The Bachelor's degree in Chemistry is a general, experimental, and theoretical program whose main objective is to strengthen fundamental knowledge in chemistry, building upon the concepts taught in secondary education. The disciplinary courses delivered in the fundamental and applied fields of chemistry (general chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry) also allow students to explore concepts that represent current challenges in fundamental research and their applications.

The courses are taught exclusively in initial training, primarily by teachers from the Chemistry department. Teachers from other departments of the Science and Technology Training and Research Unit (UFR ST), from French universities (partially remotely), and part-time lecturers are also involved.

• The first year of the Bachelor's degree (L1) corresponds to a specific orientation: the first part of the year with integration. Reorientations are possible between specializations.
• From the second year of the Bachelor's degree (L2) onwards, the training is primarily disciplinary.
• The third year of a Bachelor's degree (L3) corresponds to a specialization and deepeningStudents can enroll in a Chemistry disciplinary course, or a double disciplinary course. The single disciplinary course can be supplemented by a University Diploma "Certificate of Professional Aptitude for Secondary Education - Physics" (DU CAPES – Physics) for students intending to pursue a Master's degree in Teaching, Education and Training (MEEF) for secondary education in Physics and Chemistry.
• Finally, the Bachelor's degree with Health Access (LAS), Chemistry, pathways A and B, consists of major Teaching Units (UE) in chemistry and minor UEs from the UFR Health.

Alongside disciplinary training, the curriculum includes transversal modules, such as the pre-professional EUThis includes, in the Chemistry degree program, two internships: a factory internship in the second year and a disciplinary internship in the third year. lessons from Foreign Language (FL) English classes are offered every semester. Certifications are available (CLES, TOEIC, TOEFL). Computer and office skills are acquired through... Digital Culture Unit, with validation by PIX, online. A Cross-cutting EU opening (UEO) per year must be chosen. Furthermore, it is possible to complete part of one's degree program. à the foreigner by being enrolled at the University of Reunion Island, through a mobility program, due to international partnerships: BCI-CREPUQ (Quebec), ISEP (United States), University of Inha (Korea), Erasmus+ (Free University of Brussels; Laval University). The Bachelor Degrees the chemistry department is supported by the Laboratory of Chemistry and Biotechnology of Natural Products (CHEMBIOPRO) of the UFR ST.

Educational goals :

Success in the first year of a Bachelor of Science degree requires mastery of knowledge and skills acquired in high school, a good understanding of the career opportunities of each university program, and a commitment from the future student to their chosen study project.

Candidates for a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry are expected to possess the following skills:

• Scientists : Ability to analyze, formulate a problem and reason logically; capacity for abstraction, logic and modeling; and mastery of a core set of disciplinary knowledge and associated experimental methods. Recommended specializations: Physics-Chemistry and Mathematics.
• In communication: ability to communicate rigorously and appropriately in writing and orally, ability to research in at least one foreign language, preferably English, and the ability to write and speak it at a B level.
• Methodological and behavioral: intellectual curiosity, ability to organize and manage one's learning, and aptitude to plan personal work and stick to it over time.

The skills acquired in a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry (disciplinary, general scientific, and interpersonal) correspond to the eight competency blocks of the RNCP (National Directory of Professional Certifications) for a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. Upon completion of the three years, students will be able to implement scientific methodologies to understand and solve diverse problems in the field of chemistry and at the interface with other disciplines. The fundamental training in chemistry allows for professional integration at the technician/assistant engineer level (technical management or assistant engineering positions in industry or university/hospital research laboratories). Pursuing a Master's degree allows for professional integration at the manager/engineer level or access to engineering schools (via parallel admissions). The single-discipline curriculum can be supplemented by a University Diploma in Physics (DU CAPES) for students intending to pursue a Master's degree in Physics and Chemistry for secondary school teachers (MEEF).

Training opportunities:

The training of young people in Réunion is at the heart of the Regional Scheme for Higher Education, Research and Innovation (SRESRI), with the priority, by 2035, of building Réunion into a hub of knowledge, innovation and empowerment. This major 10-year regional plan for higher education, research and innovation aims to make Réunion a leader in research and innovation while addressing local challenges: environment, health, housing, training, and renewable energy, among others.

