L3 Chemistry Professions
Courses taken / Skills acquired in the third year of the Chemistry Professions degree (2025/2026)
Major classes of reactions in organic chemistry
Reminder : acid-base reaction, nucleophilic/electrophilic substitution, elimination, addition, hybridizations/orbitals, inductive effect/mesomeres, stereospecific and regioselective reaction: reactivity of alkenes (catalytic hydrogenation, epoxidation), reactivity of carbonyl derivatives (nucleophilic addition, addition of metal or organometallic hydride)
Chromatography and mass spectrometry
Reminder : Theoretical aspects of chromatography, GC, HPLC, ion chromatography, mass spectrometry: instrumentation and measurement principles (ion source, analyzers, detectors, fragmentation principle)
Spectroscopies and structural elucidation
Analysis :
Infrared Spectroscopy
Mass spectroscopy
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Functional transformation and chemoselectivity in organic synthesis
Nitrogen compounds : amines, amides, nitriles
Oxygenated compounds : alcohols, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids and their derivatives
Polyfunctional compounds : polyfunctional molecules, chemoselective reagents, protection of organic functions, peptide synthesis
Industrial Chemistry and Processes
Introduction to Industrial Chemistry
Petrochemicals: geopolitical origins and different refining processes
zeolites
major processes
Life cycle of industrial catalysts
Polymers
Understanding the different modes of synthesis of common polymers
Understanding the difference between thermoplastics and thermosets
Understanding the crosslinking/gelling phenomenon of thermosets
Mastering the concepts of colloids, and the stability and destabilization of emulsions
Understanding the influence of different ingredients in paint formulations
Understanding the role of additives in certain thermoplastic materials
Colloids and surfactants
Macromolecular synthesis
Physico-chemistry of polymers
The major classes of polymers
Additives in formulations
Colloids, emulsions, dispersions
Basics of rheology and fluid flow
Understanding structural relationships
Functional materials
Classify a material
Define the properties of materials
Analyze and understand the properties of materials.
Molecular construction in organic synthesis
cosmetic formulation
Formulation of colloids and paints
Disciplinary English
Describe a chemical reaction in English using appropriate vocabulary.
Explain a written procedure in English
Apply the correct conventions in an email in English
Compare spectral data (NMR, IR, UV-visible) in English
Basic laboratory techniques
To work independently.
Assess risks and adopt behavior that respects safety and hygiene rules (waste management) in the laboratory.
Use laboratory glassware and equipment wisely and reliably.
Adopt a scientific approach in order to establish an experimental protocol
Understand and execute a procedure (using knowledge acquired in the courses).
Report and comment on the results.
Analyze and characterize molecules
Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Lab
Identify the fundamental principles of analytical techniques:
Ion chromatography (IC), GC-FID, GC-MS, HPLC-UV, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, IR-ATR, Karl Fischer.
Define the key concepts of analytical validation: repeatability, reproducibility, accuracy, reliability, robustness, LOD, LOQ.
Recognize the roles of the different instrumental modules (injector, column, detector, MS source, suppressor, sample changer…).
Understand the interactions involved according to the techniques (ion exchange, hydrophobic interactions, volatility, UV/IR absorption).
Explain the principle of separation and detection of each analytical method used.
Interpreting chromatograms (retention time, peak area, elution order).
Understanding the importance of choosing analytical parameters: mobile phase, wavelength, split ratio, dwell time, separation conditions.
Justify the choice of an extraction method (LLE vs SLE, Head-Space).
Relate the physico-chemical properties of the analytes (log P, pKa, polarity, volatility) to their analytical behavior.
Prepare stock solutions, calibration curves (external and internal) and unknown samples.
Perform quantitative analyses by CI, GC-FID, HPLC-UV, UV-Vis, GC-MS.
Implement different extraction techniques (LLE, SLE, Head-Space).
Independently use analytical software (MagicIC, OpenLab, Excel) for data acquisition and processing.
Apply quality control protocols according to standards (pharmacopoeia, cosmetic standards).
Compare analytical methods (manual vs automated injection, external vs internal calibration).
Evaluate the quality of a chromatographic separation (resolution coefficient).
Analyze the repeatability of a method using statistical indicators (mean, standard deviation, CV).
Identify the sources of analytical errors (preparation, injection, extraction, instrumentation).
Decompose a complex product (water, cosmetic, varnish, medicine) into measurable analytes.
To judge the conformity of a product (cosmetic lotion, lactose, medicine) with regard to the standards in force.
