Fundamental principles of adsorption and catalysis, physics and chemistry of solid-state surfaces and methods for determining their structure and composition. Homogeneous catalysis with transition-metal complexes.

Understanding of design and functioning of important catalytic applications in the field of energy, environment, and chemical production. Integration of fundamental and engineering aspects for the development of catalytic devices and processes.

Basic principles of inorganic, physical and organic chemistry. Topics include atomic models, electron structure, chemical bonds, ionic and covalent materials, acid-base concepts, chemical equilibrium, fundamentals of thermodynamics and kinetics, electrochemistry as well as the most important classes of compounds and types of reactions in organic chemistry.

Raw materials for the organic chemical industry: natural gas, petroleum, coal, renewable raw materials. Development of technical processes for the manufacture of base chemicals (synthesis gas, olefins, aromatics) and their main applications. Selected examples of technical processes for the manufacture of intermediate and fine chemicals.

Basic elements of surface science important for materials and catalysis research. Physical and chemical methods important for research in surface science, material science and catalysis are considered and their application is demonstrated on practical examples.