Structure and Content of the Concentrations

Special elementorganic compounds of the main group elements, compounds with main group elements-main group elements multiple bonds, chemistry of subvalent main group elements, cluster compounds of main group elements, inorganic rings and cages, current developments in main group elements chemistry;

Chemistry of transition metals, coordination chemistry, synthesis, characterization and reactivity of selected substance classes, introduction to bioinorganic chemistry, current developments in transition metal chemistry, in depth inorganic aspects of biochemistry and medicinal chemistry (if necessary); in depth special aspects of organometallic chemistry with regard to homogeneous catalytic applications (if necessary).

Planning and carrying out research experiments, reaction management under inert gas conditions (Schlenk tube technique, glovebox), separation and processing, recording and interpretation of spectra, crystal growing for crystallography, writing scientific reports in the field of inorganic chemistry, presentation of research results.

Organic chemistry is one of the core subjects of chemistry, the theoretical and practical basics of which were learned in the Bachelor's program. In the Master's degree course, students are taught in-depth knowledge that enables them to successfully carry out independent research in the field of organic chemistry in industry and public research institutions. The courses on offer take into account both the in-depth knowledge of modern organic synthesis chemistry and spectroscopic analysis methods (NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry for advanced students) required for everyday work as a chemist and the existing research focuses represented by the lecturers in organic chemistry in Würzburg. These range from natural product chemistry and drug research, bioorganic and supramolecular chemistry, physical organic chemistry to organic materials. Working group internships give Master's students a direct insight into current research projects in organic chemistry, which they can continue in their Master's thesis and later in a doctoral thesis. With this concept, we guarantee an education that will equip you for your professional life as a chemist.

Concepts and methods of physical chemistry are essential for current research in fields such as nano-, material-, bio- and life sciences as well as in energy or environmental research. While laser spectroscopy is one of the most important tools, fast chemical reactions or inter- and intramolecular interactions are among the most interesting phenomena. In this concentration, we offer an introduction to the basics of laser spectroscopy as well as special courses on the mechanisms of chemical reactions, control of ultrafast processes, properties and applications of nanomaterials and forces between molecules. Selected applications are presented in practical experiments. These courses are also of particular interest to students concentrating in “Functional Materials”, “Supramolecular Chemistry” and “Theoretical Chemistry”.

Biochemistry deals with the molecular basis of life processes and their systematic and quantitative analysis. How are the basic biological building blocks composed? What influence do they have on metabolism and what kind of molecular machines play a role in the interaction and communication between cells and tissues?

In this concentration, we offer an introduction to the basics of molecular physiology, functional biochemistry and developmental biochemistry. Selected methods and topics of molecular biology, cloning and expression of protein constructs, crystallization and crystallographic data collection are deepened in practical experiments. Further practical topics include the degradation of proteins, the regulatory mechanisms of eukaryotic protein biosynthesis and the analysis of macromolecular RNA/protein complexes.

Functional materials can be found in all areas of modern life. For example, in communication and consumer electronics (e.g. in displays), in coatings (e.g. Teflon pans) and surface functionalization or structuring (self-healing or self-cleaning surfaces “lotus effect”) through to medical technology (biocompatible or biodegradable materials). Unlike classic structural materials, which fulfill their function through their external form (e.g. PVC drainpipes or wine glasses), functional materials are specially tailored to their application profile. Organic or inorganic semiconductors are specifically synthesized in such a way that they are optimal for use in solar cells or light-emitting diodes, for example.

Through a balanced mix of mandatory and elective courses, the “Functional Materials” concentration teaches the basics as well as more specific knowledge of the synthesis and physical and chemical properties of inorganic, organic and hybrid materials and their applications in functional components. A mandatory practical course in materials science uses selected experiments to illustrate the synthesis, physicochemical characterization and mode of action of some modern functional materials, e.g. construction and measurement of an organic solar cell; surface characterization with scanning probe microscopy, formation of an anti-reflective layer on glass by sol/gel dip coating, etc.. Project work in one of the participating working groups provides a direct insight into current research topics and the working techniques used.

Organocatalysis: Focus on enantioselective reactions; principles; green chemistry; substance classes of organocatalysts and their areas of application: e.g. amines, phosphines, phosphonium and ammonium salts, N-heterocyclic carbenes etc. Biocatalysis: enzymes in organic synthesis, mechanistic aspects of enzymatic reactions: Stereo-, chemo-, regioselectivity, special enzyme-catalyzed reactions, e.g. hydrolysis, aldol reactions etc.; focus on state-of-the-art biocatalysts. Ribozymes, catalytic antibodies, structure, mechanisms, kinetics, enzyme production, application of enzymes in solution, space-time yield and productivity, immobilization of enzymes, immobilization of microorganisms, characterization of immobilized biocatalysts, processes.

