1. Educational Aim

The Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences offers the unique possibility of interdisciplinary studies covering all of the basic sciences, physics, chemistry, and biology with the Curriculum “N” (for natural sciences). This leads to a diploma of science (Dipl. Natw. ETH ) and provides the skills for a career in scientific research and its applications without narrow specialization to any one of the subfields. The studies in interdisciplinary natural sciences demand a particularly high degree of independence and dedication from the students. In turn it offers an ideal access to many quickly developing areas of modern research at the borders between the classical branches of science. Past experience shows that job opportunities cover a wide range as well, ranging from research and teaching positions at universities and high schools to a broad range of industries, not limited to chemical industry, and also government administrations.

 

2. Program outline

The focus in the first two years is on a broad scientific education in mathematics (including computational sciences), physics, chemistry, and biology. Depending on the center of gravity of the education leaning either more towards physics or more towards biology and biochemistry there is a choice between the “Physical-Chemical” curriculum and the “Biochemical-Physical” curriculum in the first two years. Starting with the third year the students can choose from a considerable number of specializations and extensions, where the curriculum makes use of the possibilities of the diploma studies or bachelor-master studies of several departments of ETH such as physics, chemistry and applied biology, biology, geology, environmental and materials sciences. While all the individual subjects that may be chosen exist already as diploma (or bachelor-masters) subjects in the various departments the uniqueness of the studies in “N” arises from the possibilities of combinations of subjects crossing the borders of all the fields and departments mentioned.

 

After a number of important reforms, leading finally to the 2001 curriculum, these studies have become increasingly attractive and successful. A switching to the bachelor-masters system is planned as soon as all the major departments have carried out this change (expected in 2004 or 2005).

 

3. Subjects in the Physical-Chemical Curriculum

 

The course descriptions are available from the departments, which are indicated in parentheses.

 

First year
Analysis I and II (D-PHYS/D-MATH)	16
Linear Algebra I and II (D-PHYS/D-MATH)	12
General Chemistry (Inorganic, Organic, and Physical, D-CHAB) and Physical Chemistry I (D-CHAB)	21
Physics I and II (D-Phys)	9

 

Second year
A. Compulsory subjects
Physics III and IV (D-PHYS)	8
Physical Chemistry II and III	8
Laboratory Course in General, Physical and Analytical Chemistry (D-CHAB)	18
B. Optional subjects
(Students can choose from the following list two or three subjects with a minimum corresponding to 16 hours total)
1.      Methods of Mathematical Physics I and II (D-PHYS)	12
2.      Computer Science I and II (D-INFK)	7
3.      Crystallography (I and II plus Exercise) (D-WERK)	8
4.      Inorganic Chemistry (I and II and P) (D-CHAB)	10
5.      Organic Chemistry (I and II and P) (D-CHAB)	10
6.      Analytical Chemistry (I and II) (D-CHAB)	6
7.      Complex Analysis I (D-PHYS)	5
8.      General Mechanics (D-PHYS)	6
9.      Biology (I and II) (D-CHAB)	6
10.   Biology IA and IB (D-BIOL)	10
11.   Numerical Mathematics I (D-PHYS)	6
12.   Environmental Science III and IV with Microbiology (D‑UMNW)	6

 

 

4. Subjects in the Biochemical-Physical Curriculum

 

First year
Biology IA and IB (D-BIOL) (alternatively Biology I and II, D-CHAB)	10 (6)
Laboratory Course Biology (D-BIOL)	8
Mathematics I and II (D-CHAB) (alternatively Analysis I and II, D-ITET)	11 (12)
Computer Science (D-CHAB)	4
General Chemistry (Physical, Organic, Inorganic) and Physical Chemistry I (D-CHAB)	21
Laboratory Course General Chemistry	8

 

 

Second year
A. Compulsory subjects
Mathematics III (D-CHAB) (alternatively Analysis III, D-ITET)	3
Physics I and II (D-CHAB)	8
Physical Chemistry II and III (D-CHAB)	8
Laboratory course Physical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry (D‑CHAB)	10
Organic Chemistry (I and II + lab course) (D-CHAB)	14
B. Optional subjects
(Students can choose from the following list two or three subjects with a minimum corresponding to 16 hours total)
1.      Crystallography (I and II and Lab) (D-WERK)	10
2.      Inorganic Chemistry (I and II) (D-CHAB)	6
3.      Analytical Chemistry (I and II) (D-CHAB)	6
4.      Biology II A and IIB (D-BIOL)	10
5.      Complex Analysis I (D-PHYS)	5
6.      Linear Algebra I and II (D-PHYS)	12
7.      Statistics for Biology, Ecology and Neurosciences (D-BIOL)	9
8.      Numerical Mathematics (D-PHYS)	6
9.      Environmental Science III and IV with Microbiology (D‑UMNW)	6

                                                                                      

 

5. Combination of subjects for third and fourth year

 

Students may choose from several possible combinations, where all subjects are part of the diploma or bachelor-masters curriculum with appropriate final exams in various departments. There is a list of 30 normally recommended combinations but further combinations are possible upon specific written request by the students and permission by the Advisor and by the Head of Department. A “crossover” between physical-chemical and biochemical-physical curricula is possible at this point, by choosing extra propedeutical examination in the third year in subjects that might be missing for a successful completion of a certain diploma combination (in practice, the propedeutical exams allow for access to certain final diploma subject combinations and are additional examinations corresponding to second-years examinations in missing preparatory subjects).

 

Four subjects must be chosen for the final examination, with two focal subjects and two extra subjects. The focal subjects generally consist at least of two examination topics each as defined by the departments. Detailed descriptions are available. In addition an optional fifth subject may be chosen from any of the subjects on the whole list. Further subject combinations may be allowed after consultation and with special permission. A minimum of three laboratory courses or project works must be completed for each subject combination.

 

6. Credit system and performance checks

During the second and third year a minimum of 120 credit units must be accumulated. The accounting of credits follows essentially the rules of the individual departments from which the subjects are taken, but final granting of credits requires successful examination results.