Evaluate the performance of an analytical method (accuracy, reliability, uncertainties).
Compare extraction yields and select the most relevant method.
Critique the relevance of an experimental protocol and propose adjustments.
To validate or invalidate an analytical result based on scientific arguments.
To design a comprehensive analytical strategy tailored to a given problem.
Adapting an existing method to a real sample (choice of concentrations, dilution, instrumental parameters).
Construct usable calibration curves and analysis reports.
To establish autonomous analytical reasoning, from sample preparation to conclusion.
Write a structured laboratory notebook ensuring the traceability and reproducibility of analyses.
Organic Synthesis Lab
Working independently
Identify the chemical functions involved: anhydride, ester, carboxylic acid, acyl chloride, amide.
List the common reagents of organic synthesis: acetic anhydride, SOCl₂, amines, alcohols, m-CPBA.
Recognize common organic solvents and their role (CH₂Cl₂, Et₂O, cyclohexane, toluene).
Explain the principle behind the chemical transformations that took place:
Anhydride opening,
Formation of acyl chloride,
Amidification,
Fischer esterification,
Epoxidation by peracid.
Understanding the role of experimental conditions: anhydrous medium, reflux, cooling, excess reagent.
Justify the choice of solvents and washing methods during product isolation.
Implement an experimental protocol for organic synthesis while respecting safety instructions.
Perform technical manipulations: reflux, drop-by-drop addition, liquid-liquid extractions, washing, drying, rotary evaporation.
Apply stoichiometric calculations (limiting reactant, equivalents, theoretical mass, yield).
Analyze a reaction mechanism (acyl nucleophilic substitution, Fischer, Wittig, concerted epoxidation).
Interpret IR and NMR (¹H, ¹³C) spectra to identify functions and confirm the structure of products.
Compare the polarity and reactivity of species to anticipate their behavior in extraction or TLC.
Evaluate the quality of a synthesized product (purity, yield, physical appearance).
Assess the suitability of the experimental conditions and identify possible sources of loss or impurities.
Assess chemical risks (corrosive, oxidizing, irritating reagents) and adapt precautions accordingly.
Write a structured and reproducible laboratory notebook that allows another experimenter to repeat the procedure.
Propose experimental improvements (choice of solvents, optimization of equivalents, purification).
Linking a multi-step synthesis sequence to a concrete application (insect repellent, aroma, functional intermediate).
Practical work: Macromolecular synthesis and formulation
Methods for characterizing solids
Waste Management
Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Introduction to Sci Finder
Identify the main features of SciFinder and the types of scientific resources available.
Explain the value of SciFinder for bibliographic research in chemistry and understand the logic behind the results provided.
Use SciFinder to perform an efficient search using keywords, substances, or CAS numbers.
Analyze and compare the results obtained in order to identify the most relevant scientific sources.
Evaluate the reliability and relevance of selected articles and patents based on a research objective.
Construct a structured scientific bibliography from data obtained from SciFinder.
Chemistry and artificial intelligence
Represent chemical compounds in different digital forms (SMILES, InChI, SDF, CSV).
Understanding the concept of molecular graphs and their links with chemical structure.
Manipulating molecular structures in 2D/3D and calculating physicochemical properties (MW, logP, TPSA, pKa).
Managing ambiguities in chemical representation (tautomerism, isomerism, cyclic forms).
Efficiently search for compounds, reactions and publications in chemical databases (SciFinder, PubChem, ChEMBL).
Identify a compound from its name, structure, or CAS number.
Extract and analyze experimental and predictive data (properties, bioactivities, spectra).
Evaluate the reliability, quality and standardization of chemical data.
Structuring chemical datasets into instances/attributes.
Import , export and organize chemical databases with dedicated tools (DataWarrior).
Perform similarity and substructure searches using molecular fingerprinting.
Analyze chemical diversity, scaffolds and structure-activity relationships (SAR).
Understanding the principles of machine learning: supervised and unsupervised learning.
Applying classification and clustering methods to chemical data.
Use algorithms such as k-NN, Naive Bayes, SVM and k-means.
Building , training and testing predictive models in chemistry (QSAR).
Implement validation strategies (train/test, cross-validation, bootstrapping).
Interpreting performance indicators: accuracy, balanced accuracy, precision, recall, F-measure, MCC.
Evaluate the robustness of the models by randomization (scrambling).
Understanding the statistical limitations and biases associated with unbalanced datasets.
Understanding the historical and conceptual foundations of QSAR.
Use electronic, hydrophobic and steric descriptors (Hammett, Taft, logP).
