Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

The Bachelor's programme in biochemistry is devoted to the study of fundamental chemical and physical processes in living organisms. It comprises molecular studies with a specific focus on enzymes and their role as catalysts in chemical reactions. A main interest is the study of cellular functions including the mechanisms involved in cell proliferation and development.

Students also learn techniques for analyzing DNA and genetic information as an integral part of the study program. The biochemistry course thus gives students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with practical laboratory methods that are applied in several disciplines. It requires knowledge of the research tools used in chemistry and biology (microscopy, spectrometry, DNA sequencing, etc.). A command of bioinformatics tools is also essential to be able to store, manage and interpret the overwhelming volume of data provided by current analytical techniques.

• Profile and Options

  Biochemistry involves the study of fundamental chemical and physical processes within living organisms. It focuses especially on molecules such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. The topics studied cover fundamental functional aspects of cells and organisms in the context of human medicine, molecular biology, microbiology, environmental science, industry and biotechnology. Biochemistry encompasses first and foremost the study of enzymes, which are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions. These enzymes form metabolic pathways through which molecular components are synthesized and transformed. The regulation and orchestration of bio-synthetic and bio-degradative pathways, the control of cellular reactions in response to environmental factors, cell division, cellular senescence, and programmed cell death (apoptosis) are all extensively studied topics. Furthermore, since all the information that determines form, growth, as well as distinct biological features, is contained in the DNA of a given species or the respective organisms, the molecular processes that enable duplication, repair, interpretation and modification of genetic material also form an integral part of the theoretical and practical studies in biochemistry.

  It is worth noting that biochemical processes have the enormous advantage of taking place at room temperature and in aqueous solutions. Biochemical methods therefore often allow the production and synthesis of application-oriented molecules in both an elegant and environmentally safe manner. Given the great sensitivity of enzymes, their highly specific role and their power as catalysts, biochemical methods are playing an ever more important role in analytical techniques. The great leaps in progress achieved in pharmacology, medical diagnostics, preventive medicine (vaccination), food technology, agro-chemistry and environmental technology are thus due to a large extent to our understanding of the underlying biochemical processes.

  Modern biology has become a trans-disciplinary science. The corresponding concepts derive from various disciplines, which not only include biochemistry, but also for instance developmental, evolutionary, and behavioral biology. As a result, biochemistry students are obliged to familiarize themselves with a variety of modern practical methods (e.g., optical and electronic microscopy, X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, and DNA sequencing) and with concepts of numerous disciplines. Moreover, life sciences benefit from of a flow of continuous technical innovation, which renders analytical tools increasingly sensitive and effective. The latest analytical instruments produce data at such speed and in such quantities that simply storing the information is becoming a problem. Bioinformatics tools provide a means of analyzing large data set according to intelligent criteria. Modern biochemists have to familiarize themselves with these bioinformatics tools and learn how to put the large number of databases containing invaluable information to good use. Researchers no longer spend their time simply generating data, but also in analyzing and comparing their own data with the ones from their peers.

   

• Organisation and Admission

  The following Swiss school-leaving certificates grant admission to Bachelor programmes at the University of Fribourg:

  • Swiss academic Maturity Certificate
  • Swiss professional Maturity Certificate in conjunction with the supplementary exam certificate from the Swiss Maturity Commission
  • Bachelor Degree from a Swiss university, from an accredited Swiss university of applied sciences (HES/FH) or from a Swiss university of teacher education (HEP/PH)

  A complete list of all further recognized Swiss school-leaving certificates is to be found on the webpages of  swissuniversities (in French and German only).

  Foreign upper secondary school-leaving certificates are recognised only if they correspond substantially to the Swiss Maturity Certificate. They must qualify as general education. Foreign school-leaving certificates are considered to be general education if the last three years of schooling include at least six general education subjects, independent from each other, in accordance with the following list:

  1. First language (native language)
  2. Second language
  3. Mathematics
  4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics)
  5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law)
  6. Elective (an additional language or an additional subject from category 4 or 5)

  The general admission requirements to the Bachelor programmes at the University of Fribourg for holders of foreign school-leaving certificates are to be found on the webpages of swissuniversities, as well as the admission requirements for individual countries.
  In addition, foreign candidates must present proof of sufficient language skills in French or German.

   

• Choice of Minor Study Programmes

   

  Minors at the Faculty of Science and Medicine

  Study Programme	ECTS
  Mathematics	30  |  60*
  Informatics	30  |  60*
  Physics	30^  |  60*
  Chemistry	60*
  Chemistry for Biochemists	30
  Earth Sciences	30  |  60
  Geography	30  |  60*
  Medical and Molecular Life Sciences	30
  Biology – from Genes to Ecosystems	30
  Biologie A	30
  Biologie B	60
  Biologie E (LDM)	60*
  Neurosciences	30
  Environmental Sciences	30  |  60
  Sport Sciences and Motor Control	30  |  60*

  ^ Mathematics as secondary minor recommended

  * This study programme at Bachelor's level, supplemented by the corresponding study programme at Master's level, gives access to pedagogical-didactic training in the corresponding subject within the framework of the Teaching diploma for higher secondary schools.

   

  Minors at all Faculties

  Complete list of available minor programmes (see bottom of the page)

   

• Academic and professional openings

  In a century which seems set to become a «century of nano-science and bioscience», trained biochemists face a vast array of career opportunities.

  Ideally followed by a Master of Science in Biology (Option: Biochemistry), this Bachelor's degree prepares the future graduates for work in the area of research and technological development focusing on biology, biochemistry or nano-technology primarily within a variety of academic or entrepreneurial, private settings (e.g., agro-chemistry, pharmacology, or biotechnology). This degree therefore opens the doors to a career in either the public or private work environment, be it in in a laboratory, or in an administrative position dealing for instance with patents, environmental protection, health care, or agriculture.

  Biochemists with a Master's degree can continue to obtain a science doctorate in a university or specialized research institute. The professional openings for students who have successfully obtained their doctorate are similar, but with a higher degree of responsibility. For example, a Ph.D. followed by a post-doctorate training course is the ideal career path for a post as head of a research unit or as a university professor.