Bachelor’s degree in
Chemistry
Study programme
6 semesters to a Bachelor’s degree | page 4 What our students say
Romina and David | pages 5 and 10 Specialisations (majors)
Chemistry, Biological Chemistry | page 7 Prospects
Excellent job opportunities | page 8
Incoming international students: refer to page 11
Chemistry ZHAW LSFM 3
Chemistry
Study programme in
Creative processes
Study programme
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 creati-ve 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 ad- dition, 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.
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, physi-cal, chemical and biological models, the first step is to investigate how chemical processes work, and then to develop promising new sub-stances and processes in the laboratory on the basis of what you have learnt. Later in the pro-gramme, you choose whether to specialise in Chemistry or Biological Chemistry. These majors prepare you for the specific demands of your future professional career.
Our Bachelor’s degree programme in chemistry in Wädenswil is internationally recognized and has been awarded the ‘Chemistry Eurobache-lor®’ quality label, facilitating your access to European Master’s degree programmes.
Structure
The programme spans six semesters of full-time study. In the third semester you select the topics that best correspond to your prior know-ledge, 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 stu-dent 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 spe-cialisations: Chemistry or Biological Chemistry. Project-oriented work, often in collaboration with industry, is a central part of the specia-lised 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.
Do you enjoy
connecting theory
and practice?
In this programme
you learn how to
develop and analyse
substances and
Overview
1st and 2nd semesters Basic studies 3rd and 4th semesters Subject-specific studies 5th and 6th semesters Specialised studiesBasics General chemistry
Biology Mathematics Physics Informatics Basic lab courses - General chemistry - Analytical chemistry Culture, society and language Foreign languages
Analytical chemistry (including lab course) Inorganic chemistry Physical chemistry Organic chemistry (including lab course) Biochemistry Chemoinformatics Chemical engineering Modelling and simulation Micro- and cell biology Personnel management
Bioanalytics Ecology
Quality management
Measurement and control technology Chemical engineering
Advanced lab course Bachelor’s thesis Specialisation in Chemistry Industrial chemistry Lab courses - Organic chemistry - Chemical engineering Organic chemistry Lab courses - Industrial chemistry - Physical chemistry Specialisation in Biological Chemistry Biochemical engineering Molecular genetics Lab course
- Micro- and cell biology
Biochemistry Lab courses
- Bioprocess engineering - Biochemistry
Chemistry student
I like being on the move and the
de-gree programme in chemistry gives
me the dynamic atmosphere I need.
It’s a journey with a
variety of different options, which
never gets boring.
Chemistry ZHAW LSFM 7
6 Chemistry ZHAW LSFM
Specialisations
in the study programme
Chemistry
In addition to the broad theoretical and practi-cal foundation in chemistry, biology and che-mical engineering which all students receive independently of their specialisation and which accounts for about 70 percent of of the degree programme, this specialisation starting in the third semester includes advanced lectures and lab courses in the classical disciplines of application-oriented chemistry. You complete your project work in the sixth semester and the subsequent Bachelor's thesis in one of the re-search areas of the Institute of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry listed below.
Research areas for project work and thesis – Analytical chemistry – Industrial chemistry – Organic chemistry – Physical chemistry – Chemical engineering Areas of activity
– Development of syntheses, processes and materials
– Development of methods and implementation of analyses
– Set-up and application of measurement and sensor technology
– Project, operation and production management
– Design and implementation of process and environmental technology
– Process control, quality assurance and quality management
– Operational safety, risk analysis and risk management
– Technical purchasing and sales – Consulting and training for employees
and customers
Biological Chemistry
The young discipline of biological chemistry uses an interdisciplinary approach to enhan-ce understanding of the mysteries of life and to enable this understanding to be turned to practical use. It involves investigation of the chemical processes in living organisms. This requires additional theoretical and practical knowledge of biochemistry, micro and cell bio-logy, biochemical engineering and molecular genetics. Career opportunities can especially be found in the life sciences industry, where the detection of correlations at the interface of chemistry and biology has a high priority. You do your project work in the sixth semester and the subsequent Bachelor's thesis in one of the research areas of our Institute listed below. Research areas for project work and thesis – Analytical chemistry – Biochemistry – Microbiology – Cell biology – Biochemical engineering Areas of activity – Development of pharmaceuticals, processes and materials
– Development of methods and implementation of bioanalyses – Development and production of cell
and tissue material
– Production of chemicals using biological methods
– Project, operation and production management
– Process control, quality assurance and quality management
– Operational safety, risk analysis and risk management
– Technical purchasing and sales – Consulting and training for employees
and customers
Follow your own
interests by selecting
chemistry or bio-
logical chemistry as
the focus of your
stu-dies.
Pictur
Prospects
Career prospects
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 ove-rall 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 gra-duation. You practise implementing the con-cepts acquired in lectures through tasks in the laboratory in step with actual practice. In addi-tion, 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 skills are deepened through participation in applied research and develop-ment projects.
