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 following academic degrees exempt the holder from having to pass any further examinations for admission to the a Master’s degree course: -A Bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Science of the University of Zurich, whereby the Faculty determines which types of the Bachelor's degree are required for admission to the respective Master's degree courses. - Corresponding degrees of Swiss and foreign universities which are generally recognized by the Faculty, or recognized by subject. In terms of paragraph 1, such degrees are reviewed according to the stipulations of § 3 of the Bologna guideline of the Swiss University Conference. Further possibilities for admission to a Master’s degree course: 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 additional conditions in form of evidence of academic achievement. The Faculty decides about the acceptance of academic achievements and credit points which were obtained elsewhere.

Educational goals

Graduates from a Master's minor study program in 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 Master’s minor study program in Chemistry (30 ECTS credits) either builds on the respective program completed at the Bachelor level (as consecutive minor) or it corresponds to the Bachelor’s minor study program for 30 ECTS Credits (as new minor). Depending on the individual background of the student, the Master’s minor study program deepens the already acquired knowledge of the student in selected, specialist areas of research in chemistry or it provides the student with a general education in Chemistry and basic laboratory skills.

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