General description

Chemistry is a fascinating and complex discipline. It covers the structural and functional diversity of our material world and the fascinating transformations these structures undergo. Chemistry explores the infinite world of the molecules found in nature and investigates the design and production of innovative substances to be used in a variety of fields, including information technology, pharmaceuticals or the textile industry. Chemists develop ways of discovering - and altering - the essence of matter. The fundamental and comprehensive approach of chemistry makes it the basis for numerous other disciplines: biology, medicine, agronomy, food sciences and earth sciences could not manage without knowledge from chemistry. This makes a solid network with experts in other disciplines essential - and at the University of Zurich we provide ample opportunity for students to form close ties with other departments during their studies. The proximity of other institutes facilitates interdisciplinary scientific discussions.
In addition, chemistry is a major economic factor. Large chemical companies as well as an increasing number of dynamic start-up companies are the driving forces behind this.
Students choosing to study chemistry at the University of Zurich will receive an education based on the needs of the economy and modern chemical and biochemical research. We provide individual support and intensive instruction in an open and international environment. The Departement of Chemistry is very well-equipped for both teaching and research, having a large number of research and teaching assistants and generous laboratory space that is supplied with state-of-the-art computers, scientific machines and equipment.

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)".

Specific requirements

In addition to the regular semester fees, this study program also incurs additional costs in the form of internship fees and for additional material and scripts.

Educational goals

Graduates from a minor study program Chemistry have acquired a foundational education in the theory and praxis of Chemistry and have learned to think and work systematically and scientifically.

ECTS credits

30 ECTS Credits

Program structure

A Bachelor’s minor study program in Chemistry (30 ECTS credits) provides students with a general education in Chemistry and basic laboratory skills. According to their choice students gain deeper knowledge of one of the three classical chemical disciplines (Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry) or basic knowledge of more than one of these disciplines. The minor study program provides an introduction to methodical scientific thinking. Students are capable of understanding and tackling several chemical questions.

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