BSc and MSc courses at the Faculty of Science (MNF)
A full-time BSc course takes six semesters to complete and is a prerequisite for an MSc course. A BSc course provides students with a sound basic knowledge of a subject and develops their ability to think methodically and scientifically. An MSc course provides them with solid scientific training and an ability to undertake scientific work independently. It takes three semesters of full-time study to earn an MSc (Master of Science) degree.
BSc courses at MNF
A BSc course lasts at least six semesters. Students acquire a sound basic knowledge of their chosen subject and the ability to think methodically and scientifically. In order to obtain a bachelor’s degree, students must earn 180 credits. Classes are taught in German.
This type of course culminates in the title «Bachelor of Science UZH (BSc)». At present, MNF offers eight different bachelor's degree. Students must complete a BSc course in order to enroll in an MSc course. Once you have earned a «Bachelor of Science UZH» degree you can apply for a specialized MSc course at MNF or many other universities in Switzerland and abroad.
Please click here to view the Academic Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's Courses at MNF.
Please click here to view the Framework Academic Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's Degree Courses at MNF.
For further information please consult the handbook of courses of the UZH.
Normal duration of study (full-time): 6 semesters
Maximum duration of study (part-time): 12 semesters
Required credits / ECTS points: 180
MSc courses at MNF
An MSc course usually lasts three semesters. In order to enroll in such a course, a student must already hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. The aim of master’s level courses is to provide more in-depth theoretical and practical training and the ability to undertake scientific work independently. By intensively studying complex questions, both theoretical and practical, you will acquire a clear academic profile. Students receive personal mentoring and have the opportunity to work closely with their lecturers – a quality feature of the MSc courses offered by MNF.
In order to obtain a master’s degree, students must earn 90 credits. Practical exercises give you an insight into real-life applications and provide valuable experience. A key aspect of the MSc course is the master’s dissertation, a 6- to 12-month research-based dissertation of a high academic standard. This type of course culminates in the title Master of Science (MSc) UZH. At present, MNF offers twenty-eight different master's degrees. Courses are taught in German and English.
You must hold an MSc in order to enter an academic profession and to commence doctoral studies. It is also a requirement for teaching positions and the degree of Master of Advanced Studies in Secondary and Higher Education (MAS SHE).
Please click here to view the Academic Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's Courses at MNF.
Please click here to view the Framework Academic Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's Degree Courses at MNF.
For further information please consult the handbook of courses of the UZH.
Normal duration of study (full-time): 3 semesters
Maximum duration of study (part-time): 6 semesters
Required credits / ECTS points: 90
Electives and minor subjects at MNF
Courses at MNF all include an elective element amounting to a certain number of credits. For the elective element, students may attend the modules of their choice (with certain restrictions) from the entire range of modules offered by UZH and ETH Zurich. Elective modules may be enlarged to form minor subjects which are included on the BSc or MSc certificate.
Minor subjects have been defined in many of the subjects offered to students at UZH and ETH Zurich. At MNF, minors are offered in most of the subjects listed under the BSc and MSc courses of study. MNF also offers the following minors:
- Applied statistics and probability
- Astrophysics for physicists
- Bioinformatics
- Crystallography
- Neuroinformatics
- Special Informatics for Natural Sciences (SPIN)
- Environmental Sciences
What is a module?
The BSc and MSc courses offered by MNF are made up of modules. Students receive credits upon successful completion of each module. They are weighted according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). This system gives students recognised proof and credit for study completed at different universities including those classes taken through exchange programs.
You must book any modules you wish to attend. Please click here for more information on booking modules.
There are three different kinds of modules:
- core modules which all students in a given course are required to complete
- elective core modules which must be selected from a prescribed list
- elective modules, which may be freely selected (with certain restrictions) from the modules offered by UZH and ETH Zurich.
Please contact the Office of the Dean of Studies of MNF if you have any academic work from another university which you would like to have recognized. Should you have any questions about the modules in your course, please contact the relevant Academic Advisor.
Module booking
Die Modulbuchung für das Frühjahrssemester 2009 beginnt am 12. Januar 2009 um 10 Uhr.
Die Buchung erfolgt über das Buchungssystem der Universität. Für den Login benötigen Sie Ihre UniAccess Zugangsdaten.
Die Buchungs- und Stornotermine für jedes Modul sind im online Vorlesungsverzeichnis für jedes Modul aufgeführt.
Achtung: Für die Praktikumsmodule bzw. die Module, die ein Praktikum beinhalten des Grundstudiums Biologie sowie für alle Module der Biochemie ist der Anmeldeschluss bereits am 8. Februar.
Biologie Blockkurse: Die Anmeldung läuft vom 5. bis am 25. Januar 2009. Den Zugang zum Anmeldesystem finden Sie auf der Homepage des Fachbereichs Biologie im Abschnitt Modulbuchung.
What is a credit?
Credits are proof of completed study. One credit (ECTS point) corresponds to 30 hours' study. Full-time students earn an average of 30 credits per semester.
During the BSc course you can earn credits by attending lectures, exercises and practical exercises and through self-study. At MSc level you can also earn credits by actively participating in seminars and through independent research.
