Quality Policy of the MSc in Chemistry of the Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry, in cooperation with the Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP) and the relevant services of the University, has aligned the Quality Policy of the Master’s Program (MSc) with the Quality Policy of the Department and the University of Patras.

Vision / Mission of the Department of Chemistry

The vision, and subsequently the mission, of the Department of Chemistry is to create Chemists with contemporary, fundamental, and specialized high-level knowledge in both theoretical and applied fields of their science. According to the external evaluation report (External Evaluation Report 2011/Hellenic Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education), the Department fully meets this mission by successfully training its undergraduate students, who, upon completing their studies, are at the level of students from top Chemistry Departments in Europe and the USA.

In order to achieve the above vision and fulfill its mission, the Department of Chemistry ensures that it is staffed with highly qualified scientific personnel, continually improves its infrastructure, and continues its dynamic development with its main priorities being the provision of high-level undergraduate and postgraduate education, as well as the production of quality and innovative high-caliber research.

Research in the Department of Chemistry is at the forefront of modern science, both in its fundamental scientific fields (Inorganic, Organic, Physical Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry) and in areas that are very important for improving the quality of life and sustainable development (Biochemistry, Pathobiochemistry and Biochemical Analysis, Synthetic Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry, Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Chemistry and Biotechnology of Foods, Polymer Science, Structural Chemistry, and Environmental Chemistry). The faculty and research staff closely collaborate with universities, research centers, and industries in Europe, Asia, and the USA.

Main scopes of the MSc Program in Chemistry is:

a. Education in advanced and specialized topics of Chemistry with an emphasis on:

1. Chemistry and Technology of Materials for applications to Industry, Energy, and the Environment, as well as in
2. Analytical Chemistry and Nanotechnology.

The goal is to provide postgraduate students with deep knowledge in modern quantitative and qualitative methods of synthesis, characterization, and analysis of materials, familiarizing them with the use of contemporary technologies, promoting scientific excellence and research, and fostering leadership skills.

b. The broadening and advancement of theoretical and applied knowledge in the individual subjects of the MSc program through the students’ thesis work.

c. The production of scientists capable of pursuing doctoral studies in related scientific fields.

d. The creation of professionals with a strong theoretical background and enhanced analytical skills in modern Industrial Production and Sustainable Development, able to address the challenges of the modern environment.

e. Equipping students with knowledge and analytical research tools that will enable them to work as professional staff in positions of increased responsibility in private companies, food industries, refineries, plastic industries, packaging material industries, biofuel production industries, recycling companies, and developmental companies focused on the development and promotion of new chemical synthesis and analysis approaches, or even in central government and regional/local government.

The strategic goals of the Department are aligned with those of the University and include:

• Providing high-level education, focusing on student-centered learning, continuous improvement of the MSc program through the established process of annual review, updating and standardizing academic functions, and focusing on Learning Outcomes that include in-depth understanding of issues related to Basic and Applied Chemistry, Material Science, Analytical Chemistry, and Nanotechnology, both theoretically and practically. Graduates of the MSc in Chemistry, in addition to specialized knowledge in their field, will have the ability to: search, analyze, and synthesize data and information using the necessary technologies, adapt to new situations, make decisions, work independently or in teams, exercise critical and self-criticism, work in interdisciplinary environments, design and manage projects, respect the natural environment, and promote free, creative, and inductive thinking.
• Improving the connection with the labor market, scientific organizations, and alumni of the Department.
• Producing high-level research based on international developments by promoting research collaborations and utilizing and disseminating the results for the benefit of the economy and society.
• Promoting and recognizing excellence and innovation through the encouragement, strengthening, and rewarding of the achievements of the university community members in teaching and research.
• Strengthening the Department’s external relations by enhancing and promoting collaborations, networking actions, and public relations, and by increasing its international presence through internationalization actions and comparative assessments with universities of similar size, with a focus on distinguishing the Department locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Improving the efficiency of administrative procedures and upgrading the Department’s infrastructure, prioritizing student welfare.

The quality assurance procedures, as outlined in the University’s Quality Handbook, are implemented at the Department level with the necessary specialization on a case-by-case basis. All quality assurance procedures of the Department of Chemistry are subject to inspection and review, which is carried out annually by the OMEA in collaboration with the MODIP of the University.