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School of Life Sciences
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Bachelor studies Chemistry

The only bachelor's degree in chemistry with a quality label. Best prospects for a challenging job in a booming industry.

«I like being on the move and the degree programme in chemistry gives me the dynamic atmosphere I need. It's a journey with a variety of different options, which never gets boring.» Romina, Chemistry student

 

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is concerned with the conversion of all kinds of raw materials into substances with new chemical, physical and biological properties for many new exciting applications. As a chemist you are at the centre of this creative process and can contribute to designing the future. You learn how to develop new products and production processes, exploit new raw materials, and secure our energy supply. In addition, you find out how to protect people and the environment from the potentially harmful effects of new products. Connecting theory and practice is something that chemistry students at universities of applied sciences are particularly enthusiastic about.

Study programme

Are you interested in scientific relationships? Do you enjoy experimenting? Do you want to get to grips with new problems and challenges in chemistry and biological chemistry? Then the degree programme in Chemistry is just the thing for you!

It provides broad technical knowledge in the natural sciences. Using mathematical, physical, chemical and biological models, the first step is to investigate how chemical processes work, and then to develop promising new substances and processes in the laboratory on the basis of what you have learnt. Later in the programme, you choose whether to specialise in Chemistry or Biological Chemistry. These majors prepare you for the specific demands of your future professional career.

We also offer six interdisciplinary minors. They give your studies an individual profile in the fifth semester.

Our Bachelor’s degree programme in chemistry in Wädenswil is internationally recognized and has been awarded the 'Chemistry Eurobachelor®' quality label, facilitating your access to European Master’s degree programmes.

Structure

The programme spans six semesters of fulltime study. In the third semester you select the topics that best correspond to your prior knowledge, interests and career goals by choosing to specialise in either Chemistry or Biological Chemistry. The study programme can also be completed on a part-time basis. Furthermore, the modular structure enables you to spend a semester studying abroad and take part in student exchanges with other universities.

The first two semesters, in which you obtain a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, biology and general chemistry, are identical for both majors. You then select one of two specialisations: Chemistry or Biological Chemistry. Project-oriented work, often in collaboration with industry, is a central part of the specialised studies. You conclude your studies with a Bachelor’s thesis. During the entire study programme, you are trained to enhance your communication skills, as well as your ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Educational objectives

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree programme provides a broad education in chemistry, biology and chemical engineering, with mathematics and physics as foundations, which enables you to react flexibly to a rapidly changing professional environment.

The two specialisations allow you to focus on a particular area without losing sight of the overall goal of acquiring a thorough education in general chemistry. The inclusion of biological chemistry in the study programme extends the variety of career paths available to you on graduation. You practise implementing the concepts acquired in lectures through tasks in the laboratory in step with actual practice. In addition, you learn to study independently to cope with new areas of work through the individual self-study component (around 50 percent of the degree programme). In the final year, your knowledge and skill are deepened through participation in applied research and development projects.

Career prospects

Chemistry graduates from a university of applied sciences are particularly sought after by private and public enterprises and government departments because of the practical orientation of the degree programme. In large companies, they tend to work in specialized fields, while in small and medium-sized enterprises they often assume broad responsibilities in technological positions, leadership and management.

Industry and manufacturing

Research and development

Consulting, cantonal and federal agencies

Conditions for acceptance

The study programme is multidisciplinary and taught in German. Students come from a broad variety of educational backgrounds. Candidates with a vocational baccalaureate (Berufsmaturität) and related vocational training can begin their studies directly:

For information on additional admission options (e.g. foreign qualifications), please contact the programme director.

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