About us

The Department of Physical Chemistry at the University of Barcelona was established in 1999 and although newly formed, its history goes back to the founding moment of the Faculty of Pharmacy in 1845.

Mission

The mission of the department of Physical Chemistry is to serve the University and society in general, providing excellent fundamental training to its students in basic degree programs, as well as in advanced training in master’s and doctorate degree programs and through the research programs in which it participates.

The department currently offers different courses to students preparing a degree in Pharmacy, Food Science and Technology and Human Nutrition and Dietetics, providing fundamental instruction in Physics and Physical Chemistry while, at the same time, introducing students to current research topics in order to develop their sense of critical engagement. Expert faculties from the department participate in advanced courses associated with the official master’s degrees in: Research, Development and Control of Drugs; Biotechnology; Biomedicine; Nanoscience and Nanotechnology; Advanced Chemistry; and the Master’s in Drug, Cosmetic and Food Quality.

With respect to research, the department endeavors to make advances in basic and methodological research as well as in its applications in related fields. The objectives are: the external projection and internal cohesion of the various departmental research groups in areas that have been identified as strategic; and the sufficient flexibility to meet the new challenges that may arise. The department participates in training programs for doctors, introducing graduates to scientific research in fields related to Pharmacy and Chemistry, and more specifically in the fields of Biophysics, Biomedicine, and Nanoscience.

Vision

The department of Physical Chemistry at the University of Barcelona strives to be a model, within the university system, in the subjects of teaching, research, management and in the professional development of its members, by way of programs of excellence in these fields. In teaching innovation, the focus is as much on the projects themselves as on the implementation of educational and technological innovations. In scientific research, the focus is on continued research development in biophysics, computational biology and nanoscience, by means of competitive projects and the enhancement of the outreach of the department, establishing strategic partnerships with recognized groups from other universities and Research Institutions and fostering relationships with enterprises by way of agreements which vectorize the transfer of knowledge. In departmental management, the focus is on promoting internal structures for an effective management of allocated resources. The department, through its use of the system of quality management (EFQM), will ensure continuous improvement in all fields.