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Bachelor of Science in Computational Sciences, Major in Computational Biology

Developments in computer science as well as in large scale methods for data collection have changed the practice of natural sciences. The interdisciplinary Bachelor’s degree program in Computational Sciences offers five different Majors, of which the Major in Computational Biology allows direct entry into the Master of Science program in Molecular Biology at the Biozentrum. 

The Bachelor of Science in Computational Sciences is dedicated to the application of computational approaches to natural sciences, mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. The first year of the three-year program is methods-focused and common for all students. Specialization begins in the second year with the choice of one of the five Majors offered: 

  • Computational Biology
  • Computational Chemistry
  • Computational Mathematics
  • Computational Methods
  • Computational Physics

The Major in Computational Biology is provided by the Biozentrum, a worldwide leading institute for Molecular Biology and Biomedical basic research and teaching.

Study program

1st Year 
In the first year, students acquire fundamental knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and biology. The compulsory core subjects are the same for all students of computational sciences.

2nd Year
Courses linked to the Major in Computational Biology start in the second year, which includes lectures in mathematics, computer science and molecular biology. This program is therefore suited for quantitative studies of biological systems, e.g. in systems and structural biology, biophysics, genetics or bioinformatics. As of  autumn 2023, you will also attend the new practical course “Experimental Molecular Biology” and one in one in Bioinformatics. In addition, with the Biozentrum Research Summer program, we also offer the unique opportunity to actively immerse yourself into research by joining one of Biozentrum’s labs for seven to nine weeks.

3rd Year 
The third year is strongly practice oriented. You will participate in a six-week, all-day block courses in «Structural Biology and Biophysics» that covers both theoretical and experimental aspects. Furthermore, you will be actively involved in two research projects. These projects are tailored to this Bachelor program and can be conducted in the research groups that are involved in the program, e.g. Molecular Modelling and Drug Design, Application of deep sequencing to the study of evolution, genetics, gene expression and diseases are possible topics.

Should you have questions concerning the course of studies please contact the Student Office Computational Sciences (see below). 

Career perspectives

A Bachelor of Science in «Computational Sciences» enables you to either start working or to pursue a Master’s and subsequently a doctoral degree. Many paths open for graduates in both academic research as well as in many types of companies, from pharmaceutical to software development companies, all of which are strongly developing their data science activities. With the lecture series «Studium! Was dann?», which takes place several times each semester, you can inform yourself about possible career paths in the field of computational science.

Key facts

Admission
To be eligible to enroll for this course of studies a Swiss «Matura» or a recognized, equivalent diploma is required. You can find further information here.

Course start
The bachelor’s degree program in Computational Sciences starts each fall semester only. The application deadline is 30 April. You can find further application information here.

Course structure
The Bachelor of Computational Sciences is a monocourse consisting of a core subject.  

Elective subjects
In the second and third year of the study, elective subjects supplement the compulsory science subjects. These may be chosen, according to individual interests, from most of the range of subjects offered at the university. 

Duration of studies
6 semesters 

Credit points
Successful completion of course work is awarded with credit points (CP) according to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). One credit point corresponds to a workload of approx. 30 hours. Evidence of achievement of 180 CP is required for the Bachelor of Science. 

  • Basic studies (first year) 61 CP
  • Advanced studies (second and third years) 119 CP

Preparatory course in mathematics
Prior to the start of the semester, an intensive, one-week preparatory course in mathematics is offered for all new science students. The aim of this course is to refresh previous knowledge and to help fill any gaps. 

Further information:
Detailed information: www.computational.unibas.ch
The university organizes the Information Day Bachelor each year.

click below for leaflet download
Bachelor & Master of Science

Contact:

University of Basel, Student Office Computational Sciences
Dr. Sabine Meinel
Klingelbergstrasse 80
4056 Basel   
Tel.: +41 (0) 61 207 57 29
E-Mail: sabine.meinel(at)unibas.ch
www.computational.unibas.ch 

Office hours: Wednesday and Friday. Appointments can be made on request.