Bachelor Studies Applied Digital Life Sciences
Can you see yourself working at the intersection of life sciences and data science? Are you interested in topics such as health, the environment, and nutrition? Would you also like to programme and work with AI, digital twins and simulations? If so, the Applied Digital Life Sciences programme could be just right for you!
Introduction offers
Online-Info-Event on the Bachelor's degree in Applied Digital Life Sciences
Info event ON SITE at the ZHAW in Wädenswil
Online study counselling for a Bachelor's degree in Applied Digital Life Sciences
- Personal advice is available on request at studienberatung-adls.lsfm@zhaw.ch
Trial opportunity
Why study Applied Digital Life Sciences?
The rapid pace of digitalisation in the life sciences is generating vast amounts of data. When this data is processed intelligently, it can lead to pioneering innovations and technologies, as well as many 'aha' moments. From the automated early detection of diseases and computer-assisted drug development to the data-driven creation of new food processes and the protection of species through drone monitoring, digital life sciences are making all this possible.
The interdisciplinary bachelor's programme is practice-oriented and forward-looking. During your studies, you will collaborate with AI and life sciences experts from our research groups and partners in the field on current issues. You will learn to apply digital and data-based methods directly within the various life science disciplines.
This training will enable you to spearhead the digital transformation of entire industries.
Interesting? You bet!
- 75% of our students start the programme with no prior programming experience.
- During your studies, you will spend 50% of your time not in the lecture hall or online, but actively working in our research gardens, laboratories or with practical partners.
- Our students come from over 40 different apprenticeship backgrounds.
- Unique in Switzerland: the language of instruction switches to English in the fourth semester to prepare you for an international working environment.
- 30% of our students are over 25 years old and have chosen the programme after gaining several years of professional experience.
- The life sciences cover many areas! Our programme covers biotechnology, biology, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, food industry, agronomy and environmental sciences.
«Hospitals generate valuable data every day, and thanks to the skills I acquired during my studies, I can now automate processes that used to take all day in just a few minutes. In hindsight, I value the versatility of the bachelor's degree the most: much of what I learned, from databases and mathematics to scientific topics, has proven to be directly relevant.»
Leo Kieffer, Medical Controller at the Cantonal Hospital of Graubünden and graduate of the BSc Applied Digital Life Sciences programme.
With a Bachelor of Science in Applied Digital Life Sciences you will...
- have a good understanding of the chemical, physical and biological foundations of the life sciences.
- know how to handle life sciences data of varying complexity and to generate knowledge from it.
- be proficient in with a variety of digital skills in the areas of programming, artificial intelligence, data engineering as well as modelling and simulation.
- take on an important role as a facilitator in shaping projects involving specialists from different disciplines.
- connect scientific, social and entrepreneurial thinking.
- have the necessary communication skills in German and English to be successful in an internationalised labour market.
«The ADLS programme offers me the perfect combination of digitalisation and laboratory work. With its focus on programming, machine learning and data engineering, the programme enables me to play an active role in shaping the digital transformation.»
Luigi Palese, Student BSc Applied Digital Life Sciences
- You will learn how data science methods and life sciences questions can work together optimally – equipping you with an interdisciplinary profile that is in high demand in both research and industry.
- Your learning goes beyond lecture halls and online classes – it takes place in laboratories, in nature, and in production, supported by excellent infrastructure and cutting-edge technology.
- Internships in all six semesters give you fascinating insights into the wide-ranging topics of the life sciences and future career paths – a strong foundation for your professional journey.
- You will benefit from our partnerships with businesses as well as educational institutions at home and abroad.
- Personal guidance, diverse modules, and small class sizes create a supportive and motivating learning environment.
- You will study in a stunning location – an inspiring setting for creativity, focus, and balance.
The Applied Digital Life Sciences programme is divided into four sections: Fundamentals and Context, Data Science and Computation, Projects and Labs and Digital Life Sciences. From the fourth semester onwards, you can specialise in one of three areas: «Digital Health», «Digital Environment» or «Digital Labs and Production».
The language of instruction changes to English in the fourth semester. To allow for greater individualisation, we offer a wide range of elective modules.
Flexible study models
| FULL-TIME |
Duration: 6 semesters (180 ECTS) over 3 years Attendance: approx. 4 days of classroom teaching per week (3 days on site, 1 day online) |
|---|---|
| PART-TIME |
Duration: 8 semesters (180 ECTS) over 4 years Attendance: approx. 3 days of classroom teaching per week |
Both study models require good organisation. In addition to on-site lessons, allow sufficient time to process what you have learnt and exam preparation at home (self-study).
Participation in the start week at the beginning of the study programme as well as in further project weeks is mandatory.
Module overview
The graphic shows the classic structure of the full-time bachelor's degree programme. You determine your focus by specialising from the 4th semester by choosing one of the three specialisations "Digital Health", "Digital Environment" or "Digital Labs and Production". You can further qualify for minors by selecting specific combinations of elective modules. The elective modules are continuously supplemented and offered in collaboration with various institutes of the ZHAW.
The complete overview of the compulsory modules (blue) throughout the 6 semesters is provided in the chart below.
«Become the ultimate all-rounder! With a blend of natural sciences, data science and AI, you will be highly sought after by employers. The possibilities are endless — are you ready to shape the future?»
Dr. Céline Reinbold, Programme Director BSc Applied Digital Life Sciences
Deeper focus in the specialisations
Deepen your knowledge in your chosen field of study and prepare yourself specifically for your career in digital life sciences.
«Digital Health» Specialisation
Digitalisation in the healthcare system improves diagnoses and creates opportunities for personalised treatments. Learn to tap into people as sources of data and help to better understand and prevent diseases.
«Digital Environment» Specialisation
Climate change, biodiversity loss, and the energy transition are the central challenges of the present. Your data science skills are urgently needed at the intersection with environmental sciences to develop, for example, sustainable mobility solutions, drone systems for detecting invasive plants, or intelligent networks for decentralized energy supply.
«Digital Labs and Production» Specialisation
Apply your data-based knowledge in a targeted manner and learn to optimise or reinvent various processes in the laboratory and in production.
Minors
Give your studies an individual profile by taking a minor in addition to choosing a specialisation. A minor consists of a compilation of subject-related, coordinated elective modules and gives you the opportunity to explore an additional specialisation. Possible minors are:
International exchange and mobility
Are you aiming for a career in an international context? We offer you attractive opportunities to give your everyday life as a student an international orientation. For example, you can spend a semester abroad or write your Bachelor's thesis in another country - the opportunities are varied and allow you to gain unique experiences.
We are also happy to welcome students from foreign universities for an exchange semester.
All information on international exchange and mobility:
Employment following the completion of your studies
This practice-oriented Bachelor's degree programme in Applied Digital Life Sciences will open up a wide range of opportunities for you in a rapidly growing economic sector in Switzerland and worldwide. As a graduate, you could work in the health sector, environmental management, or for chemical, biotech, pharmaceutical or agri-food companies. You will work as a project team member, consultant or research and development specialist.
Practical relevance
The ZHAW recognised the advantages of digitalisation long before the trend emerged and has assumed a pioneering role in the field of digital transformation. Our experts always work with the latest methods and have been implementing projects in the field of data science for more than 25 years. Furthermore, close collaboration with research and business partners guarantees that your studies will have a high practical relevance. During excursions to renowned industry partners, you will not only gain valuable insights into the latest developments, but you will also meet potential employers and learn about areas where you can apply your skills in the future.
In semester papers and your bachelor thesis, you will independently work on research or development projects, often in conjunction with an international research or partner in industry.
