Biotechnology ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

Overview

Course Overview

Biotechnology is one of the crucial engineering sciences of the 21st century. With the advent of “-omics“ technologies we have insight into the functions of cells, tissues and organisms at unprecedented detail.

With novel methods such as next-generation sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, high-resolution imaging and miniaturization we have unique tools to understand and program cellular and molecular behaviour. In the Biotechnology program at ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, students are trained to utilise these novel developments for the study and re-programming of cells. 

At the same time, students are endowed with the knowledge of how to exploit biological systems for applications in health and the pharmaceutical and chemical industry. Next to insights into the most relevant advanced topics of modern biotechnology, students can profit in classes and projects from the close industrial ties and insights into the entrepreneurial aspects of modern biotechnology.

The master’s degree programme in biotechnology provides a scientific education in biotechnology with a focus on systems biology and synthetic biology. The master's degree qualifies for advanced development activities in biomedical research and development, the pharmaceutical industry and diagnostics, the chemical industry, related areas such as food and feed industry, and the corresponding sectors of public administration, associations, and consulting.

Careers

Job perspectives of graduates from the ETH master's degree programme in Biotechnology are excellent. Typical careers include employment and entrepreneurship in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry, including the major global players headquartered in Basel and the strong Swiss start-up sector in the biotechnology field, but also in a broad variety of other sectors ranging from chemistry and chemical engineering via food biotechnology and consulting to insurance and the public sector.