Bachelor studies Natural Resource Sciences
An empirically-focused study programme dealing with issues such as the environment, nature, tourism, renewable energies, organic agriculture and horticulture, environmental systems and sustainable development, ecological engineering, nature management and urban ecosystems.

Why study Natural Resource Sciences?
Never before has the pressure on business and society to think and act in a resource-oriented and sustainable way been so great. Climate change in particular poses a major challenge to industry and governments. With a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Sciences, you will be able to tackle a variety of problems in areas where there are conflicting interests between economic and social demands, and have the opportunity to influence future developments in the fields of the environment, sustainability and energy.

«In my studies to become an environmental engineer, I am always facing new challenges, which is why I can improve my social skills in addition to my expertise. Furthermore, in the modules I choose myself, I have the opportunity to apply the theory I have learned in practice and am thus well prepared for my career entry.»
Domenika Bitterli, Environmental Engineering student,
Specialization Environmental Systems and Sustainable Development
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Sciences
- You can help influence the interaction between people and the environment, and assume responsibility for a future worth living in.
- You can be a specialist with broad interdisciplinary knowledge in the environmental sector, who is committed to finding environmentally and socially compatible solutions.
- You can develop sustainable solutions and strategies in the fields of natural resource sciences, including social and economic issues.
Good reasons for studying Natural Resource Sciences at the ZHAW
- We offer you a tailor-made and unique study programme which considers the requirements of future working environments while promoting responsible, independent action.
- You benefit from practical and application-oriented methodologies that are integrated into excursions, project weeks, laboratory and field work.
- Your study programme can be planned individually and flexibly, thus adapting it to your specific needs.
- Thanks to exchange semesters, internships and the possibility of writing Bachelor’s theses abroad, you can truly experience an international course of study.
- You study in magnificent surroundings, which fosters a perfect balance between inspiration and creativity.
Study programme and course content
The degree programme in Natural Resource Sciences comprises six semesters. The first year consists of the core curriculum followed by an individualised course of study, which you largely design yourself according to your specific interests and career goals. You choose your specialisation in the 2nd semester, of which there are five:
Please note: at the moment most of the information we can only offer in German.

«As a prospective natural resource scientist, you will study at the interface of the environment, society and technology.»
Danièle Lagnaz, BSc Programme Director at the Institute of Natural Resource Scienes

Specialisation «Agriculture and Horticulture»
Organic products - as a result of rising demands and high quality standards, the challenges for production, consulting and research are increasing.

Specialisation «Renewable Energies and Ecological Engineering»
The residential areas and cities of the future will be designed more sustainably and conforming to natural cycles, which calls for sustainable thinking and creativity.

Specialisation «Nature Management»
Solutions for the sustainable use of the nature and landscapes are in great demand. Here, balanced consideration of economic, social and ecological factors is indispensable.

Specialisation «Environmental Systems and Sustainable Development»
The focus is on people and how they can be motivated to act in a resource-conserving manner. Sustainability must be rethought and a contribution made to sustainable development.

Specialisation «Urban Ecosystems»
As urbanisation progresses, we face the challenge of developing solutions to reduce negative environmental impacts and improve the quality of life in residential areas.
In addition to specialisations, we offer you the opportunity to acquire interdisciplinary skills with a minor in optional modules. These additional qualifications are voluntary and round off your competencies in your chosen specialisation. We offer five minors:
No matter which model you choose: In addition to contact lectures, you should allow enough time for follow-up work and exam preparation at home (self-study).
Flexible study modules
FULL-TIME |
Duration: 6 semesters (180 ECTS) over 3 years 30 lectures per week |
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PART-TIME |
Duration: 8 to 12 semesters (180 ECTS) over 4 to 6 years Part-time studies are integrated into full-time studies. The individual timetable allows you to pursue a flexible professional career. Participation in the introductory week (Startwoche) at the beginning of your studies in addition to other project weeks are compulsory. Planning part-time studies (PDF) (in German) |
Module overview

Digital Course Planner
Would you like more details? In the course planner, you will find all the information about the individual modules. Filter the module overview by semester and see which options the programme offers you.
Practical relevance
The close connection to the Institute of Natural Resource Sciences and its research guarantees great practical relevance. In project weeks and excursions, as well as in in-depth modules, external specialists complement the instruction. In collaboration with them, you will work on current practical issues. In this way, you will get to know potential employers and future fields of activity.

«In my studies to become an environmental engineer, I was enabled to use the theory I had learned behind methods and tools in practical applications. The individual composition of the modules enabled me to sharpen my profile according to my own interests. I am ready to work in the environmental industry on innovative solutions for the future.»
Kim Jäggi, Environmental Engineering student
International exchange and mobility
Would you like to make your everyday life as a student truly international? We offer you attractive opportunities to do so: For example, you can experience an exchange semester in Europe, complete an internship module in an emerging country or write your Bachelor’s thesis in Asia - the offers are diverse and provide you with unique experiences.
Information on international exchanges and mobility:
Post-graduate employment opportunities
Environmental markets are developing rapidly and very dynamically. The areas of environmental technologies and services, energy and water supplies, regional agriculture, urban and landscape development are regarded as having high developmental potential both in the short and long term. In the course of (building) a sustainable economy, numerous new jobs are being created in the environmental sector.
The future relies on sustainability. With a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Sciences, you will be well equipped for this. The programme leads to professional qualifications, and thanks to the practically-oriented training, it will open up a wide range of career opportunities for you, be it as an employee in the private sector, public administration, a non-profit organisation, or as a self-employed entrepreneur.
Information, downloads and links

1. Things worth knowing
- Information events in Wädenswil: every spring and autumn
- Study brochure for the Bachelor's in Natural Resource Sciences (in German), download(PDF 5,6 MB)
- Study brochure for the Bachelor's in Natural Resource Sciences (in German), order copy
- Brochure «Study in Switzerland», courses taught in English(PDF 660,2 KB)
- Student Advisor contact list(PDF 95,2 KB)
- Contact form for online enquiries
3. Preparation
Please note: most of the information is currently only available in German.
4. Studying
Please note: most of the information is currently only available in German.
- CURRENT students find their relevant information in StudiWeb
- Module descriptions (StudiWeb)
- Modul guides (Moodle Course)
- Timetables: Published on Thursdays for the following week
- Exams and student papers (leaflets, specifications)
- Framework, examination and study regulations for the Bachelor's programme
- Campus live: Cultural and sports activities for your leisure time
- Marketplace: Helpful links to housing and discounts

Questions?
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements for the bachelor's programme in Natural Resource Sciences at the ZHAW.
Preparing to bachelor studies
We provide additional preparatory support courses for individual preparation (only in German).
Registration bachelor's programme
Entry requirements
Preparing to bachelor studies
Ready for a new chapter in your life? Apply now.
Entry requirements for the bachelor's programme in Natural Resource Sciences at the ZHAW.
We provide additional preparatory support courses for individual preparation (only in German).