Program Overview

Bachelor’s studies in Informatics

The Bachelor’s studies in Informatics at the University of Zurich offer students the opportunity to develop their individual study profile by choosing from three different specializations as major subjects.

Specializations

• Information Systems: This specialization combines methods from computer science and business administration to solve problems of enterprises in a holistic manner. Students learn to analyze problems and information needs in companies and develop and deploy suitable information systems and applications.
• Software Systems: This specialization deals with the development of entire systems, taking into account systematic and economic criteria. Students learn how to realize systems like apps, web applications, and database management systems.
• Informatics with Natural Sciences: This specialization offers an interdisciplinary education, providing students with specific knowledge in biology, geography, or mathematics and teaching them how to solve scientific research questions using IT systems.

The First Year

The first year is called the Assessment Level, where all modules are the same regardless of the chosen specialization. A German certificate (C1 level) is required for the Bachelor's program in Informatics. The first year consists of two semesters:

First Semester

• Informatics I
• Informatik und Wirtschaft
• People-Oriented Computing
• Betriebswirtschaftslehre I
• Mathematik I
• Mikroökonomik für Informatikstudierende

Second Semester

• Informatics II
• Foundations of Computing I
• Betriebswirtschaftslehre II
• Statistics
• Mathematik II

The Second and Third Year

The modules in the second and third year depend on the chosen specialization and the current offering. Students can check the online Course Catalogue for more information.

Informatics Minor

Studying Informatics can be a good complement to almost any major subject and provides excellent chances on the job market. On the Bachelor’s level, depending on the Major study program (home faculty), the following minor study programs are available:

| for INF | for OEC | for other faculties
---|---|---|---
Information Systems (30) | √ | √ |
Software Systems (30) | √ | |
People-Oriented Computing (30) | √ | √ | √
People-Oriented Computing (60) | | | √
Informatics (30) | | √ | √
Informatics (60) | | | √

Structure

The Bachelor's study program consists of the Assessment Level (2 semesters) followed by the Advanced Level (4 semesters). In the Assessment Level, students gain basic knowledge in Informatics, Economics, Mathematics, and Statistics. The Advanced Level consists of modules from Informatics, Economics, and the chosen specialization. In the mandatory classes, students acquire the foundations of scientific work.

• In the Assessment Level, students earn 60 ECTS credits.
• In the Advanced Level, students earn 90 ECTS credits, which includes 18 ECTS credits for the Bachelor thesis.
• The Bachelor thesis is the culmination of the studies.
• Students freely choose their minor study of 30 ECTS credits.

Background Knowledge for Studying

Good English skills are important, as some modules on the Bachelor level are held in English, and a large part of the required reading materials are only available in English. No prior knowledge in programming is necessary for the Informatics modules, as students will learn programming during their Bachelor studies.

After Studying

Completing the studies in Informatics on the Bachelor level provides students with a broad, interdisciplinary, and methodologically sound basic education. It is the first step into the professional world. With a BSc in Informatics, students are already much sought-after on the job market. In addition, they qualify for continuing studies on the Master level.