The territorial diagnosis of higher education, research and innovation (STRATOM 2024) specifies that in 2022, the University of Reunion trains 71% of Reunion students, of which 61% are pursuing a Bachelor's level course (42% for mainland France), for 17% in Science, Technology and Health (STS) (9% for mainland France).

The Chemistry degree from the Faculty of Sciences and Technologies of the University of Reunion (UR), in the field of Sciences, Technologies, Health (STS), is part of the institution's strategy and policy regarding training, as specified in the framework note of May 2025.

The priority actions are to offer training that meets the needs of the territory, with improved mechanisms for student success: educational innovations, educational alignment, improved mastery of the French language and the mathematical tools essential for a scientific degree.

Furthermore, the training implements the reform of teacher training at the Bachelor's level, strengthens the professionalization of pathways linked to the economic, ecological, digital and societal transitions of the territory and innovation.

Finally, international student mobility in the European and Indo-Pacific area is promoted, in particular through training in English, in LVE and chemistry teaching units.

Small group training allows for easier:

• with teachers: effective communication, a particular knowledge of students and their difficulties and expectations, individualized educational interactions for individualized progress, the carrying out of educational interviews (at least two per year) for obtaining and monitoring internships, as well as for determining further studies and/or professional integration.
• For students: easier communication, a sense of class.
• From an administrative point of view, easy management of timetables, teachers, reception infrastructure.

The proximity of the training to the laboratory allows for internships to be carried out.

Half-day training sessions, enabling the completion of university diplomas and double degree programs.

A well-established and usable digital learning environment for students, both on campus and remotely.

Specific architecture of the teaching units separating theoretical and practical modules allowing modularity of the training path.

Courses partially delivered using hybrid methods (mostly in-person, with synchronous or asynchronous remote learning) and according to the principles of the competency-based approach, implementing educational innovations and respecting pedagogical alignment.

Continuous and final assessments (written, oral, projects, learning and assessment situations).

Adaptability and responsiveness of teachers in the event of disrupted/degraded teaching conditions.

Undergraduate university training in chemistry is available for high school graduates who do not wish to/cannot pursue their studies outside of Reunion Island, as well as for foreign or French students from the Indian Ocean region.

Possibility of further studies in chemistry and obtaining a bachelor's degree for students from Preparatory Classes for the Grandes Écoles (CPGE), University Bachelor of Technology (BUT) and Higher Technician's Certificate (BTS).

The Chemistry degree program is included in the overall chemistry training program at the University of Reunion Island. through the pursuit of Master's studies in Chemistry and therefore, registration in the development model of Reunion Island, requiring a training program in Science, Technology, Health, with a high level of academic requirement.

Further studies at the Master's level teaching or research (Reunion or outside Reunion), as well as in engineering schools.

Various training assistance programs provided by local authorities and other local organizations, such as, for example, the funding of internships outside the department.

Total hours worked: 1546 hours

The Bachelor's degree in Chemistry spans three years and provides theoretical, practical, and applied training in chemistry. The primary objective of the curriculum is to acquire a solid foundation in the various fields of chemistry, progressing and specializing from the first to the third year (L1 to L3): organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, thermochemistry, and spectroscopy, all linked to current societal issues such as sustainable development, the environment, and energy. Mathematical and methodological tools, two mandatory internships, and interdisciplinary courses complement the core curriculum each semester: English as a foreign language (essential in a scientific context), elective courses, digital literacy, and pre-professional modules.

In the first year, the courses at the beginning of the semester are common with the Physics and Earth Sciences majors, included in a shared integration program in the bachelor's degree, with placement tests and remediation.

Students preparing for secondary school teaching exams, particularly the CAPES in Physics and Chemistry, must acquire a dual-discipline background in chemistry and physics by supplementing their primary education with a University Diploma (DU) in CAPES Physics. In the third year of the Chemistry Bachelor's program, an optional course unit is offered each semester: a Chemistry course to prepare for the CAPES exam (written/oral) for students enrolled in the DU CAPES Physics program, and a Data Science Chemistry course for other students.

Thanks to a specific training program, students enrolled in Health Access License (L.AS) Chemistry can prepare for the entrance exams to the second year of Health studies (2 applications possible).

The skills acquired during this training are in line with those of the RNCP record

The training is partially divided, according to the principles of the competency-based approach, into 4 Knowledge and Skills Blocks (KSBs) which are linked to the knowledge and skills blocks of the RNCP sheet for the Chemistry Bachelor's degree.