Master’s degree
programme / Continuing
education
Chemistry graduates from a university of applied sciences are particularly sought after by priva-te and public enpriva-terprises and government de-partments 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 – Fine and speciality chemicals
– Agricultural, construction and cleaning chemicals
– Plastics, textile, paint and coating chemicals – Manufacturers of cosmetics, fragrances
and flavours – Food chemistry – Pharmaceutical industry – Biotechnology
– Nanotechnology
Research and development – Universities and research institutes – Chemical or related industries
– Manufacturers of analytical instruments and chemical and biotechnological equipment Consulting, cantonal and federal agencies – Analytical laboratories
– Energy, environmental and engineering offices
– Hospitals
– Public administration
After successfully completing your Bachelor’s degree at the ZHAW in Wädenswil, you can opt for the research-based and practically-oriented Master of Science in Life Sciences degree with the specialisation “Chemistry for the Life Sciences”. A Master’s degree enhan-ces your career opportunities, particularly in international companies.
www.lsfm.zhaw.ch/master
You can also attend practice-related continuing education courses or study programmes (MAS, DAS, CAS) at a university of applied sciences or traditional university. Participation in confe-rences, for example those taking place at the Institute of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, equips you with new knowledge and fosters professional networking.
www.icbc.zhaw.ch
After studying
chemistry in
Wädenswil you are
ideally equipped and
sought after for
posi-tions of
Chemistry ZHAW LSFM 11
10 Chemistry ZHAW LSFM
Chemistry student
I work hard every day to achieve
my goals. Getting a degree in
chemistry and taking part in the
2016 Olympic Summer Games
are both exciting challenges that
inspire me to give everything
I’ve got.
David
Important information
www.icbc.zhaw.ch/bachelor
Support from the ZHAW
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: – Laboratory technician with a state-
recognised qualification EFZ in the field of chemistry – Laboratory technician EFZ
in the field of biology – Laboratory technician EFZ
in the field of paints and coatings – Laboratory technician EFZ
in the field of physics – Laboratory technician EFZ
in the field of textiles
– Chemical and pharma technologist EFZ – Candidates with a vocational baccalaureate
(Berufsmaturität) and an apprenticeship in an unrelated profession are required to have one year’s work experience in a related profession. Six months of general work experience are recognised, meaning that a candidate with this experience would have to complete a further six months of work in a field related to chemistry.
– Candidates with an academic baccalaurea-te or professional baccalaureabaccalaurea-te (Fachmatu-rität) must have 12 months’ work experi-ence in a relevant field. The recognition of work experience or internships completed is granted by the programme director “sur dossier”.
For information on additional admission options (e.g. foreign qualifications), please contact the programme director.
If you do not have the relevant work experi-ence, you can take a laboratory introduction course here at the ZHAW. This prepares you for the internship in industry which you need for admission to the Chemistry degree program-me. The ZHAW laboratory introduction course lasts three months and provides training in the important skills and work techniques which are required in a laboratory. It begins mid-August.
International exchange
Would you like to do part of your studies abroad? The ZHAW provides this valuable opportunity. An exchange semester, a foreign internship, attendance at a summer school, a field trip or a language course all bring many advantages: you get to know a different culture and language as well as another educational and research system, and gain experience for your professional life. Chemistry students can participate in a bilateral exchange programme with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in the USA. The School of Life Sciences and Facility Management at the ZHAW is currently linked with over 70 partner universities in 15 European countries as part of the Erasmus+ life-long learning programme. Our specialist academic counsellors and the staff of the In-ternational Relations Office at the ZHAW (IRO)
Dates
The study programme begins mid-September. The registration deadline is 30 April.
* German at C1 level (Cambridge Advanced or equivalent) is required.
Incoming international students For undergraduate or graduate students who are not familiar with the German lan-guage, we offer an advanced lab course in English which is individually designed to meet your needs in our institute’s research centres.
You can choose from a broad range of disciplines from Tissue Engineering to In-dustrial Chemistry. Our modern labs are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. If you are not familiar with the necessary techniques for your project, our experi-enced staff will support you.
Our projects are industrially relevant and generally in close cooperation with indus-trial partners. Ideally, your project will last from 3 to 12 months (equivalent to 15 – 60 ECTS).
will be pleased to provide individual consulta-tion without obligaconsulta-tion. For more informaconsulta-tion on international student mobility and reports of students’ experiences, see “International” on www.lsfm.zhaw.ch.
ZHA
W Campus Reidbach / Einsiedlerstr
asse
ZHA
W Campus Reidbach / Seestr
asse
ZHA
W Campus Grüental
Studying in Wädenswil
The ZHAW is one of the leading Swiss univer-sities of applied sciences, with around 10,000 students currently enrolled. The School of Life Sciences and Facility Management is located in Wädenswil on the left bank of the Lake of Zurich. Here, teaching and research are carried out in areas relating to the environment, food and nutrition, and health and society.The study and continuing education pro-grammes include five undergraduate degree programmes (Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Food Technology, Natu-ral Resource Sciences, Facility Management), two Master’s programmes (Life Sciences, Fa-cility Management) and a broad selection of continuing education courses. Around 1,500 students are currently enrolled in Wädenswil.
Contact
Zurich University of Applied Sciences Life Sciences and Facility Management Grüental – PO Box – CH-8820 Wädenswil Registrar’s office:
+41 58 934 59 61
studiensekretariat.lsfm@zhaw.ch Student guidance: