General description

Biochemistry is a scientific discipline at the interface of chemistry and biology. Biochemstry attempts to describe, reconstruct and even furhter develop, on a chemical and physical level, molecular processes occuring in living nature. The results of research in biochemistry help understand molecular causes of diseases on an atomic and quantitative level. Pharmaceutical research and development build up on fundamental biochemical findings. But, results of biochemical research are furthermore found in biotechnology, in envirnmental protection, in nutrition industry, and very likly in informatics in the near future. And, gradually biochemistry will become a key area when chemical processes have to be rendered less harmful to the environment.
If you take much pleasure in molecular biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics, if you are interested in applying your knowlege to anserer biological and medical questions and if you have a flair for experimental laboratory work, then biochemistry is the perfect synthesis.
Research at the Department of Biochemistry oft he University of Zurich is focused on the investigation of proteins. The Department especially emphasizes structure-function relationships: the structural and functional analysis of membrane proteins, the exploration of protein folding down tot he level of a single molecule, the directed evolution of proteins by protein engineering, the structural and functional description of macromolecular complexes, the investigation of RNA-mediated defence mechanisms, the investigation of protein aggregation in silico and in vitro.
The major degree program biochemistry of the University of Zurich benefits from this research focus: in a profiled curriculum sound fundamental knowledge and guiding research knowledge are instructed suited to the students’ level of training.

Admission requirements

For general Informations on Application see: https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/studies/application; More Informations in regulations and admission requirements of the program of study.

Branch of studies

Biochemistry

Educational goals

A bachelor study program in Biochemistry at UZH provides students with a qualified theoretical education in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, as well as practical education in the foundational methods of biochemical research.

Career possibilities

The Bachelor’s single major study program Biochemistry, Biomolecular Track qualifies for professional activities requiring a wide-ranging education in natural sciences.

ECTS credits

180 ECTS Credits

Degree

Bachelor of Science UZH in Biochemistry Biomolecular Track, BSc UZH

Program structure

The Bachelor’s single major study program in Biochemistry, Biomolecular Track addresses to students who like to develop a chemical and molecular understanding of living processes, based on lower-level studies in biochemistry and molecular biology. The program takes six semesters. It starts with the lower-level studies in biochemistry (1.– 4. semester). The subsequent specialist study (5.– 6. semester) comprises lectures in molecular cell biology, protein biophysics and practical courses in gene technology, biochemistry and biophysics.

Part-time studies

The modular structure allows part-time studies. This will lead, however, to a prolonged period of studies. The implementation of an individual programme plan hould be coordinated with the student advisoy services biochemistry beforehand.

Major/minor subject combinations

The Bachelor's study program Biochemistry is a single major study program. No minor study program can be taken

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