BCC1: Describe matter and its transformations

BCC2: Characterize, model, and analyze matter and physicochemical systems

BCC3: Conducting an experimental approach

BCC4: Developing as a student – ​​Communicating and building your professional identity

In the third year of undergraduate studies: a minimum 2-week internship

In the third year of undergraduate studies: a minimum 5-week internship

In the third year: a supervised mini-project of variable duration

Registration fees are set annually by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space and are available on our institution's website: Register at the University of Reunion

Admission to the first year of Chemistry

• To begin a first year of a Bachelor's degree (L1) at the Faculty of Sciences and Technologies with a solid scientific foundation, it is advisable to have obtained a general baccalaureate and to have followed the following specialization(s) in high school: Mathematics and Physics and Chemistry.
• For other specialization choices, a refresher course is required in Mathematics and Physics-Chemistry: Life and Earth Sciences (SVT), Digital Technology and Computer Science, Engineering Sciences.
• In addition, a foundation of further knowledge can be provided by choosing optional subjects such as expert or complementary mathematics.

Admission to the first year of Chemistry (choice of conditions):

• Validation of the L1 Chemistry degree from the University of Reunion Island (60 ECTS)
• Prior studies are validated on a case-by-case basis for those who have completed their first year of higher education (60 ECTS credits, for example, another bachelor's degree, preparatory classes for the Grandes Écoles, BUT, BTS, etc.). Direct admission pathways exist depending on the type of preparatory class.
• Validation of prior learning based on application file.

For the last two conditions, students must submit an online application for admission through the University's e-candidate portal.

Admission to the first year of Chemistry (conditions of your choice):

• Validation of the L2 Chemistry degree from the University of Reunion Island (120 ECTS)
• Prior studies are validated on a case-by-case basis for those who have completed the first and second years of higher education (120 ECTS credits, for example, another bachelor's degree, preparatory classes for the Grandes Écoles, BUT, BTS, etc.). Direct admission pathways exist depending on the type of preparatory class.
• Validation of prior learning based on application file.

For the last two conditions, students must submit an online application for admission through the University's e-candidate portal.

A minimum proficiency in English at level B2 is expected for admission to the Bachelor's program. Furthermore, a minimum level of French at level B2 is required for international students.

For enrollment in the first year of the Chemistry Bachelor's degree program via the Parcoursup platform, the criteria for reviewing applications are as follows:

• Academic results: grades from the first and final years in scientific subjects (essential criterion, 50%).
• Academic skills, methodological knowledge, know-how: quality of written expression in a foreign language (first and final year LV1 grades), quality of written and oral expression in French (final year French grades) (very important criterion, 30%).
• Soft skills: autonomy (Future Profile) (additional criterion, 10%).
• Motivation, knowledge of the training, coherence of the project: motivation and interest in the training (motivated training project) (additional criterion, 10%).

Hold a general baccalaureate and have followed the following specialization(s) in high school: Mathematics and Physics Chemistry.

For other specialization choices, a refresher course is required in Mathematics and Physics-Chemistry: Life and Earth Sciences (SVT), Digital Technology and Computer Science, Engineering Sciences.

Depending on the student's situation, applications to enter the first year of Bachelor's degree (L1) take place according to two specific procedures (the national platform Parcoursup, Études en France).

Admission to the second and third years takes place on the platform admission.univ-reunion.fr and on Studies in France for international students. For more information, you can consult the university's student services page: https://www.univ-reunion.fr/choisir-sa-formation/inscriptions/etudiants-en-reinscription/

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

The Chemistry degree is primarily aimed at students with a general baccalaureate degree and a scientific background.

For admission to the first year of undergraduate studies (L1): high school diploma or equivalent qualification.

For admission to L2 and L3: students reorienting their studies (CPGE, BUT, BTS…) or resuming their studies (validation of prior learning)

• L2: Baccalaureate (or equivalent) + 1 (60 ECTS credits validated or validation of prior learning)
• L3: Baccalaureate (or equivalent) + 2 (120 ECTS credits validated or validation of prior learning)

60 seats.

The admission dates for the first year of the Bachelor's degree (L1) are set nationally each year and are available on the Parcoursup platform

For admission to the second and third years of the Bachelor's degree (L2 and L3), the schedule is determined by the institution. It is available on the student services page of the university website: Students re-registering

Validation of observed Bachelor's degree years (varies depending on academic year).

