24 ECTS credits
600 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4016500FNR for all students in the 1st and 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
The Master’s degree in Chemical and Materials Engineering requires the fulfillment of a Master’s thesis in the second Master year.
The Master’s thesis consists of a personal and original manuscript demonstrating the student’s ability to identify scientific or technological issues and to mobilize his/her knowledge, skills and competences into a logical and coherent scientific methodology. The Master thesis must be written in English for the students registered in the full English Master, in Dutch or English for the students registered in the Dutch Master. The length of the main body (without appendices) must be limited to 60 pages.
A list of thesis subjects from all research groups involved in the Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering is communicated to the students at the end of March of the academic year preceding the academic year of the Master thesis. The student has to submit the chosen thesis subject (title) with approval of the supervisor (and co-supervisor if relevant) to the Faculty Secretariat, the latest one week after the proclamation of the first examination session of the first Master year. More details are provided on the website of the Faculty (www.vub.ac.be/IR).
Open scientific literature. Further information is provided by the research group linked to the Master thesis subject.
The Master thesis contributes to reaching the following learning objectives.
The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering has in-depth knowledge and understanding of
MA_1 exact sciences with the specificity of their application to engineering
MA_3 the advanced methods and theories to schematize and model complex problems or processes
MA_17 an integrated insight in chemical process and materials' technology
MA_18 insight in chemistry as a link between process and materials technology
The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering can
MA_5 conceive, plan and execute a research project, based on an analysis of its objectives, existing knowledge and the relevant literature, with attention to innovation and valorization in industry and society
MA_6 correctly report on research or design results in the form of a technical report or in the form of a scientific paper
MA_7 present and defend results in a scientifically sound way, using contemporary communication tools, for a national as well as for an international professional or lay audience
MA_8 collaborate in a (multidisciplinary) team
MA_10 develop, plan, execute and manage engineering projects at the level of a starting professional
MA_11 think critically about and evaluate projects, systems and processes, particularly when based on incomplete, contradictory and/or redundant information
The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering has
MA_12 a creative, problem-solving, result-driven and evidence-based attitude, aiming at innovation and applicability in industry and society
MA_13 a critical attitude towards one’s own results and those of others
MA_14 consciousness of the ethical, social, environmental and economic context of his/her work and strives for sustainable solutions to engineering problems including safety and quality assurance aspects
MA_15 the flexibility and adaptability to work in an international and/or intercultural context
MA_16 an attitude of life-long learning as needed for the future development of his/her career
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
A mini-jury is composed for each Master thesis by the Curriculum Council. Each mini-jury is composed of minimum 4 voting members, including at least: the chairperson, the supervisor, the co-supervisor (if relevant), and two independent reviewers (among which preferably at least one from the other university than the supervisor). The Master thesis must be presented orally in front of the mini-jury during a public session, in the same language as the manuscript. Evaluation is done based on assessment grids for the technical/scientific content, the manuscript, the student’s progress in terms of personal effort and attitude during his work, and the oral presentation. The final mark is determined after a discussion among the members of the jury based on the evaluation grids.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Profile Materials
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Profile Process Technology