General description

The immune system is a complex network of cells, organs, tissues, dedicated to the defence of the host against pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. The initial evolutionary function of immunity was to protect the host from pathogenic insults. The mammalian immune system is also involved in the fight against endogenous threats such as cancer and aids wound healing and tissue repair. The complexity of the immune system however is not fail-safe and erroneous self-attacks leading to autoimmune diseases are common.
The vast majority of human diseases involve the integrated functions of our immune system and immunology is no longer a field which only studies host-pathogen interactions, but evolved into a central pillar of life science research. Immunologists study the role of individual cellular and humoral members of the immune system and their interplay during an immune response. The student learns how to analyse and isolate human blood cells and leukocytes from murine lymphoid tissues and studies their interactions in vitro and in vivo. The student will learn basic immunological technologies such a multiparameter flow cytometry, cytotoxicity and proliferation assays and the use of molecular analysis technologies. The student develops a solid foundation leading to a mechanistic understanding of immunity at the cellular level but also in animals and humans.

Admission requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biomedicine or Biochemistry from the Faculty of Science of the University of Zurich allows for admission to the a Master’s degree course in Biology. Corresponding degrees of Swiss and foreign universities can be recognized by the Faculty. The Faculty assesses all other qualifications, in particular those from universities of applied sciences, according to its own criteria, whereby the principle of equal treatment applies to assessing the equivalence of Bachelor's degrees. The Faculty can require the fulfillment of conditions or additional requirements in form of evidence of academic achievement. The Faculty decides about the acceptance of academic achievements and credit points which were obtained elsewhere.

Branch of studies

Biology

Educational goals

Master’s graduates have skills in scientific research. Their knowledge allows them to understand complex biological systems. They recognize relevant problems in Biology and are able to plan and conduct experiments using a variety of techniques to address these problems. Their ability to adapt technical procedures to specific scientific problems allows them to expand their problem solving skills. The ability to work exactly and treat precious materials, instruments and organisms carefully is particularly important. Working with organisms requires students to apply their ethical responsibilities.
The master’s thesis, which is a research project within the master’s program, teaches students to conduct research independently as would be required for a dissertation.

Career possibilities

Doctorate in one of the fields of biosciences; teaching and research at universities and other institutes of higher education; work in the chemical, pharmaceutical, medical, agrobiology and food technology industries; teaching at secondary level and in vocational, agricultural and engineering schools; management posts in industry, public administration and politics; planning for nature conservation and environmental protection, private and public; work in zoos, museums, research institutes, laboratories and clinics; scientific journalism.
The degree courses of biology at the University of Zurich qualify graduates to find work in not only specific biological or educational professions.

ECTS credits

90 ECTS Credits

Degree

Master of Science UZH in Biology

Program structure

The course work comprises block courses and special lectures in Immunology (16 ECTS credits), and elective modules (4 ECTS). The core components are the Master's research project in Immunology, including seminars and colloquia (together 60 ECTS credits) and the module "Integrated Knowledge in Biology" (10 ECTS credits).

Part-time studies

The Master’s degree course is usually done full-time. Exemptions must be applied for in advance and require the consent of the Faculty of Science.

Major/minor subject combinations

The Master's study program in Biology 90 can be taken as a single major or be combined with a minor study program 30 at Master's level.

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