General description

Biodiversity is one of the most complex and fascinating attributes of our planet. At the same time, this diversity is threatened by human activities. The Biodiversity program uses current concepts in ecology, evolutionary biology, behavioural biology and interdisciplinary environmental sciences to provide a comprehensive scientific understanding of the patterns, processes and functions of biodiversity.
With a solid knowledge in the fundamentals of mathematics, physics and chemistry, the graduates will be able to place the meaning and concepts of biodiversity in the context of scientific knowledge and societal debates. In addition, they will learn inter- and transdisciplinary approaches and techniques throughout your studies.
The Bachelor's and Master's degree programs «Biodiversity» are aimed at students with a strong interest in the natural sciences, with a focus on ecological, evolutionary and behavioural processes, and on socio-economic and transdisciplinary topics.
The main language in the program is German. Foreign-language applicants for the Bachelor program must prove that they have a sufficient command of German (proof of proficiency at the C1 or a higher level). For more information go to the official website UZH

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

Biology, Environmental Sciences

Educational goals

The Bachelor's program in Biodiversity provides a comprehensive scientific understanding of the patterns, processes and functions of biological diversity and the interrelationships between different ecosystems, species and organisms.
Graduates are able to address issues in ecology, evolutionary and behavioral biology, and interdisciplinary environmental sciences with appropriate scientific tools and develop promising solutions.

Career possibilities

The Bachelor «Biodiversity» offers the necessary theoretical and practical prerequisites for a consecutive Master's program in Biodiversity at the University of Zurich. Graduates of the Master's program are in demand on the job market because of their methodological-theoretical and interdisciplinary competencies. Potential employers are universities, administration, politics, nature conservation organizations, environmental offices and the private sector and include activities in public relations and communication, project management and coordination, consulting and environmental education.

ECTS credits

150 ECTS Credits

Program structure

The first two years of studies include the compulsory modules of basic training in biodiversity sciences, which cover the subject areas of ecology, behavioural biology, evolutionary biology, genetics, anthropology, environmental sciences and environment & society. Other required subjects are mathematics, chemistry and physics as well as quantitative methods such as programming and data analysis. Elective modules in the third and fourth semester are from the natural sciences and interdisciplinary environmental sciences. The third year of study consists of block courses, special lectures, seminars, field courses and a bachelor thesis. A three-month professional internship can be credited in the core elective area of the block courses.

Major/minor subject combinations

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

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