Master of Science in Physical Chemistry

The Master of Science in Physical Chemistry at Bindura University of Science Education is designed to develop an in-depth understanding of how materials behave and how chemical reactions occur. The programme covers topics ranging from natural product chemistry to thermal and radiochemical methods, advanced kinetics, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and computational chemistry. Students learn to model molecular systems before synthesizing molecules in a laboratory.

Teaching uses lecture sessions and laboratory practicals, plus individual research, tutorials and group discussions, seminar presentations, field excursions, journal paper discussion and presentation, and e-learning. The programme includes Level I taught courses and Level II taught courses, supported by a dissertation. It aims to prepare students for PhD studies and develops skills for research and the analysis of material properties.

Modules

• CHP501 Quantum Mechanics
• CHP502 Statistical thermodynamics
• CHP503 Advanced kinetics
• CHA 527 Natural product chemistry
• CHA 528 Thermal and radiochemical methods
• CHP508 Nnaotechnology and nanosciences
• CHP504 Advanced spectroscopy
• CHP505 Computational chemistry
• CHA500 Laboratory management
• CHP509 Catalysis
• CHP511 Physical chemistry molecular aggregates
• CHP600 Dissertation

To be eligible for admission a candidate must have:

• BSc Honors Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Chemical Engineering, Material Science

• Conduct chemical engineering research using computers
• Develop sensors for environmental pollutants, bio-agent detection and/or for medical diagnostics
• Discover new enzymes with optimal surface interactions for pharmaceuticals
• Develop films that allow imaging on polyester materials
• Develop an understanding of pollutant movement in groundwater
• Inventing new applications of quantum mechanics in areas such as quantum computing
• Manufacture of the following materials like plastics, ceramics, catalysts, electronics, pharmaceuticals, surfactants and colloids, and personal care products
• Work in such areas as environmental and analytical chemistry
• Find work in the emerging fields of materials science, molecular modeling, and biosensor development, where their skills in analyzing and predicting the behavior of physical properties have exciting new applications
• Teach Physical Chemistry at tertiary institutions