Bachelor of Science in Biology

The study of biology imparts knowledge of the fundamental processes on which life is based, from the simplest bacteria to the human being. This includes development and behaviour of organisms,  their interaction with the environment and of course the molecular mechanisms governing gene regulation, cell biology and homeostasis. In addition to lectures, the study programme contains exercises, practical training and seminars, as well as a Bachelor's thesis project to be taken in a research unit.

• Profile and Options

  The study programme in biology opens the door to a fascinating world. It imparts knowledge of the basic processes underlying life. Biology deals with the smallest molecular structures, such as genetic material or proteins, as well as with the architecture of entire cells and tissues that contribute to the development of complex organisms. In addition to the analysis of the structure, function and interaction of macromolecules, such as molecular networks and cellular interactions, the development and behaviour of organisms and their interactions with the environment are also studied. Biological research provides the foundations for genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, biotechnology, evolutionary biology and environmental sciences. In the medical area, biological research imparts essential knowledge about the structure and functioning of the human body, based on which medicine can determine the causes and effects of illnesses and develop suitable therapies. With the help of biological knowledge, pharmaceutics can in turn produce indispensable drugs, such as insulin or antibiotics, from genetically altered microorganisms instead of from their natural biological source. The production of such drugs is more economical and much more effective. When it comes to farming, crops are equipped with resistance factors against pests and are made less sensitive to drought or a lack of nutrients. In addition, optimal conditions can be determined for the sustainable use of natural resources.

  Fribourg profile

  The bachelor programme consists of the 120-ECTS major, plus one or two selectable additional minors totalling  60 ECTS . The major includes the propaedeutics in mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology, as well as many lectures, exercises, practical courses, and a bachelor's thesis in a research unit.

  The first academic year is the same for all students and constitutes solid scientific foundation for the higher semesters. It imparts the necessary and indispensable scientific basic knowledge for the study of biology, the so-called propaedeutic subjects.

  Second and third year: environmental biology and organisms
  Ecology consists of the study of living organisms and their interplay with their biotic environment – the other living organisms – and the biologically dead environment. The understanding of this interrelationship is seen solely within the context of evolutionary theory.
  These two aspects are thus closely linked to each other. The areas of ecology and evolution are encompassing and varied, ranging from the study of micro-organisms to the study of natural ecosystems, from the dynamics of populations to the understanding of the processes of species creation. Because of the global changes that are due to human activities, ecology has become a main issue in society. The protection of biological diversity, the study of biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems are very active areas of research. Due to its diversity, the study of ecology and evolution calls for a solid basis in general and molecular biology, genetics, and knowledge of species, but also in chemistry, physics and especially mathematics and statistics. This orientation covers different areas, whereby theoretical lectures, laboratory courses, and field work are offered.

  Second and third year: molecular and cellular topics
  Other lectures are strongly focused on research projects within the field of zoology and plant biology conducted in molecular biology on animal and plant model systems (C. elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, mouse, Arabidopsis and Petunia). In addition to the conventional strategies in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and cell biology, the spectrum of experimental methods also encompasses other modern techniques, such as fluorescence and confocal microscopy, «high throughput» DNA sequencing and analysis of results with bioinformatic methods, purification and analysis of protein complexes and mass spectroscopy, PCR and the production of transgenic or genetically modified microorganisms, plants or animals.

  The courses of the bachelor in biology are held in German and/or in French, or on some occasions in English or bilingual French/German.

• Admission and teaching organisation

  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 webpage 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 as well as the admission requirements for individual countries are to be found on the webpages of swissuniversities.

  In addition, foreign candidates must present proof of sufficient language skills in French or German.

  Teaching Mode

  • Courses introduce students to scientific rigor and methodology. They allow the acquisition of essential knowledge and the understanding of fundamental concepts.
  • Exercises accompany the courses by contributing to the comprehension and assimilation of their content. They provide an opportunity to apply general principles and to practice techniques and methods.
  • Practical work forms the basis of the scientific approach. Students are confronted with biological experiments, learn to use various specific techniques, and develop their powers of observation, critical analysis, and interpretation of results.
  • The Bachelor’s thesis (13 ECTS credits) is an introduction to scientific research within a research team. It is carried out under the supervision of an experienced researcher.

  Teaching language

  BSc courses are taught in French or German. However, students always have the possibility to express themselves in either language. Courses may occasionally be offered in English. The Bachelor’s thesis can be written in French, German, or English.

• Choice of Minor Study Programmes

   

  Minors from the Faculty of Science and Medicine for BSc biology students

  Study Programme	ECTS
  Mathematics	30  |  60*
  Informatics	30  |  60*
  Physics	30  |  60*
  Chemistry	30  |  60*
  Earth Sciences	30  |  60
  Geography	30  |  60*
  Medical and Molecular Life Sciences	30
  Biology – from Genes to Ecosystems	30
  Biochemistry	30  |  60
  Environmental Sciences	30  |  60
  Sport Sciences and Motor Control	30  |  60*

  *This Bachelor-level study programme, complemented by the corresponding Master-level programme, provides access to the pedagogical-didactic training in the respective teaching subject within the framework of the teaching diploma for secondary schools (LDM).

  Minors from other faculties

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

   

• Mobility

  BENEFRI and (Inter)national