Studying at the interface between chemistry and business administration

Florian Steiner is currently studying for a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry with a Focus on Economics at RPTU, which prepares him for a Master's degree in Business Studies and Economics. A subject in which he learns the language of natural sciences as well as that of business administration. Later, career opportunities await him in the interface area - from production and purchasing to marketing and sales.

Florian Steiner wanted to do something with chemistry after his Abitur. "But not pure chemistry," he says. He then looked around intensively - explored what study options were available: "Chemistry with a focus on Business Studies and Economics appealed to me the most." There are only a few universities in Germany that offer such a focus. However, each of the campuses sets its own priorities: At RPTU, 70 percent of the Bachelor's course content consists of chemistry and basic mathematics and natural sciences - teaching Business Studies and Economics takes up 20 percent - plus a compulsory elective and an elective area. At RPTU, the Bachelor's degree program is called "Chemistry with a Focus on Economics" - a Master's in Chemistry with a Focus on Economics builds on this.

Knowledge from two departments

As a Ludwigshafen native, Kaiserslautern was an attractive place for him to study, adds Florian Steiner. "I definitely haven't regretted my decision." The 22-year-old is now in his sixth semester. "In the first two semesters, we have general chemistry, experimental chemistry, mathematics and physics." Training in the chemical laboratory also begins in the first semester. Modules in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry and technical chemistry are added later.

At the same time, the Business Studies and Economics section initially focuses on the basics of business administration and the fundamentals of accounting and finance. Students then choose several individual specializations from the areas of Operations Management, Organization and Management, Marketing Management, Investments and Financial Management, Fundamentals of Leadership, Strategy and Technology, Management Science, Logistics Management, Sustainability Management, Entrepreneurship and Information Systems.

Individual options in the elective area

And what is the difference to the "pure" chemistry course? "The chemistry part is a little less in-depth and a little broader," explains Andrea Langenstein, course manager at the chemistry department and herself a graduate chemist and business chemist. The practical component of around 30 percent is also comparatively smaller than in the "pure" chemistry course. Nevertheless, anyone who wants to can also delve deeper into chemistry - in the compulsory and optional elective areas: "All students take three basic modules in organic chemistry, for example. If you are interested, you can also take the fourth basic module from the pure chemistry Bachelor's degree course." You can also choose additional courses in biochemistry, toxicology, environmental law or scientific English.

If you would like to take more modules in economics, you can also choose additional specializations here or - if you want an even higher proportion - include the degree program "Industrial Engineering and Management, Area of Study: Chemistry" from the Business Studies and Economics department at RPTU in your selection.

Bachelor's thesis in chemistry research

Florian Steiner's Bachelor's thesis is already in progress. In terms of content, it is about nitrated fatty acids. These play a role in the development of new medicines. "I'm investigating how to produce them. And how to produce them cost-effectively." In his degree program, he says, the bachelor's thesis is in chemistry. "Later, for the Master's thesis, you can then choose whether to focus on Chemistry or Business Studies and Economics."

In the Master's degree in Chemistry with a Focus on Economics, the proportion of courses in economics increases

Speaking of Master's degrees, Andrea Langenstein adds that you can also go on to do a Master's degree in chemistry, subject to certain conditions. "Some of the students say that they enjoyed the chemistry part of the Bachelor's course so much that they want to go on to do a Master's in chemistry." Nevertheless, most graduates of the Bachelor's degree course "Chemistry with a Focus on Economics" go on to take the four-semester Master's degree course in Chemistry with a Focus on Economics. Here, the proportion of content from Business Studies and Economics is a minimum of 32 percent and - if the Master's thesis is written in Business Studies and Economics - a maximum of 61 percent. "Students build on their basic knowledge in both subjects on the Master's course," explains Andrea Langenstein. In the second and third semesters, there are in-depth modules in Chemistry and Business Studies and Economics, "which reflect the different research focuses of the two departments and also include modules taught by lecturers from the chemical industry." The course concludes with a Master of Science degree.

Graduates are of interest to companies

After graduating, Florian Steiner would like to work in industry: "I don't know what I want to do yet. But I probably won't be in the lab." Andrea Langenstein: "Unlike pure chemistry degree programs, graduates typically start their careers straight after completing their Master's degree, often in interface areas. You can work in a company, perhaps in the pharmaceutical or chemical sector in purchasing. Because you understand the products, but also the business aspects." You can also take on suitable tasks in production or in marketing and sales or even in controlling. "Graduates who have an insight into both areas are also an interesting option for small and medium-sized companies."

You should have an interest in scientific subjects and mathematics

Ideally, prospective students should have a basic knowledge of and interest in science and mathematics, recommends Florian Steiner: "And you should be stress-resistant, even in the lab. Because experiments don't always work out." He also reports from his own experience: "The first two semesters give you a lot of basics." However, you need this solid foundation for the rest of your studies. Andrea Langenstein adds: "In everyday student life, you exchange ideas with other students from your own and higher semesters, have contact persons at the student council and in the department and grow into many things. You can find more information on our page for prospective students." The degree program is aimed at anyone who would like to learn the language of both natural sciences and business administration. An interesting combination.