In 2020-2021:

• L1: 55%
• L1 LAS: 56%
• L2: 85%
• L3: 84%

In 2024-2025:

• L1: 44%
• L1 LAS: 57%
• L2: 48%
• L3: 63%

Success rates in the second and third years of undergraduate studies (L2 and L3), which remained constant until the 2022-23 academic year (over 80%), have been declining since 2023-24 (the period following the baccalaureate reform). The targets set for this new course offering are 60% in the first year (L1), and 75-80% in the second and third years (L2 and L3).

Upon completion of the three-year Bachelor's degree, students will be able to implement scientific methodologies to understand and solve diverse problems in the fields of chemistry and at the interface with other disciplines.

A possible further course of study:

• in a master's degree in chemistry or a field at the interface of chemistry
• after the second year of undergraduate studies (L2), a professional bachelor's degree with direct entry into the workforce
• after the second or third year of undergraduate studies, into an engineering school (via parallel admissions).
• preparation for civil service exams.

Finally, the alignment of the chemistry training with that offered within the CPGE of the academy of La Réunion makes it possible to consider welcoming students from preparatory classes in L2 and L3.

Further studies after obtaining a bachelor's degree in chemistry

• Master (partially outside Réunion)

Graduates holding a degree in CHEMISTRY from the University of Reunion Island can access, on application and/or interview and subject to availability, any Master's degree in Chemistry or at the interface of Chemistry, at the University of Reunion Island or in another French university.

• Engineering Schools (Reunion Island and outside Reunion Island)

Students can choose the parallel admissions route to become engineers without going through the CPGE (preparatory classes for the Grandes Écoles). Undergraduate students (L2 or L3) can enter the first or third year of post-baccalaureate schools offering a 5-year program – in some general or specialized schools, the Chemistry major is eligible for access to engineering schools via the parallel admissions route, starting with the 2021 session.

Regarding Engineering Schools (Reunion Island and outside Reunion Island)

Students can choose the parallel admissions route to become engineers without going through the CPGE (preparatory classes for the Grandes Écoles). Undergraduate students (L2 or L3) can enter the first or third year of post-baccalaureate schools offering a 5-year program – in some general or specialized schools, the CHEMISTRY specialization is eligible for access to engineering schools via the parallel admissions route, starting with the 2021 session.

See the websites:

• Agronomic and Veterinary Examinations Service (https://www.concours-agro-veto.net/)
• Engineering School Entrance Examination Service      http://www.scei-concours.fr/

For students enrolled in higher education:

• Future+ Competition concoursavenir.fr
• Advance Parallel Competition EPITA, ESME Sudria, IPSA, Sup'Biotech

For those with two years of post-secondary education (L2, L3 and sometimes BUT, BTS…)

• INP joint entrance examination (formerly the joint polytechnic entrance examination or CCP)
http://www.concours-commun-inp.fr/fr/ccinp/inscription.html scei-concours.fr 
• Pass'Ingénieurs competition, part of the INP joint entrance exam https://passingenieur.scei-concours.fr/
• Polytech network competition (application and interview)
polytech-reseau.org http://www.demain-ingenieur.fr/
• INSA 3rd year entrance exam https://www.groupe-insa.fr/preparer
• ENI 3rd year entrance exam (application and interview) engineer-eni.fr

For L3 or BUT

• University Entrance Examination for Centrale Schools https://www.groupe-centrale.com/concours-universitaire/
• Agro B competitive entrance exam (joint entrance exam for admission to an engineering or veterinary school via parallel admissions). Selection is based on application review, followed by written exams (one exam depending on the bachelor's degree and the type of exam), and then admission after two oral exams (Science and Society and a motivation interview). B BIO = Engineering schools: AgroParisTech, Agrocampus Ouest, AgroSup Dijon, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, ENGEES, ENSAIA, ENSAT, Montpellier SupAgro, Oniris Nantes, VetAgro Sup Clermont-Ferrand. B ENV = Veterinary schools: ENV Alfort, ENV Toulouse, Oniris Nantes, VetAgro Sup Lyon
• AST1 competition at IMT Mines (recruitment based on qualifications into the first year (AST1) at IMT Mines Albi, IMT Mines Alès, IMT Lille-Douai and Télécom SudParis; application and interview) https://www.concours-mines-telecom.fr/autres-voies-admissions/admissions-sur-titres/

