Master of Science in Biology
The University of Fribourg offers a multidisciplinary study programme leading to the degree of Master of Science in Biology, with four options: Biochemistry, Ecology & Evolution, Plant-pathogen interactions, and Zoology. The programme consists of 90 ECTS credits and corresponds to 18 months of full-time study. English is the principal language for all activities, but the students can choose to take their exams in English, French or German.
Our Master programme places a special emphasis on the development of the student's scientific capabilities, such as independent thinking, problem-solving skills, critical evaluation of data, oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work in a team. As a Master student, you will deepen your knowledge of a selected area of biological sciences and acquire techniques needed in basic research as well as in practical applications such as biomedical and pharmacological research, biotechnology, public health, crop protection, sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, wildlife management, etc. An agreement with the Universities of Berne and Neuchatel (BENEFRI) as well as Lausanne allows you to take certain courses at those universities and have them credited for our Master programme. Your courses will be accompanied by discussions, student presentations and project writing exercises in order to stimulate an active participation of students. You will be integrated in one of the research teams and have the opportunity to experience all aspects of the daily life of a research scientist. You will gain extensive experience with academic research in biology and learn to plan, carry out, analyze and present research. The Master degree also paves the way to a potential PhD and an academic career in biology and related fields.
This website offers detailed information about our Master programme. If you would like to know more, please feel free to visit us, or contact a study advisor (see under the four master options) or any research group leader.
The registration deadline for the current academic year is 30th April. (late registration is, however, possible - see Admission & Registration). Students already registered at the University of Fribourg for Bachelor do not need to register for the Master.
Please contact Dr Alessandro Puoti.
Overview
The study leading to the title of Master of Science in Biology takes 3-4 semesters, normally beginning in a winter semester.
The program consists of three modules:
- Master courses: 30 ECTS credits
- Master thesis-related activities (seminars, literature study, research group meetings): 15 ECTS credits
- Master thesis: 45 ECTS credits
Four options (majors) are offered:
Master courses
For each option the University of Fribourg offers a number of obligatory and elective Master courses. Elective courses can also be chosen among Master level courses at the Universities of Berne and Neuchâtel (BENEFRI convention) or among activities of the “Doctoral Programs in Biology”. An individual programme of elective courses according to the study programme is established by each student. The study advisor of the student’s Master option may help in case of difficulties. An elective course not listed in the study programme of the three options (list below) may also be taken. In this case, the student must consult the study advisor. Completing the Master programme requires a minimum of 30 ECTS credits for Master courses. Courses are evaluated with a grade or on a pass/fail basis, based on an oral or a written exam, or on another aspect of the student's performance.
Thesis-related activities
As a member of a research team, each Master student takes parts in various activities such as research group meetings, seminars, literature study/journal club, etc. Students are expected to participate in those activities throughout the duration of the study. The credits for these activities amount to 15 ETCS points. Activities required from students following a given option are listed in the detailed programmes of each Master option.
Master thesis
The Master thesis is a scientific project carried out by a student under the supervision of a group leader within a research group of the Department of Biology or the Division of Biochemistry. The details vary with the option and research group, but in general the student is expected to establish a research strategy, plan the project, write a research proposal, carry out the research, analyse the results, present them in a formal seminar, and write them up in the form of a scientific paper. The written report in the form of a scientific paper, the oral presentation of the work and the practical work will be the objects of the final evaluation of the Master thesis. A Master thesis is evaluated with a grade and corresponds to 45 ECTS credits.
Each student should choose her/his thesis supervisor and be accepted at the latest by the 4th week (option Biochemistry) or the 8th week (all other options) of the first semester of the Master studies.
To facilitate this choice, students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the research carried out in the different research groups either before starting their studies or during the first weeks of their Master study, e.g., by taking part in their research group meetings. The student informs the student advisor of her/his choice.
If a thesis is evaluated as insufficient (graded less than 4.0), the student has the option to begin a new Master thesis in another research group. In this case, the student has to continue to participate in the Master thesis-related activities, and obtain again the corresponding ETCS credits.
