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 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

Chemistry

Specific requirements

In addition to the regular semester fees, this study program also incurs additional costs in the form of internship fees and for additional material and scripts.

Educational goals

A bachelor’s major study program in Chemistry taken for 150 or 120 ECTS imparts the same foundational knowledge on students as a single major study program (180 ECTS), but they differ in the breadth of knowledge that is taught. Both options teach students foundational theory and praxis in Chemistry as well as in other foundational subjects in the natural sciences. Students learn to think and work systematically and scientifically and acquire the subject-specific qualifications necessary to teach Chemistry as their second teaching subject at Upper Secondary Schools (Sekundarstufe II).

Career possibilities

The Bachelor’s degree is a suitable qualification for entry into a career requiring a general scientific degree.
Our world needs experts in chemistry across the entire range of human endeavor. Chemistry is the driving force for finance and the market, it has an influence on health and the environment, and makes significant contributions to the development of art and entertainment.

ECTS credits

180 ECTS Credits

Degree

Bachelor of Science UZH in Chemistry, BSc UZH

Program structure

Program structure: The program consists of a combined base curriculum in Chemistry and Biochemistry and an advanced part in Chemistry. Compulsory modules of the base curriculum (120 ECTS credits) include courses in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Biology. In the advanced part of the program (60 ECTS credits), knowledge of the three classical chemical disciplines is deepened (12 ECTS Credits). Lectures and lab courses within the core elective modules (30 ECTS Credits) allow specialization in selected chemical disciplines and elective modules allow students to expand their understanding further. First experiences in independent research work are gained during the Bachelor’s thesis (10 ECTS Credits).

Part-time studies

Part-time study is possible based on the modular structure of the course.
However, this will increase the length of the course. A precise individual model for part-time study must be agreed with the responsible academic advisor in advance.

Major/minor subject combinations

A study program in Chemistry 180 is a single major study program. A major study program Chemistry 120 can be combined with a minor study program 60. A major study program Chemistry 150 can be combined with a minor study program 30.
A minor study program starts in the second year of study. Minor study programs can be chosen from the entire range of subjects offered by the University of Zurich.

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