Sustainability is one of the key challenges of our century and is becoming increasingly important. With its first English-language Bachelor's degree programme in Sustainable Chemistry, the University of Wuppertal is helping future sustainability experts to meet these challenges.

Green chemistry plays a key role

"Sustainable chemistry, also known as green chemistry, is concerned with the development of chemical products and processes in which the use or production of hazardous substances is reduced or avoided," explains Dr Adam Slabon, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Wuppertal. This includes the manufacture of products such as mobile phones, clothing, pharmaceuticals, household and cosmetic products, all of which are based on chemical synthesis and catalytic processes.

Rethinking chemistry

The English-language Bachelor's degree programme in Sustainable Chemistry (B. Sc.) provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in sustainable chemistry. Students learn to evaluate and optimise chemical syntheses and processes in order to contribute to the development of a sustainable society and industry. The focus is on the development of chemicals, materials and processes that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable. For example, concepts such as the identification of chemicals and their toxicological effects on the environment and human health are addressed.

The course is aimed at anyone who is interested in how renewable raw materials can be used efficiently, waste avoided or recycled and chemical processes optimised. "If you have a passion for scientific issues and a fundamental enthusiasm for sustainability, then the Sustainable Chemistry degree programme is just right for you," continues Prof. Slabon.

Diverse career opportunities

Graduates of the course are ideally equipped for careers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, in consulting firms or in start-ups specialising in sustainable technologies.