Bachelor Environmental Sciences
Specialists for the Environment
Protecting the environment, making sustainable use of resources and conserving them for future generations are some of the biggest challenges facing mankind today. These are precisely the topics which form the focus of environmental sciences, with researchers investigating the impact of global warming, shedding light on how we can protect ecosystems and testing out methods of preventing the spread of pollutants.
Career profile
Environmental scientists work in a range of professional fields, their interdisciplinary training makes them highly sought-after experts. Nowadays, environmental and planning offices, public administration, insurance providers, financial institutions and other service companies all need the expertise of highly qualified environmental specialists, as do political bodies and organisations involved in international cooperation.
Environmental scientists are typically employed as, for example, project managers for environmental organisations, specialists in sustainable investment products, risk experts for dealing with natural disasters, environmental consultants for building projects, forest rangers for Swiss cantons, research scientists or lecturers at universities of applied sciences and other educational institutions.
Bachelor's degree programme (180 credits)
During the first two years of the Bachelor’s degree programme, students develop fundamental knowledge of the basic principles of mathematics and the natural sciences, complemented by a grounding in environmental law and economics. Building on this disciplinary knowledge, students are then familiarised with environmental systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere and pedosphere) through lectures, exercises, practical sessions and excursions.
A range of courses in humanities and social sciences are also offered, providing knowledge in these areas and fostering critical thought and reflection.
In the third year, students may choose from five specialisation subjects (see below). The scientific Bachelor’s thesis, which students complete independently, is another focus of the third year.
General basic courses:
Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Environmental Systems, Environmental Problem-solving
Courses in Humanities and Social Sciences:
Environmental Law, Swiss Environmental Policy, Economics, etc.
Specialisation subjects:
– Atmosphere and Climate
– Biogeochemistry
– Human-environment Systems
– Environmental Biology
– Forest and Landscape
Scientific and technical electives
For detailed information go to the pages in German Umweltnaturwissenschaften
Master's degree programme (120 credits)
The Master’s degree programme imparts the ability to address complex and interdisciplinary issues at a high scientific level and thus provides the basis for an academic career. Holders of this Master’s degree also acquire the skills necessary to offer innovative solutions for society, science and the economy.
The Master’s degree programme offers six specialisations (see below). A traineeship in Switzerland or abroad enables students to address environmental questions in a non-academic setting. In the Master’s thesis, students apply what they have learned to a specific scientific problem.
A specialisation in:
– Atmosphere and Climate
– Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics
– Human Health, Nutrition and Environment
– Ecology and Evolution
– Environmental Systems and Policy
– Forest and Landscape Management
Additional subjects and/or electives, work experience (18 weeks)
Master’s thesis (6 months)
Follow this link for all consecutive and specialised Master's degree programmes