General description

The goal of the specialized Master's degree program in Computational Science is to provide students with in-depth techniques in computational and simulation science.
At the same time, the program provides an introduction to the enormous variety of scientific topics in which computers play a fundamental role.
The program has a core that focuses on general principles (Methodological Foundations, Numerical Methods for Differential Equations in Simulations, Advanced High-performance Computing, Methods for Visualizing Simulation Data, Machine Learning in Science). The core courses all have a strong practical component in code development and programming. In addition, there are electives with a focus on the hands- on aspect. Possible directions include Computational Physics and Astrophysics, Computational Chemistry, Computer Graphics, Applications in Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Admission requirements

The specialized mono/major study program Computational Science (90 ECTS credits) at Master's level requires one of the three UZH minor study programs Computational Science 60, Data Analysis in Natural Sciences, Simulations in Natural Sciences 30 or at least 30 ECTS credits from applied mathematics and programming modules during the bachelor's degree.
Graduates of Universities of Applied Sciences from Switzerland may be considered with additional requirements. The overall qualification is evaluated by the admission committee.
Further information can be found here:
https://www.ics.uzh.ch/en/studies/msc/spec_msc_cs.html

Specific requirements

See admission requirements here:
https://www.ics.uzh.ch/astro/en/studies/msc/spec_msc_cs.html

Educational goals

Graduates of the spec. master's program acquire the following knowledge:

• Methodological foundations for simulation in the natural sciences.
  
• Numerical methods for differential equations in simulations
  
• Advanced high-performance computing
  
• Methods for visualization of simulation data
  
• Machine learning in the sciences
  

Additional learning objectives (elective modules) relate to the different application areas:

• Computational Physics and Astrophysics
  
• Computational chemistry
  
• Computer Graphics
  
• Applications in Earth and Environmental sciences
  

Career possibilities

Graduates are well prepared for careers in academia or scientifically oriented industry. The program is inherently interdisciplinary, allowing students to work across boundaries in a dynamic environment and learn a wide range of numerical methods and their application in various fields.
Doctoral studies in one of several disciplines is another obvious option.

ECTS credits

90 ECTS Credits

Degree

Master of Science UZH in Computational Science

Program structure

Students are required to attend compulsory courses and seminars worth 15-25 ECTS credits. 35-40 ECTS credits are earned in elective modules.
The compulsory master's thesis (30 ECTS credits) and master's examination complete the education.

Major/minor subject combinations

The specialized Master study programm in Computational Science 90 can be taken as a single major or be combined with a minor 30.

Examination and assessment regulations

The student's achievement is assessed at the end of each module.
Achievements are graded on a scale from 1 to 6, whereby 6 denotes the highest
grade of achievement and 1 the lowest. A grade below 4 is insufficient.
Achievements can also be graded with 'passed' or 'failed'.

Language of instruction

English