Of Science (MSc) in Chemical and Materials Engineering

Programme content

SPECIALISTS IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF MATERIALS

Engineers in Chemistry and Materials Science are specialists in the processes of physical and chemical transformation of matter.

Based on their in-depth understanding of the properties of matter, chemical and materials science engineers are able to develop new products and more efficient materials. Their role is also to design and make optimal use of the associated industrial manufacturing processes. In this way, they meet emerging needs or improve existing solutions.

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 and eco-design of products and processes etc. are at the core of the work done by today's Engineers in Chemistry and Materials Science.

A TRAINING PROGRAMME

The training organized at the University of Liege takes into account the specificity and plurality of the tasks and fields of activity of the Engineer in Chemistry and Materials Science. It begins with the choice of option in the bachelor's degree and meets the recommendations of the EFCE (European Federation of Chemical Engineering) in terms of learning outcomes, program content and teaching methods.

This similarity facilitates the opening to the international market. In addition to the Erasmus stays, you can take advantage of a joint degree with the University of Genoa (Italy) and obtain a diploma from each institution, without lengthening the studies ! 

A CORE SET OF TECHNICAL SKILLS

The program naturally builds on the general engineering education acquired in the bachelor's degree. The specific courses of the master's degree provide in-depth training in chemical engineering, process engineering and materials science, as well as a solid complementary training in chemical science.

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 (25% in the first year of the Master's program), as well as during the mandatory 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 internship also helps provide a practical application of the technical concepts and "soft skills" covered in the course.

SPECIALIZATIONS IN LINE WITH SOCIETY

The program allows students to develop and deepen their knowledge of process engineering or materials science through a number of available elective courses, to be chosen for a total of 30 credits. These courses cover highly specialized technical and application fields such as process design, sustainable development (environment, energy, eco-design of products and processes, recycling), biotechnology and fine chemistry, synthesis processes and characterization and shaping of materials. Most of them are directly linked to research activities carried out within the University of Liège.

NEW PROFESSIONAL FOCUS - ADVANCED MATERIALS FOR INNOVATIVE RECYCLING (AMIR)

This training of excellence aims to prepare materials scientists with the innovation and entrepreneurial skills needed to lead the 21st century materials sector. This two-year program focuses on advanced materials, their sustainability and recycling in a circular economy. It leads to a double degree, awarded by one of the six partner universities[1].

Thanks to the support of the European "Erasmus Mundus" program, this program benefits from high-quality international recruitment and financial support through scholarships. The cross-fertilization of the expertise of the partner universities is achieved by the joint and interdisciplinary approach developed by them, by the invitation of renowned external experts and by a rigorous selection of students.

In practice, students wishing to obtain a double-diploma with the University of Liege must complete the first year of their Master's degree either at the New University of Lisbon or at the University of Miskolc. They then do the second year at the University of Liege.

[1] The University of Bordeaux (France), the University of Technology of Darmstadt (Germany), the University of Liège (Belgium), the University of Miskolc (Hungary), the Universidade Nueva de Lisboa (Portugal) and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain).

Learning outcomes

I.  Understand and be able to apply sciences and concepts within the field of engineering

Engineers master and are able to apply fundamental concepts and principles of various fields of science and technology. 

I.1 Master the concepts, principles and laws of the basic sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, etc.).

I.2 Master the concepts and principles of the engineering sciences. In particular, they have a strong background in chemistry, chemical engineering and materials science, enabling the exploitation of the principles and laws of conservation and physical or chemical transformation of matter and energy : their background also enables them to understand the relationships between the microscopic properties of matter and the use properties of products and materials.

II.  Learn to understand

Engineers have a strong capacity for autonomous learning, which enables them to seek out and appropriate relevant information to address emerging issues and to engage in continuous learning.  They may also engage in research to advance the state of understanding.

II.1 Demonstrate autonomy in learning. In particular, know how to appropriate and summarise scientific and technical information from various sources (lectures, literature, references, manuals and technical documentation, online resources, etc.).

II.2 Research, evaluate and use (through scientific literature, technical documentation, the web, interpersonal contacts, etc.) new information relevant to understanding a problem or a new issue.

II.3 Carry out fundamental or applied research work to produce original scientific and technical knowledge.

III.  Analyse, model and solve complex problems

Engineers are capable of conducting structured scientific reasoning, demonstrating the capacity for abstraction, analysis and management of the constraints necessary to solve complex and/or original problems and thus to be part of an innovative process.

III.1 Formalise, model and conceptualise a scientific or technical problem related to or inspired by a complex real-life situation in rigorous language, e.g. using mathematical or computer language, to obtain results. Be capable of abstraction.

III.2 Critically analyse hypotheses and results and compare them with experimental reality, taking into account uncertainties.

III.3 Identify and manage the constraints associated with a project (technical constraints, specifications, deadlines, resources, customer requirements, etc.). 

III.4 Innovate through the design, implementation and validation of new solutions, methods, products or services.

IV. Implement the methods and techniques in the field to design and innovate while adopting an engineering approach

Engineers implement the methods and techniques specific to their field of specialisation and work as part of a multidisciplinary team to develop engineering projects and ensure the achievement of specific objectives in their working environment.

IV.1 Use a numerical/computational approach to investigate a problem and test hypotheses or solutions. 

IV.2 Use an experimental approach to investigate systems undergoing physical-chemical transformations and test hypotheses or solutions.

IV.3 Design the synthesis and formulation processes for products and materials.

IV.4 Design, model and optimise equipment used in the chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as in wastewater treatment plants and integrated energy production systems.

IV.5 Understand supervision and control systems.

V. Develop professional practice within the context of a company

Engineers are responsible members of society and the professional world. They integrate economic, social, legal, ethical and environmental constraints and challenges into their work. 

V.1 Integrate human, economic, social, environmental and legal aspects into their projects. In particular, assess the economic, energy and environmental performance of different processes, products and materials, understand and take into account safety and nuisance prevention standards and regulations.

V.2 Position themselves in relation to the professions and functions of an engineer, taking into account ethical aspects and social responsibility. Adopt a reflective stance, both critical and constructive, with regard to their own way of acting, their approach and their professional choices.

V.3 Develop an entrepreneurial activity.

VI. Work alone or in groups

Engineers are able to work independently and collaborate within a group or organisation. They demonstrate responsibility, team spirit and leadership.

VI.1 Work independently.

VI.2 Work in a team. Be open to collaborative working. Make decisions together.

VI.3 Manage a team. Distribute work and manage deadlines. Manage tensions. Demonstrate leadership skills.

VI.4 Work in an environment with different hierarchical levels, different skill levels and/or different expertise.

VII. Communicate

Engineers are capable of communicating and sharing their technical and scientific approach and results in writing and orally. Their command of at least one foreign language, in particular English, enables them to work in an international context.

VII.1 Understand general and technical documents related to the professional practice of the discipline (plans, specifications, etc.).

VII.2 Write a scientific or technical report by structuring the information and applying the standards in place in the discipline.

VII.3 Present/defend scientific or technical results orally using the codes and means of communication appropriate to the audience and the communication setting.

VII.4 Understand and write general and technical documents in a foreign language.

VII.5 Understand and present a general or technical oral presentation in a foreign language.