Regarding Chemical Engineering Schools

For L2 or L3, via the Pass'Ingénieur competitive exam http://passingenieur.scei-concours.fr/

ENSIC – National Graduate School of Chemical Industries (Nancy) https://ensic.univ-lorraine.fr/ or via the PASS'Ingénieur competitive entrance exam – PC stream (physics and chemistry)   https://passingenieur.scei-concours.fr/

ENSIACET – INP Toulouse – National Graduate School of Chemical and Technological Engineering:   https://www.ensiacet.fr/fr/index.html

ECPM – UNISTRA – European School of Chemical, Polymer and Materials Engineering – University of Strasbourg : http://ecpm.unistra.fr/ or Admission to the 1st year via the PASS'Ingénieur competitive entrance exam – PC stream (physics and chemistry)

For L3, admission to the first year is based on academic record and application:

ENSCL – National Graduate School of Chemistry of Lille (www.ensc-lille.fr/)

ENSCM – National Graduate School of Chemistry of Montpellier: www.enscm.fr/

ENSCP Chimie ParisTech – National Graduate School of Chemistry of Paris: https://www.chimieparistech.psl.eu/. Admission via GEI-Univ procedure http://www.geiuniv.com/

ENSCR – National Graduate School of Chemistry of Rennes : https://www.ensc-rennes.fr/

INP SIGMA Clermont:https://www.sigma-clermont.fr/fr/index.html

ECPM – UNISTRA – European School of Chemical, Polymer and Materials Engineering – University of Strasbourg: http://ecpm.unistra.fr/

For L2 or L3, admission is based on academic record and application:

ENSCMu – National Graduate School of Chemistry of Mulhouse: http://www.enscmu.uha.fr/

ENSMAC (formerly ENSCBP) – National Graduate School of Materials, Food Science and Chemistry (Bordeaux): https://ensmac.bordeaux-inp.fr/fr

ESCOM Graduate School of Organic and Mineral Chemistry: https://www.escom.fr/  et https://www.escom.fr/formation/admission-cycle-ingenieur/

Admission to the engineering program via the PASS'Ingénieur Common Entrance Examination:https://passingenieur.scei-concours.fr/

ESPCI – ParisTech – Graduate School of Industrial Physics and Chemistry of the City of Paris: https://www.espci.psl.eu/fr/

Grenoble INP – Phelma – National Graduate School of Physics, Electronics, Materials: phelma.grenoble-inp.fr/

ESIX Normandie – Graduate School of Engineering of the University of Caen Normandie: http://esix.unicaen.fr/

ESIAB – Internal School of Bretagne INP: https://www.univ-brest.fr/esiab/fr

ESIROI – Higher School of Engineering Réunion Indian Ocean: esiroi.univ-reunion.fr/

UniLaSalle – Earth and Sciences: https://www.unilasalle.fr/formations-ingenieur

The sectors of activity and types of employment targeted by this training correspond to those listed in the RNCP record

Graduates can apply for technical management positions at level II or assistant engineers in various sectors of industry and in university or hospital research laboratories: petrochemicals, materials, food processing, pharmacology, cosmetology, environment (pollution/remediation), forensic science, etc.

Careers in chemistry:

https://orientation.lesmetiersdelachimie.com/

https://www.cea.fr/comprendre/jeunes/Pages/metiers/les-metiers-de-la-chimie.aspx

Careers and employment in the chemical industry:

https://www.onisep.fr/metier/decouvrir-le-monde-professionnel/industrie-chimique/les-metiers-et-l-emploi-dans-l-industrie-chimique

Examples of professions:

List of occupations in France Compétences (ROME code):

K2106 – Primary School Teacher

(https://candidat.francetravail.fr/metierscope/fiche-metier/K2106)

K2107 – Middle and High School Teacher

(https://candidat.francetravail.fr/metierscope/fiche-metier/K2107)

K2306 – Eco-industrial Site Manager

(https://candidat.francetravail.fr/metierscope/fiche-metier/K2306)

F1105 – Geologist (https://candidat.francetravail.fr/metierscope/fiche-metier/F1105)

H1210 – R&D Technician

(https://candidat.francetravail.fr/metierscope/fiche-metier/H1210)