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 protein aggregation in silico and in vitro.
The degree programme biochemistry oft 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

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

Biochemistry

Educational goals

A bachelor’s single major 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.

ECTS credits

180 ECTS Credits

Degree

Bachelor of Science UZH in Biochemistry, BSc UZH

Program structure

In the single major study program Biochemistry 180 either the Biomolecular Track or the Chemical track can be selected.
The Bachelor’s single major program in Biochemistry (180 ECTS credits), Biomolecular Track imparts the relevant basic principles in physiology, molecular biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, biochemistry and biophysics. The subject focus lies on the development of conceptual understanding in molecular biology, biochemistry and biophysics. In the area of generic competencies the emphasis is on scientific reasoning, working and presentation. The Bachelor’s study program in Biochemistry, Biomolecular Track qualifies for professional activities requiring a wide-ranging training in natural sciences. Program structure: The Bachelor’s degree program in Biochemistry, Biomolecular Track 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.
The Bachelor’s singe major study program in Biochemistry, Chemical Track addresses to
students who like to develop a molecular and chemical understanding of living processes, based on lower-level studies in chemistry and physical chemistry. The program takes six semesters. It starts with the lower-level studies in chemistry/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 should 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