Master in Life Sciences - Bioanalytics, FHNW School of Life Sciences

The Bioanalytics specialisation prepares you for demanding roles in industry, academia and medicine. The analysis of biomolecules - including drugs, metabolites, proteins, nucleic acids and microorganisms - is of increasing global importance.

• Key role in research and development
  Bioanalytics is key for quality control and product development in the pharmaceutical, food and medical technology industries. Technological advances such as high-end mass spectrometry and NMR are opening up new scientific strategies, for example in precision medicine.
• High demand for skilled workers
  Graduates are in high demand for R&D, regulatory positions, laboratory analysis, diagnostics and environmental monitoring. This programme equips you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enter the workforce directly.
• Interdisciplinary openness and networks
  You will build valuable interdisciplinary and global networks through cooperation modules in data analysis, management and innovation as well as through international partnerships.

The Master’s degree in Bioanalytics provides a rigorous, practice‑oriented education tailored to current and future requirements in research, diagnostics and biomedical development.

You will gain advanced knowledge in the following areas:

• Biomarker analytics: Analysis, detection and identification of biomarkers such as small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids and their combinations.
• Modern molecular technologies: Application of advanced proteomics, genomics, molecular biology, microbiology and in vitro diagnostics methods.
• Diagnostic procedures: Development and validation of methods for diagnostic use in a laboratory or clinical settings.
• Elective modules: Specialisation opportunities in Analytical Chemistry, Applied Cell Biology, Biotechnology and Pharma Technology.

In addition to the specialist modules, interdisciplinary content strengthens your skills in:

• Scientific project methodology: Planning, implementation and communication of scientific projects.
• Data analysis and visualisation: Use of modern tools for the statistical evaluation and presentation of complex biological data.
• International orientation and career planning: Preparation for global fields of activity through exchange opportunities and job-oriented content.

A total of 50 ECTS credits (i.e. 17 modules each worth 3 ECTS credits) must be earned. Other modules can be selected: Module overview (English)

You can also plan your studies in advance with our MSc Life Sciences planning tool.

Direct admission requires:

• a Bachelor’s degree in a related field from a university of applied sciences or university with a good grade (Switzerland: A, B or ≥ 5; Germany/Austria: at least “good”),

• sufficient English proficiency.

If you do not fully meet the requirements, you may be invited to a personal interview.

Proof of sufficient English skills must be provided with one of the following certificates:

If you are unable to provide evidence of the required command of English, you are obliged to improve it during the course of your master’s degree programme. You can either attend the advanced English course offered by the FHNW School of Life Sciences or other suitable language courses. At the end of the programme, proof must be provided that the required level of English has been achieved (see table above).