This module focuses on raw material processing—from chemical fundamentals to large-scale industrial applications. You will acquire fundamental ideas in reaction engineering and unit operations as well as the chemistry behind the recovery of, e.g., main group elements, transition metals, or lanthanides.

Thereby, concepts of green chemistry and the ongoing digitalization in chemical processing and research play an important role in the course. All in all, we want to give a clear picture of the importance of the economic and ecological impact of process steps in the value chain.

By the end of the course, you will be ready to explain and apply chemical-technological concepts that underlie current resource industries.

From extraction to recycling, this multidisciplinary course provides an in-depth exploration of the chemistry and technologies behind the raw material value chain. This course will cover a wide range of topics, including how to model chemical reactions, study minerals and ores, and understand various analysis methods and processing techniques like mechanical, hydro-, pyro-, and electrometallurgy.

Focusing on methods that promote recycling, designing efficient processes, and using sustainable technology to meet the demands of a world that cares about resources, we connect theory with real-world applications.

Whether your interest is industrial chemistry or green innovation, this course provides the tools for driving change across the raw materials sector.

In the Basics of Chemical Technology module, students learn about central processes in chemical production, including basic thermal and mechanical operations such as distillation, crystallisation and filtration. The focus is on the practical applicability of these processes in the industrial production of basic chemicals such as sulphuric acid or phosphoric acid.

• Mould is always offered in the summer semester.
• Opal Module 2025

The module teaches key processes for the industrial production of inorganic and organic raw materials such as fertilisers, polymers and metals. Students learn how to technically implement chemical processes, carry out calculations and categorise them in a practical way. Seminars, practicals and excursions complement the theoretical content.

• The module runs over 2 semesters and always starts in the winter semester.

This two-semester module deals with complex industrial synthesis processes for the production of intermediate and end products such as silicon compounds, polymers, pharmaceuticals or biofuels. Students analyse production processes and apply their theoretical knowledge in the accompanying practical course.

• The module runs over two semesters and always starts in the winter semester.

OPAL & OPAL

The module provides a sound overview of biotechnological methods in industrial production processes - from fermentation and biocatalysis to downstream processing. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of biotechnological production processes, the lecture is accompanied by a practical laboratory course (scenario/project-based).

• The module is always offered in the summer semester.
• Opal Module 2025

The module teaches chemical and technological processes for the synthesis, purification and processing of semiconducting materials. Students analyse current issues in semiconductor chemistry and discuss their industrial relevance.

• The module takes place in the winter semester.

In this module, students acquire in-depth knowledge of homogeneous, heterogeneous and biochemical catalysis as well as experimental methods to elucidate catalytic mechanisms. The aim is to transfer theoretical concepts to practical, technically relevant systems.

• The module is always offered in the summer semester.
• Opal Module 2025

The module deals with the synthesis, properties and processing of polymers - from classic to biodegradable polymers. Students learn about polymerisation mechanisms, structure-property relationships and technical applications along the entire polymer value chain. The module is accompanied by a practical course (incl. computer exercise).

• Module runs over 2 semesters and always starts in the winter semester.
• Opal Module 2025

This two-semester module teaches the central principles of homogeneous, heterogeneous and biotechnological catalysis. Students learn about the structure, function and areas of application of classic and biocatalytic systems in industry, whereby the chemical principles are supplemented by ecological and economic considerations. An accompanying practical course brings the theoretical teaching and learning content into practical application.

• Module runs over 2 semesters and always starts in the winter semester.

The module teaches the technological fundamentals of sustainable (re)extraction and utilisation of raw materials. Furthermore, the focus is on questions of production-integrated environmental protection - what effects does this have on, for example, membrane processes, the extraction of valuable materials or waste gas purification? Students learn to critically analyse these processes and transfer them to industrial applications.

• The module is always offered in the winter semester.