Organoelement compounds of transition metals (structure, binding ratios, applications, spectroscopy, typical reactions); special substance classes e.g. carbene, carbin, silylene, olefin complexes; metallocenophanes, half-sandwich and triple-deck complexes; homogeneous catalysis (catalyst design, hydrogenation, hydroformylation, C-C linking reactions, enantioselective catalysis).

Planning and execution of research experiments, synthesis and characterization of suitable catalysts, separation and processing of homogeneous catalytic approaches, recording and interpretation of spectra, crystal growth for crystallography, reaction control under inert gas (Schlenk tube technique, glovebox), writing of scientific reports in the field of homogeneous catalysis, presentation of research results.

Medicinal chemistry deals with all chemical aspects of drugs. This includes the search for new target structures and their validation, the development of new active substances (lead structures) and their optimization with regard to pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic aspects, the synthesis, testing and analysis of drugs.

Drug design/principles of drug discovery:
Fundamentals: drug targets (type and classification), target validation, mechanisms of action, protein-ligand interactions, principles of drug development, drug discovery strategies, lead-finding, lead-optimization, case studies, prodrug strategies, bioisostery, structure-activity relationships, natural products
Experimental methods: Bioassays, high-throughput screening, combinatorial chemistry
Theoretical methods: molecular modeling, structure-based drug design, pharmacophore models, docking, virtual screening, simulation methods, de novo design, ligand-based drug design, QSAR, predictions of pharmacokinetic and toxicological variables (ADME) Handling various software packages

Pharmaceutical-medical chemistry:
Chemistry of drugs, organized by indication: Molecular mechanisms of action, pharmacology, analysis of drugs, synthesis of drugs, biotransformation, pharmacokinetics of individual drugs

Practical course:
Selected methods and topics in medicinal chemistry (synthesis, testing, analysis, theory/design, pharmacokinetics)

While classical chemistry deals with molecules and their synthesis by means of covalent bonds, supramolecular chemistry deals with larger molecular assemblies and their structure through comparatively weak intermolecular interactions. Supramolecular chemistry is therefore a discipline that spans the classical subjects of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry and also plays an important linking role between the material and life sciences. The latter are invariably based on supramolecular phenomena such as the recognition of active substances by their receptors, the folding of biopolymers such as DNA, RNA and proteins or the self-organization of lipids into cell membranes. The mandatory lecture “Supramolecular Chemistry (Basics)” (5 ECTS) provides an overview of molecular and biomolecular receptors, supramolecular polymers, hydrogels and organogels, micelles and vesicles, lyotropic and thermotropic liquid crystals as well as application examples from the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and chemical industries. In the mandatory practical course (5 ECTS), molecular recognition and self-organization processes are analysed and the structural characterization of large molecular assemblies is learned, for which spectroscopic (NMR, MS, UV/Vis), calorimetric and microscopic methods (atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy) are used. For the remaining 15 ECTS points, students can choose courses from the fields of life sciences, materials science or basic chemistry, depending on their personal preferences.

In recent decades, theoretical chemistry has developed into an indispensable tool for university and industrial research. Its most important tools include quantum chemical and quantum dynamic methods, which reproduce the electronic or vibrational structure of molecules in their correct quantum mechanical form. For more complex systems and problems, empirical methods such as force fields and molecular dynamics (Newtonian motion of molecules) are used. The application of all these methods enables a fundamental understanding of the properties of molecules and accurate predictions about new compounds.

In the lectures "Basics and Applications of Quantum Chemistry" (formerly "Computational Chemistry"), the methods of theoretical chemistry are presented and tested on the computer in the associated exercises. Their physical foundations are discussed in the lecture "Quantum Dynamics". The programming required to develop new and improve existing methods is learned in the module "Numerical Methods and Programming" (formerly: "Programming in Theoretical Chemistry"). A wide variety of applications from the fields of spectroscopy, biochemistry and materials science are dealt with in the working group practicals.

The concentration course in "Theoretical Chemistry" provides participants with optimal training for a doctorate in Theoretical Chemistry. Previous experience shows that graduates of Theoretical Chemistry receive a wide range of job offers from industry and universities. Due to the increasing importance of theoretical chemistry in chemical research, the conctration course is also of interest to students who see their future in experiments. It enables them to make a good assessment of the accuracy of calculated data and possibly carry out accompanying calculations for their own experiments.