Master of Science (MSc) in Biogeosciences

Student testimonial (in French)

Presentation

General content

The Master of Sciences in Biogeosciences is the result of the integration of two fields of natural sciences: biology and geology. It reflects the emergence of new fields of research in the many areas of contact between these two disciplines.

The objective of this Master’s degree is to train you in the field of integrated natural sciences or Biogeosciences. It aims, through training based on the most modern techniques, to provide the essential knowledge and tools necessary for the discovery, understanding and management of natural environments in perpetual evolution on scales that are variable in time and space.

Practical information

Organiser
University of Lausanne - Faculty of Geosciences and Environment
University of Neuchâtel - Faculty of Science

Degree awarded
Master of Science (MSc) in Biogeosciences

ECTS credits
120

Duration
4 semesters

Teaching language
French (recommended level: C1) and some courses in English (recommended level: B2).

Admission requirements
Candidates must be holders of a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences and Environment, subject area Geology, awarded by the University of Lausanne or of a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Another degree or academic title may be judged equivalent and give access to the master’s degree course, with or without further conditions.

Enrolment and final dates
The degree course begins in the autumn semester only.
Applications must be submitted to the Admissions Department before the deadline.
Final enrolment date: 30 April. Candidates needing a visa to study in Switzerland: 28 February.

More information
Regulations and course descriptions

Career prospects

This Master’s degree will teach you to understand and measure the interactions between the geosphere and the biosphere. It will prepare you to take an interdisciplinary approach, with courses in chemistry, ecology, biology, geology and pedology. The soil and its constituents, where many of these interactions take place, is central to your course as both the link between and product of the geosphere and biosphere.

As an academic course, this Master’s degree will teach you how to set up your own project, select the most appropriate methods, compare your observations with the scientific literature and develop a critical mindset. The presentations and reports you will be asked to produce will train you to communicate clear and understandable information orally, in writing or in the form of diagrams or maps. All of these skills will prepare you for a wide range of professions in a variety of working environments, such as:

  • Federal and cantonal administrations
  • Non governmental organisations
  • Consulting firms
  • Conservation and management of nature
  • Conservation and management of soils
  • Academic careers

Former students occupy a wide variety of roles, such as cantonal pedologist, scientist, scientific communicator, secondary school teacher and ecological consultant.

 

Subject to changes.
The French version prevails. Only the official texts should be considered binding.
Last update: 14 March 2024

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Version: March 2023

Contact

Faculté des géosciences et de l'environnement
Quartier UNIL-Mouline
Bâtiment Géopolis
CH-1015 Lausanne

Tél. +41 21 692 35 13

www.unil.ch/biogeosciences/home.html

Enrolment

Unicentre - CH-1015 Lausanne
Switzerland
Tel. +41 21 692 11 11
Fax +41 21 692 20 15