Quantitatively link chemical structure to biological activity.
Applying modern AI-based approaches for predicting chemical properties.
To link experimental chemistry, digital data and artificial intelligence.
Analyzing large volumes of chemical data (chemical big data).
Adopt a critical, reproducible, and data-oriented scientific approach.
Use specialized digital tools for research and development in chemistry.
Project management
Ability to provide an initial diagnosis based on the initial specifications provided by the project sponsor.
Ability to reformulate the project problem before launching the project.
Constructing a clear Gantt chart eliminates confusion between batch, task, deliverable, and reasonable time planning.
Knowing how to clearly define a batch, a task and having put into practice the notion of SMART project (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound).
The ability to exchange ideas in a group, listen to different points of view, and the capacity to make a collective decision.
Ability to write a comprehensive report and present project results orally.
Ability to defend working assumptions of the cost matrix or decision-making to move forward when there are impasses in the project.
Communication and use of networks
Ability to develop one's network
Using social media to support your professional strategy
Demonstrating professionalism in communication
Apprenticeship at ENGEES - September 1, 2025 - August 28, 2026
In-depth knowledge of a sector of activity
To have a comprehensive view of the company / its structure and its activities.
To deepen one's knowledge of a profession / to discover new professions
To assimilate practical knowledge / to assimilate processes
Mastering and understanding the challenges of the assigned missions
Facing and resolving situations of blockage and difficulty
Develop skills (rigor, teamwork, creativity, project management)
Conduct a collective review of company activities
Financial management, management
Understanding the importance of budgets
Mastering the logic of budget construction
Knowing how to create a projected cash flow budget, balance sheet and income statement, and a financing plan
Entrepreneurship, businesses of the future
To identify and exploit new opportunities in the business field.
Describe and question the strategy and business model of an organization by taking into account various aspects of the company (market research, strategy, law [intellectual property, regulations, …], communication, …).
Create a lean canvas through several steps and several tools (value proposition canvas, competitive map, SWOT matrix, PESTEL analysis, …).
Leading a project as a team: knowing how to organize and manage tasks according to the team members.
Present your project orally and convince others of the rationale behind the chosen economic model.
Economics, market and business techniques
Raising awareness of market economics and business techniques
Raising awareness of the economic aspects of future jobs with an emphasis on developing transferable skills that enable better communication and collaboration with other stakeholders - non-technical "Chemistry" of the company.
Understanding the different themes and their appropriation through "Teachback" exercises (shared feedback following the previous session).
Organize group work for preparing teachbacks and presentations, as well as some group exercises.
Improved ability to understand the company and its environment, as well as to communicate with stakeholders in management, marketing, etc.
Entrepreneurial project
Chemical Risks
Characteristics and hazards of hazardous products and risks of equipment containing hazardous products:
Corrosivity, Toxicity, Flammability, Environmental hazard, Specific equipment containing hazardous products: batteries, pyrotechnic elements, radioactive sources, biocides
How to recognize a dangerous product:
The labeling on packaging, on products
Regulations: Classification, Labelling, Packaging (product classification and labelling)
The "Labor Code" labeling: reading pictograms and labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
The concept of risk analysis, the case of the DUERP (Single Document for Risk Assessment) in a company
Handling and use of hazardous products
Product preparation:
the wearing of personal protective equipment (skin, eyes, respiratory tract)
choosing the right product
following the instructions for use
the preparation of products outside
Product usage:
Atmospheric conditions
Precautions to take
Product storage
Storage of hazardous products and equipment
The premises (ventilation, closure, containment trays, appropriate fire extinguishers)
Product compatibility rules
ATEX Zone
The choice of storage (by family or by type of risk)
Displaying the instructions
Use of motorized means for the transport and storage of heavy objects
Good practices: prevention of back and lumbar pain and musculoskeletal disorders
Knowing how to react in case of an accident
What to do in case of leak, fire, or mixture?
How to react in case of a thermal burn?
How should you react in case of a chemical burn?
How to react in case of ingestion
Special cases
Distinguishing between HI (Industrial Hygiene) labels and Transport labels
The different types of packaging
Loading and unloading operations
Analysis of documentation during the receipt and shipment of products and waste
Responsibilities of stakeholders
Waste, documents, the waste tracking form (BSD)
Practical exercises
Visit to a FAC chemistry laboratory: Risk analysis at one's workstation and consideration of the environment
Visit to a FAC storage facility: identification of risks, best practices and behaviors to avoid