Master of Science in Medical Biology

General information

Aims
The Master of Science in Medical Biology program enables medical students and graduates (in addition to their regular degree in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine) to gain a basic natural science education which allows them to obtain a master’s degree at the Science Faculty of UZH, without previously attaining a degree in natural science.
The Master of Science in Medical Biology program is oriented exclusively towards master’s students as well as graduates of degree courses in human medicine, veterinary medicine or dentistry.
The Master of Science in Medical Biology program is supervised by an Interfaculty steering committee (IMPK), which consists of representatives of the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Medicine, and the Vetsuisse Faculty.

Duration
3 semesters

Propaedeutic studies
Please refer to the information document “Study guides” at the bottom of this page.

Master Thesis
The master’s dissertation can only be carried out in one of the research groups of the UZH or ETHZ belonging to the Life Science Zurich Graduate School. Students must endeavor independently to secure a position in a host institution. www.lifescience-graduateschool.ch

Admission requirements

The academic prerequisite for admission to the MSc in Medical Biology is a completed master's degree in human medicine, veterinary medicine or dentistry. The course is open to students of all nationalities.

This master’s course is NOT open to students with a degree in biology or biotechnology.

Selection of candidates is carried out by the Interfaculty MD-PhD committee (IMPK). Selection criteria include examination scores during medical studies and interviews with two members of the committee. In the interview, candidates’ prior knowledge of and interest in basic scientific research are determined, as well as the extent to which candidates have looked into the research field of their master’s dissertation, dealt with it intellectually and whether they possess the aptitude to implement this research in an operative manner.

At the time of application, applicants must have received confirmation of a position in a host institution in which to conduct the master’s dissertation. The UZH Admissions Office decides the admission based on the recommendation of the steering committee.

Study Guide

The study guide can be downloaded in the “Study guides” section at the bottom of this page.

Application

For details about the application process and required documents, please refer to the study guide.

Application Deadline
28 February (program begins in the subsequent fall semester)
30 September (program begins in the subsequent spring semester)

Language requirements

The language of instruction is English. International Applicants are required to prove adequate competence in English. Further information: https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/studies/application/languagerequirements.html