)
Doctorate possible with a Master's degree.
What career paths can I pursue after graduation?
Many chemists, about 30% of all graduates, find a direct way into the German chemical industry after the completion of their studies. There they work in research and development or in production, improving products and renewing processes. Their process technology is required in close cooperation with engineers and technicians in measurement technology; new processes are transposed from the laboratory to production. A potentially important future area of use is chemical analysis. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of material is important for production, the ecology, quality management and the “watchdogs” of society.
Many other areas, e.g. ecology, marketing, patent system, documentation, publicity and communication, are open to chemists in industry. In many areas the chemical industry requires a doctoral qualification, especially if one intends to work in research later. Both industry and the universities offer job opportunities for chemists with doctorates.
It is still difficult at the moment to guess the career prospects of students with a bachelor`s degree, since the bachelor`s degree is relatively new in Germany and the job market is currently still establishing. In particular big businesses with international staff are already familiar with the bachelor`s degree.
It is to be expected that bachelor graduates are at an advantage when they have a solid, basic training, are young and the knowledge of practice is only aquirable in the job.
The German chemists association (Gesellschaft deutscher Chemiker) supplies detailed information about professional areas, application possibilities and occupational outlooks for chemists.
Application and Enrolment
Requirements
A valid university entrance qualification (German: HZB) is required for admission to the program.
- From Germany: General university entrance qualification (= Abitur or equivalent), vocational university entrance qualification, master craftsman’s certificate, university entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals.
- From abroad: You can find out whether the university entrance qualification from your home country qualifies you for direct admission to a degree program in Germany on the information portal for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications (anabin) .
Proof of an internship (pre-internship) is not required for admission.
Applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification should also note the required proof of German language proficiency .
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Language requirements
Upon enrolment , a level of English equivalent to B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ( CEFR ) is required . These must be demonstrated by :
- the Abitur certificate ,
- upper secondary school reports or evidence of at least four years ’ school-based English lessons ,
- evidence of successfully completed language courses , with a minimum of 120 hours of tuition ,
- expert reports or language proficiency tests covering language skills acquired through stays abroad , university language courses or self-study ,
- proof of a UNIcert Level I certificate ,
- proof of a TOEFL test ( computer-based score of at least 43 , written test with at least 550 points ) or
- other proof recognised as equivalent by the Examinations Board .
Proof of the above-mentioned English language proficiency must be provided within the first two academic semesters . In cases of doubt , the Admissions Committee shall decide whether the entry requirements have been met .
Application deadline
Winter semester 2026/27
Opening of application period
1 June 2026
Application deadline
- for applicants with a German university entrance qualification: 1 September 2026
-
for applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification: 15 August 2026
International applicants can find further information on the International Office website.
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Further Information
Where can I find official documents about the programme?
Examination and study regulations
Special Regulations (with module descriptions and module plans)
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes
Please note that only the German version of the regulation is official and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.
Courses offered in the course catalogue
Electronical course catalogue (in German)
Study programme flyer
B.Sc. Chemie (PDF in German)
Accreditation
The programme has been accredited since 23 June 2005.
Is this course right for me?
Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hochschulinformationstagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!
How do I have a successful start at JLU?
To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies:
- creating a course schedule,
- examination regulations and registration deadlines,
- campus areas and leisure activities,
- and much more.
At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.
Start of studiesContact
Subject Advisor
Dr. Bernd Commerscheidt
Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry
Heinrich-Buff-Ring 58, Room 105
35392 Giessen
Phone: +49 641 99 34162
Email:
Bernd.Commerscheidt@anorg.chemie.uni-giessen.de
Office Hours: by appointment
Central Study Advisor
-
Anja Staffler
Central Student Advisory Service
Erwin-Stein-Gebäude, 1st floor
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giesen
International Office
Assistance for incoming, outgoing and Erasmus+ students
International Office
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen