Bachelor of Science in Biology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Lausanne

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Lausanne provides a comprehensive education in modern biological sciences, combining theoretical knowledge with extensive laboratory and field-based training across molecular, cellular, organismal, and environmental biology. It is ideal for students who are passionate about understanding living organisms and aspire to careers in research, biotechnology, healthcare, or environmental sciences.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1:
The first year establishes a strong scientific foundation through courses such as General Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics for Life Sciences. Students learn the fundamental principles governing living organisms while developing practical laboratory techniques and scientific reasoning skills.

Year 2:
The second year explores biological systems in greater depth with modules including Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Physiology. Students strengthen their experimental skills through laboratory work while studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate life.

Year 3:
In the final year, students specialize in advanced areas through subjects such as Molecular Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Developmental Biology, and Bachelor's Research Project. Independent research, laboratory investigations, and scientific data analysis prepare students for postgraduate study or professional scientific careers.

Focus areas: Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Ecology, Evolution, Physiology, Microbiology.

Learning outcomes: Graduates develop a strong understanding of biological systems across multiple levels of organization, master modern laboratory and analytical techniques, and acquire research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills applicable to life sciences and biotechnology.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The degree is an officially recognized Swiss qualification within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), providing an internationally recognized foundation for employment and postgraduate education in biological sciences.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Lausanne is consistently ranked among the world's leading universities for Life Sciences and Medicine in the QS World University Rankings, and benefits from strong research collaborations within Switzerland's internationally recognized life sciences ecosystem.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Lausanne emphasizes hands-on scientific training from the beginning of the program, combining lectures with extensive laboratory practicals, fieldwork, and research-based learning. Students gain practical experience using modern biological techniques while working in internationally recognized research environments across molecular biology, ecology, genetics, and organismal biology. As the program progresses, students develop experimental, analytical, and scientific communication skills through laboratory projects and independent research activities:

Teaching laboratories: Students undertake practical classes in modern biology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, and ecology laboratories, using professional scientific equipment throughout the program.
Research institutes: Teaching is closely linked with the Department of Ecology and Evolution (DEE) and the Department of Fundamental Microbiology (DMF), allowing students to learn within active research environments.
Fieldwork: The curriculum includes field excursions and ecological field studies, enabling students to study biodiversity, ecosystems, and environmental processes in real-world settings.
Research projects: Students complete laboratory-based research projects and an independent bachelor's research project under faculty supervision, strengthening experimental design and data analysis skills.
Scientific facilities: Students benefit from access to advanced research infrastructure, including molecular biology laboratories, microscopy platforms, genomics facilities, and bioinformatics resources used in biological research.
Digital tools: The program introduces students to bioinformatics software, statistical data analysis tools, and scientific computing platforms commonly used in modern biological research.
Collaborative learning: Many laboratory practicals and scientific investigations are completed through group-based experimental projects, reflecting collaborative research practices.
Libraries: Students have access to the UNIL Library (Bibliothèque Cantonale et Universitaire – BCU Lausanne), providing extensive collections of biological sciences literature, scientific journals, and digital research databases.
Industry and research exposure: Through the university's research network, students interact with scientists from partner institutions and research centers, preparing them for future laboratory placements and postgraduate research opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Lausanne gain a strong foundation in modern biological sciences, combining theoretical knowledge with extensive laboratory and field experience. The program prepares students for careers in research, biotechnology, environmental sciences, and healthcare, with common roles including Biologist, Research Assistant, Laboratory Scientist, and Environmental Consultant.

Progression & Opportunities:

University employability services: The University of Lausanne supports students through its Career Centre (Centre de carrières), offering career counselling, CV and interview workshops, internship guidance, employer networking events, and job placement resources to help graduates transition into professional careers.
Employment stats & salary figures: Biology graduates in Switzerland typically earn a median salary range of approximately CHF 75,000 – CHF 95,000 per year, with salaries increasing further through postgraduate qualifications and professional experience.
University–industry partnerships: The program benefits from collaborations with leading research institutions and organizations, including the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), and partnerships with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in the Lake Geneva region, providing research and internship opportunities.
Long-term accreditation value: The degree is an officially recognized Swiss qualification within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), ensuring international recognition for employment and postgraduate study across Europe and beyond.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates pursue careers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, biomedical and environmental research laboratories, healthcare organizations, conservation agencies, academic institutions, and public sector research organizations.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue into Master's programs in Biology, Molecular Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, or Environmental Sciences at the University of Lausanne or other leading international universities. The program also provides a strong pathway to doctoral (PhD) research, leading to careers in academia, biotechnology innovation, pharmaceutical research, healthcare, and scientific leadership.