Master of Science in Molecular Life Sciences
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Master of Science in Molecular Life Sciences
The goal of the Master of Science in Molecular Life Sciences (MLS) is to train students for the exploration of life through experimental and computational approaches.
Table of Contents
- Specialisations
- Study Programme
- Career Opportunities
- Overview
- Admission
Overview
The Master of Science in Molecular Life Sciences is a programme that brings together biology, medicine, and healthcare sciences under one roof, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations for successful translational research. This Master is for students enthusiastic about interdisciplinary work, leading to the acquisition of specialised and transferable skills, through both individual and group work.
Training Objectives
At the end of the Master of Science (MSc) in Molecular Life Sciences studies, students will be able to:
- use scientific knowledge and creativity to solve scientific problems in the molecular life sciences and computational biology
- answer a biological question by observation, collection of data from experiments and/or computational analyses
- observe and learn, both theoretically and experimentally, and adapt to new information
- analyse various types of data obtained either from their own research or from the scientific literature, to integrate and synthesise them
- handle, analyse and synthesise bibliographic resources (databases, scientific journals etc.), during the design and implementation of a scientific project
- critically appraise their own and others' scientific methods, results and conclusions
- engage in scientific discussions and problem solving
- organise and manage their work and projects individually and in a team, including being proactive in using key resources
- communicate about science orally and in writing (seminars, posters, written reports and scientific articles)
- defend a project in front of experts and explain its broader societal relevance
- be fluent in written and oral scientific English
Specialisations
The MLS Master offers two specialisations:
Bioinformatics
Trains flexible and adaptable interdisciplinary scientists, who are at ease both at the bench and at the computer. This is achieved by integrating a solid training in bioinformatics with biology.
Microbiology
Offers in-depth training across diverse microbial sciences, preparing students for research or careers in academia, biotech, or healthcare. It combines core courses with personalised options and hands-on research projects.
Study Programme
The first semester of the Master of Science in Molecular Life Sciences is centred on two compulsory courses through which the students will learn to sequence and analyse one or more microbial genomes, and to write a scientific literature review article. These courses are complemented by optional courses where the students can receive specific knowledge in the different fields of research of the teachers of the Master.
Career Opportunities
This Master will provide high-level training in the theory and practice of the molecular life sciences, analytical and critical thinking, written and oral communication abilities, as well as teamwork, project and time management, and other transversal skills. As such, this programme serves as a foundation for potential careers in:
- academic research
- applied biomedical research and diagnostics
- pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries
- environmental technologies
- science education and policy
- science publishing and communication
- regulatory offices
Admission
Candidates must be holders of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology or in a field considered to be equivalent awarded by a Swiss university. Other degrees awarded by a foreign university may be considered equivalent and grant access to the programme with or without further conditions.
Admission Requirements
- Degree: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology or equivalent
- Language: English, recommended level C1
- Enrolment: The degree course begins in the autumn semester only
- Application Deadline:
- Final enrolment date: April 30th
- Candidates needing a visa to study in Switzerland: February 28th
Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (MSc) in Molecular Life Sciences
- Possibility to obtain a specialisation in Bioinformatics or Microbiology
Programme Details
- ECTS credits: 120
- Duration: 4 semesters
- Teaching language: English
- Part-time: Possible under certain conditions