General description

The pioneering discoveries and developments in biology over the past decades have changed our perception of the world. The dynamic progress of biological research is unbroken. This is why biology is one of the most exciting university degree programs you can study. The BSc in biology offers a general education in natural sciences, knowledge of all branches of research in biology and the ability to think and work methodically and scientifically. The institutes of our division of Biology, together with the medical-biological institutes of the Faculty of Medicine, offer an extremely wide range of biological specializations. Further, study structures in specialized studies of biology (as of the 5th semester) between the University and ETHZ are fully compatible. This renders Zurich one of the world's top locations for studying biology.

Admission requirements

The conditions for admission to the Bachelor’s degree programme are regulated in: „Verordnung über die Zulassung zum Studium an der Universität Zürich (VZS)".

Branch of studies

Biology

Educational goals

A bachelor major study program Biology taken for 150 or 120 ECTS imparts the same foundational knowledge on students as a single major study program (180 ECTS), but they differ in the breadth of knowledge that is taught. Both options teach students foundational theory and praxis in Biology as well as in other foundational subjects in the natural sciences. Students learn to think and work systematically and scientifically.

Career possibilities

With a BSc in biology, graduates have the necessary theoretical and practical qualifications for the Master's degree course in one of the consecutive Master's concentrations in biology, and depending on the choice of optional core modules, for the Master's program in biomedicine, biochemistry and specialized Master programs such as biostatistics or environmental science. The first degree of BSc in biology is also suitable for a start in all types of training and education programs of private and public companies.

ECTS credits

180 ECTS Credits

Degree

Bachelor of Science UZH in Biology, BSc UZH

Program structure

In the compulsory modules (90 ECTS) of the basic studies curriculum, students learn important concepts in all biological disciplines, from the molecular level, through genes, cells, individuals, populations and up to ecosystems. At the same time students gain basic knowledge of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biochemistry. Following their interests, students choose core elective modules (30 ECTS) of biology-related fields already during their basic studies.
During the advanced studies curriculum (60 ECTS credits) students develop their knowledge in areas of their choice in block courses and special lectures and in elective modules.

Part-time studies

The basic studies of the Bachelor's degree program in biology are particularly suitable for part-time studies. This naturally leads though to a prolonged period of studies. The order of the compulsory modules during basic studies in the regular degree program is not binding. If basic studies are completed in 6 or 8 instead of 4 semesters you should nevertheless try to complete the mathematics before the physics and the chemistry before the biochemistry elements. The third regular year of studies for the Bachelor's degree (advanced studies) contains block courses and lectures that take up the whole working week. Part-time students thus have to organize their time in advanced studies to ensure their presence in coherent time blocks of at least three and a half weeks. The instrument for planning individual programs of studies is the guideline on studying biology at the University of Zurich: http://www.biologie.uzh.ch

Major/minor subject combinations

A study program Biology 180 is a single major study program. A major study program Biology 120 can be combined with a minor study program 60. A major study program Biology 150 can be combined with a minor study program 30. Minor study programs can be chosen from the entire range of subjects offered by the University of Zurich. A minor study program starts in the second year of study.

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

German, English