General description

Contrary to many other research fields, the neurosciences are not defined by methods but by the object of research – the nervous system. Therefore, development, structure, and function of the nervous system are studied with a broad spectrum of techniques, including biochemical, molecular and cellular, as well as physiological approaches. Obviously, for functional studies in vivo studies are particularly important although challenging. A wide variety of imaging methods are crucial for neuroscience research. Neurological diseases and developmental disorders such as mental retardation, autism, schizophrenia, or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s are still one of the biggest challenges in human health. However, for the development of therapies a more detailed understanding of development, structure and function of the nervous system is key.

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 Neurosciences (16 ECTS credits), and elective modules (4 ECTS). The core components are the Master's research project in Neurosciences, 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