General description

The fundamental processes of life occur at the level of cells, proteins and
nucleic acids. Molecular and cell biology concentrates on understanding how
processes are controlled in cells by regulated genetic activity and changes to
the DNA and proteins. Molecular and cell biology are closely related to biochemistry, molecular genetics and development biology.

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