General Information
Switzerland is one of the signatory countries of the Bologna declaration. Like all Swiss universities, the University of Geneva participates in the Bologna Process, aimed among other things to promote mobility, and uses the European Credit Transfer System - ECTS.
Languages Used for Teaching
The BSc program is in French. The MSc program and the doctoral school are in English and don't require any French knowledge.
Comprehensive Curriculum
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Bachelor (BSc) in Biochemistry |
Bachelor (BSc) in Chemistry |
| Semesters 1-3 - chemistry / biochemistry common trunc in core areas inorganic chemistry • analytical chemistry • organic chemistry • physical chemistry • biochemistry • biology • maths • physics • computers |
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Semesters 4-6 - deepening basic knowledge of • molecular biology of the cell • environmental chemistry • colloids and polymers |
Semesters 4-6 - deepening basic knowledge of • environmental chemistry • colloids and polymers |
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The new rules for the MSc (4 semesters and 120 ECTS credits) Exceptionally and upon written request to |
The new rules for the MSc (4 semesters and 120 ECTS credits) Exceptionally and upon written request to |
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PhD in Biochemistry |
PhD in Chemistry |
| • research work under the guidance of a Professor of the School of chemistry and biochemistry | |
Assessment of Students
Assessments of the work of students results in awarding (numerical) marks, up to a maximum of 6.
As a general rule, to be considered successful, a score greater than or equal to 2/3 of the maximum is needed, i.e. ≥ 4.
BSc in Chemistry or Biochemistry
Maximum allowed duration to obtain a BSc: 5 years • 60 ECTS credits by successful study year
Terms of success
1st year
- scores ≥ 4 to exams in chemistry and biochemistry
weighted average score ≥ 4 to exams in off-chemistry areas
maximum one score between 2 and 4, no score below 2 - certificate of successful completion of practical work
In case of failure, the first year can be repeated only once. Scores ≥ 4 and practical work certificats remain acquired.
2nd and 3rd year
- weighted average score ≥ 4 to exams
maximum two scores between 3 and 4, no score below 3 - certificate of successful completion of practical work
- score ≥ 4 to 3rd year's bibliographical work
In case of failure of the second year, it is possible to take the examinations of the third year only when they do not require prerequisites of the second year. Unsuccessful exams may be repeated only once. Upon request, one exam per academic year may be repeated a second time.
An overall average score ≥ 5 in 2nd year lets ask to substitute the practical work of the 3rd year by a traineeship of the same length and nature.
Obtaining a BSc in chemistry or biochemistry, corresponding to 180 credits, allows access to the MSc in chemistry or biochemistry or bi-disciplinary MSc.
MSc in Chemistry or Biochemistry
Maximum allowed duration to obtain a MSc: 4 years, 120 credits.
Terms of success
- scores ≥ 4 to exams for the elective courses, the research traineeship(s), and the Master graduation work
In case of failure of the first semester, it is possible to take the examinations of the second semester only when they do not require prerequisites of the first semester. Unsuccessful exams may be repeated only once, it is the same for the presentation of the MSc graduation work. Upon request, one exam may be repeated a second time.
Registration for elective courses must be done online shortly after the beginning of each semester. The MSc graduation work, as well as the traineeship(s), taking place at the School (intramural) or outside (extramural), must be validated before their beginning.
Obtaining a MSc in chemistry or biochemistry, corresponding to 120 credits, allows access to the PhD in chemistry or biochemistry.
SEE ALSO: MSc in Chemical Biology on the NCCR Chemical Biology web site.
Bi-disciplinary MSc
Obtaining a BSc in chemistry or biochemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, computer science or science of the Earth lets opt for a bi-disciplinary MSc in the discipline in which the BSc was obtained, considered as “major”, and another of these disciplines, considered “minor” in the bi-disciplinary MSc.
Obtaining a bi-disciplinary MSc, corresponding to 90 credits, allows access to the entrance examination of the pedagogical studies for the genevan secondary education.
Dr Xavier Chillier, student advisor of the Faculty of Science, is responsible for the bi-disciplinary pathway. He establishes the plan of study for candidates to bi-disciplinary MSc in accordance with the relevant Schools and evaluates the bi-disciplinarity of the graduation work.
Dr Xavier Chillier | Sciences 3, room 0001 | +41 22 379 67 15 (Tuesday 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm and Wednesday 9:30 am - 10:00 am)
Reception by appointment on Tuesday 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm and Wednesday 10:00 am - noon (during class periods)
PhD
Duration: 3 to 5 years
Research group:
- at the School of chemistry and biochemistry, at the option of the applicant and with the agreement of the group leader
- outside the School (other academic research laboratory, private company)
Additionally, for biochemistry only:
- at the School of fundamental medicine (medical biochemistry, Faculty of medicine)
Applicants must undergo an additional training in medical biology during their first year of doctoral studies.
In all cases of extramural PhD, the director of the thesis will be a professor of the School, and the head of the host laboratory who oversees the work will be designated co-director of the thesis.