Studies leading to the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology degree give the broadest possible view of different areas of biology as well as the various levels of organisation of living beings, from the molecule to ecosystems.
Many courses include practical work that is increasingly integrated with research laboratories as studies progress. A range of optional classes and modules allows students to tailor their course and explore the subject in more detail.
A Bachelor’s course of this kind provides a broad, solid foundation in biology, leading to a wide range of Master’s options examining specialist areas in life sciences.
Career prospects depend partly on the choice of Master’s course.
Areas of activity
Any area of activity that requires an integrated view of the living world
Teaching: upper or lower secondary, administration
Academic research and federal research centres
Culture: museums and libraries
Public services and environmental protection organisations
Pharmaceutical and biomedical industry
Biotechnology firms
Health: hospitals, medical laboratories, administration
Design and engineering offices and/or consultancies (ecology, environment, patents)
Communication or scientific journalism
FAMH specialisation
The Association des laboratoires médicaux (Association of medical laboratories – FAMH) offers an interdisciplinary postgraduate training course in medical biological diagnosis lasting a minimum of four years for the specialist disciplines of haematology, clinical chemistry, clinical immunology and medical microbiology. Admission is via an entrance examination.
Every two years, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (OFS) conducts a survey on graduate employment, one year after students have completed their course. View the results for Biology graduates online:
Results of the survey for UNIL graduates specifically
Géraldine Menoud
Student, Bachelor in Biology. Interviewed in 2022.
How did you choose your studies?
"Biology studies are very interesting, because you learn so much about yourself and the world around you. It requires discipline, but it's really worth it!"
A lot of students think this way, and I think it's important to point out that biology is also a difficult course. The first year includes a lot of hard sciences as well as biological sciences, and the exam conditions are very demanding. You have to work very hard, and regularly. So I recommend that you choose this course out of genuine interest, and not simply by default. Personally, I'm happy with my choice today, but I wouldn't advise following the same path as the one that led me here!
I'm planning to do a Master's degree, I really like teaching and I'm thinking of becoming a secondary school teacher. That said, I'm aware that places are scarce and I'd also love to do research or work in a private company. In fact, I got a placement in a microbiology laboratory in Lausanne this summer! We're lucky to have teachers who are very willing to help us find placements. LAB, our student association, also organises visits to laboratories, museums, etc. to see where our teachers work. It really helps us to see what's out there for us and to plan ahead!
Biology studies are very interesting, because you learn a lot about yourself and the world around you. It requires discipline, but it's well worth it! It's normal to question your decision as the exam session approaches, it happens to a lot of students and I advise you to wait until the end of the session before giving up. You don't necessarily understand straight away why you need so much maths and chemistry in the first year, but then everything starts to make sense. I'd also advise you not to fall too far behind on the series of exercises - they add up quickly! It's also important to find out when registration for courses opens, because courses and seminars with limited enrolment sometimes fill up in less than two minutes! As for the skills that can help you succeed in these studies, knowing how to synthesise (for example, how to summarise a scientific article) and having some computer skills can make the task easier. That said, there's no need to stress if you don't already have these skills: they develop as the semesters go by!
Exchanges and mobility
Going on a university exchange is a unique and highly rewarding experience, provided you prepare well. The first thing to remember is that you need to start taking steps well in advance. For example, if you're planning to go away in your 3rd year of a bachelor's degree, you should start taking steps at the beginning of your 2nd year at the latest.
