There is a growing need in the biomedical, pharmaceutical and other life sciences industries for experts who understand the specifics of data management, modelling and computation in life sciences and the connected business environment. The specialisation in Applied Computational Life Sciences lays the foundation for a career in a rapidly developing field of research and business. This programme provides you with essential knowledge in a field where science meets business, and opens up career paths in international companies, agile start-ups and research institutions. Life Sciences are undergoing a profound change as a result of the developments of the digital revolution. Expertise in dealing with digital tools and large amounts of data will be key additions to subject specific skills in the future. In this Master’s programme, you will acquire these skills and combine them with your subject-specific experience and interests from your Bachelor’s degree.

Become a data scientist or simulation expert in your field! 

The Master of Science in Life Sciences (MSLS) is a Master’s programme that is run in partnership by a network of four universities of applied sciences: ZHAW, BFH, FHNW and HES-SO. The Institute of Applied Simulation is responsible for the specialisation in «Applied Computational Life Sciences».

Insight into the world of work "Computational Life Sciences"

• you acquire skills for processing and analysing data of various sizes and levels of complexity.
• you develop the conceptual and technical skills to combine your expertise in a Life Sciences discipline with the potential of computational methods.
• you become knowledgeable in computational modelling and the simulation of processes in your Life Sciences discipline.
• you are introduced to programming using modern scripting languages such as Python or R, you understand the basic concepts of software and computer architectures.

• you will analyse and solve complex problems in a life sciences field, and combine scientific, social and entrepreneurial thinking.
• you will be able to plan, implement, evaluate and present major research and development projects.
• career opportunities will open up in a dynamic and future-oriented field of work in international companies, agile start-ups and academic institutions.

• a flexible modular structure that allows you to specialise in your preferred field of application.
• an attractive mix of modules that combine scientific, social and economic topics in theory and practice.
• an international environment with a familiar atmosphere.

• a fascinating Master’s thesis on a state-of-the-art topic, and the benefit of individual support from an experienced mentor.
• The opportunity to gain extensive experience as part of a research group at the ZHAW and in close cooperation with industry partners.

The study consists of different categories of modules::

1. Modules in the specialisation (Specialisation Skills):

• Core modules: Competencies in the handling of digital tools, including dealing with data, modeling and simulation
• Track modules: Preparation for the Master Thesis in a specific field of application
• Master's thesis: The core of your studies

2. Modules in combination with the MSc Life Sciences:

• Core Competences: Generic modules to deepen topics that are relevant to your studies
• Cluster-specific modules: Interfaces between the technical and scientific core area and the economic and social environment

Core Modules - 20 credits

This module group consists of the following 4 modules: Programming, Algorithms and Data Structures, Mathematical Modeling, Databases and Data Architecture Systems, Machine Learning and Data Analytics

Classes are usually held on Mondays and Tuesdays in Wädenswil.

Track Modules - 10 credits

During two modules, you can deepen the thematic scope of your master's thesis. Classes are usually held on Monday and Tuesday in Wädenswil.

On the basis of research you have carried out, you answer a specific question in this field and work out concrete solutions that are relevant for research, industry and society, often in co-operation with national and international partners. Through the thesis you not only demonstrate your knowledge and skills, but also expand the state of research in your specific field of scientific expertise.

Cluster-specific modules complement the specialisation modules. The specialisation Applied Computational Life Sciences is part of the group BECS (Biomedical Engineering and Computational Science). You choose modules out of the group BECS, two of which are mandatory modules. In addition you also can choose elective modules out of all other clusters (see list by the module descriptions).

The Master's programme in Life Sciences takes 3 full-time semesters and comprises 90 credits (ECTS). This corresponds to a workload of approximately 2,700 hours. This intensive workload requires good planning and organisation.

Part-time study opens up numerous ways to achieve the objectives of the programme - adapted to your personal circumstances and needs. We recommend that students do not engage in any additional professional activities that exceed a maximum workload of 50% of a full-time position. You should consult your specialisation team individually about this matter. For administrative questions, please contact the registrar's office.

How you structure your part-time studies should be discussed and determined before commencement thereof when creating your Individual Study Agreement (ISA).

During your studies, you will expand your personal skills profile, in terms of your technical and methodological expertise as well as your self-competence. The focus on the Master's thesis encourages creative approaches to problem solving, re-examination of perspectives and a combination of entrepreneurial and scientific thinking.

Work in the research group will help you develop teamwork skills, initiative, critical thinking and leadership skills. We promote independent, research-based learning in small classes with interactive lessons.