Programme content
SPECIALISTS IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF MATERIALS
Engineers in Chemistry and Materials Science can be described as specialists in the processes of physical and chemical transformation of matter.
Thanks to their expertise in the properties of matter, they are able to develop new products and more effective materials, in response to emerging needs or to improve existing solutions. Their role is also to design and optimise the associated industrial manufacturing processes.
...AT THE SERVICE OF SOCIETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
As users of natural resources (raw materials, energy), Engineers in Chemistry and Materials Science are particularly attentive to responsible management of these resources and the control of the impact of activities on the ecosystems.
Sustainable development, pollution reduction, increased use of biosourced raw materials, circular economy based on recycling and waste recovery, the energy transition that is based among other things on the development of alternative forms of energy, the optimisation of production security, etc. are at the core of the work done by today's Engineers in Chemistry and Materials Science.
A TRAINING PROGRAMME
The Master's in Engineering in Chemistry and Materials Science is a 120-credit programme. The education offered at the University of Liège takes into account the specificity and diversity of the tasks and fields of activity of a chemical and a materials science engineer. It begins with the second part of the Bachelor's programme and meets the recommendations of the EFCE (European Federation of Chemical Engineering) in terms of learning outcomes, programme content and teaching methods. This similarity facilitates Erasmus study abroad programmes and dual degrees as well as the integration of visiting students (both IN and OUT).
Moreover, the programme has been accredited by the French Engineering Accreditation Council (Commission des titres d'ingénieur - CTI) and has been awarded the EUR-ACE label, which certifies the highest quality in engineering education in Europe.
A CORE SET OF TECHNICAL SKILLS
The programme is of course based on an initial general education in engineering acquired at the Bachelor's level. The courses that are specific to the Master's provide an in-depth education in chemical engineering, procedures engineering and materials science, as well as a solid complementary education in chemistry. A specially designed programme is offered to holders of a Bachelor's in Chemical Sciences.
A PROGRAMME FOCUSED ON PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
The more interdisciplinary (soft) skills such as written and oral communication, teamwork, autonomy and project management are developed throughout the programme and, more particularly, in the course of labs and integrated projects, as well as during the mandatory industrial internship and the Master's thesis.
The majority of courses being taught in English, students can strengthen their written and oral comprehension and communication skills in that language. The mandatory industrial internship also helps provide a practical perspective on management concepts addressed in the theoretical courses.
SPECIALISATION
The programme makes it possible to develop and deepen knowledge of procedures engineering or materials science. You need to choose a set of courses for a total of 27 credits. The latter cover highly specialised technical and applied areas such as the design of processes, sustainable development (environment, energy, recycling), biotechnology and fine chemistry, synthesis and characterisation and forming of materials. In the vast majority of cases, these are directly related to research activities conducted within the University of Liège.
Learning outcomes
Profile
At the end of the Master's Programme, Engineers in Chemistry and Materials Science (Ch& SM) with a degree from ULiège are able to apply their knowledge of chemistry, physics, mathematics, thermodynamics, chemical engineering, materials and heat transfer, fluid mechanics and applied maths to develop chemical products and materials and to design and operate their manufacturing process. These activities are compatible with the environmental, social and economic constraints inherent in the sustainable development approach of our society.
Learning outcomes
More specifically, Engineers in Chemistry and Materials Science are able to:
- develop an experimental approach when analysing the systems undergoing physio-chemical transformations;
- understand and apply the principles of chemical engineering and the laws of physical or chemical conservation and transformation of materials and energy;
- understand the relationships among the microscopic properties of materials and the usage properties of products and materials, in order to characterise and model them;
- understand and operate, at various scales, mechanisms for mastering the microscopic properties of materials and thereby the usage properties of products;
- design, dimension and optimise the processes of synthesis and formation of these products, while also meeting the safety and nuisance prevention standards and societal challenges;
- develop models that make it possible to simulate and optimise chemical industry equipment and integrated production systems;
- understand and design systems for overseeing and controlling those processes;
- plan, manage and supervise the operation of a chemical production facility;
- evaluate the economic, energy and environmental performance of different chemical processes and products, based on tools such as life cycle analysis.
Engineers in chemistry and materials science with a degree from ULiège are thus able to understand many different chemical products and processes, from their design through the monitoring, analysis and optimisation of their performance. They are able to apply their theoretical knowledge to propose innovative solution that address the challenges facing our society. Through integrated projects and the Master's thesis, Engineers in Ch& SM have learned to address engineering problems in a holistic manner. They are trained to work both in a team and independently and to communicate effectively the results of their work. They are able to research and use the scientific and technical information available in a critical manner, and to challenge routine working methods. Lastly, they are able to translate technical information into economic terms in order to facilitate dialogue with financial partners.