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Bachelor in Biology
The first three years of study lead to the grade of Bachelor of Science in Biology and are worth 180 ECTS credits. They give a vision as large as possible of the various fields of Biology, and of the different levels of organization of the living, from molecules to ecosystems.
Many courses are accompanied by practical work, which become increasingly more integrated with research labs as the studies progress. A range of optional courses and modules allows for diverse and in-depth curriculum. Such a Bachelor's degree trains students who are curious, independant, critical and motivated, while offering a broad and solid education in Biology. This grants students access to a variety of Master's programmes in specialised fields of Life Sciences.
Structure of the Bachelor in Biology
Bachelor's teachings are divided into 7 modules (M):
- M1 : compulsory courses of the 1st year.
- M2 : compulsory courses of the 2nd year.
- M3 : compulsory courses in Autumn semester of the 3rd year.
- M4 : First thematic choices module in Spring semester of the 3rd year.
- M5 : Second thematic choices module in Spring semester of the 3rd year.
- M6 : Third thematic choices module in Spring semester of the 3rd year.
- M7 : optional courses throughout 2nd and 3rd year.
The first step (module 1) of the Bachelor in Biology consist of courses in basic sciences which give the essential tools to the understanding of biology and courses in biology constructed to follow the development from molecules to organisms. Some practical work give basic necessary skills for further work in the labs.
During the second step of the programme (modules 2 and 3) obligatory courses widen the perception on the life organization forms and get deeper into knowledges in genetics, biochemistry, physiology and cellular and molecular biology. Important basis are set n the field of organismic and population biology from evolution to behaviour. A special emphasis is put on methodological skills (practical work in molecular biology, course of experimental design, bioinformatic and quantitative biology).
Finally the 6th semester is composed by modules 4,5 and 6 where 9 courses with specific thematics are proposed among which the students choose 3. These courses are directly linked to the different center of research from the departments of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine.
In parallel to the obligatory courses, the students must get 12 ECTS credits with optional courses. The can choose these courses either in a list of course proposed by the School of Biology to deepen their knowledge in a particular field in biology, either elsewhere at UNIL or in other high schools to broaden their scientific culture.
Moreover the programme of Bachelor in Biology integrate from 1rst to 3rd year a course of "Biology and Society". This course contributes to the training of "Biologist-Citizen" giving the students a general view of the socio-historical construction of scientific knowledge, a sensibility to the dynamic aspect of knowledge and making them think about their role in the society. This teaching broaches some thematics which are discussed at the "Anthropos" which is the interface for sciences and society". It is given out along the 6 semesters by different lecturers from the School of Biology and from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Politics of UNIL.
More informations on the study programme page.
Find Bachelor regulations here.
