[CHALLENGES

 IN  CHEMISTRY]   1  
 
Challenges in Chemistry
The research talent program for B.Sc. students in chemistry and medicinal
chemistry – A summary

Aim: The aim of the research talent program is to provide academic challenges to
B.Sc. students in chemistry and medicinal chemistry with strong talents and high
motivation. The aim is the further development of the students academic skills.
The research talent program is based on nurturing motivated talents in the years
before admission into the M.Sc. and PhD programs is possible. The research talent
program leads up to, but is not part of the M. Sc. and PhD studies programs, nor is it
mandatory for admission into these. The research program is intended for students
starting chemistry in 2013 or later.

Admission: Students must apply for admission into the Challenges in chemistry
program. The program has application deadlines end of February for first year
students. The application must include: 1) letter of motivation, 2) curriculum vitae, 3)
transcript of university grades with all grades received up to the application date, 4)
transcript of high school grades, 5) a copy of the second quarter chemistry project for
chemistry students (not for medicinal chemistry students), 6) other relevant material.
Accepted students will typically be characterized by top grades in science courses.
They are assumed to be driven by curiosity and ambitions, and must be willing to be
challenged and work extra hours.

Contents: The Challenges in chemistry program is based on students taking in a

number of challenges of various types. The challenges are not part of the courses, but
some follow on top of these. Some challenges are general, and others are specific
relative to a particular direction in chemistry, which can be any research direction
represented at the Department of Chemistry. The students have some degree of
flexibility in deciding which challenges are undertaken.

The challenges includes

Ø Concrete written challenges: additional difficult exercises in courses
Ø Internship in two research groups
Ø Presentations: talks, posters and writing up a research project plan
Ø Teaching of other students

Credits: The total workload corresponds to an estimated 250 hours of work (or 10
ECTS). The challenges are evaluated on a passed/failed basis, but the students are
expected to deliver at the highest level throughout. The challenges in chemistry runs
outside the standard course program, and is solely a matter between the student and
the Department of Chemistry. A separate certificate will be given as a proof of
completion and the challenges are currently not included on standard diploma.

Important Rule: Students can only be part of the challenges program as long as they
continue to perform excellent within the standard course program.