In the fall 2003, EPFL has set up a new curriculum in life science and technology. Its objective is to train a new generation of scientists. Students will be trained to approach biological issues in a quantitative way thanks to a strong knowledge in fundamental sciences. They will also be able to participate in the development of new technological tools for research and diagnostics. In addition to research, this education will offer new career opportunities in life sciences such as biotechnology, bio-informatics, biomedical and tissue engineering.
The Bachelor's program (3 years) During the first two years, students will take basic courses followed throughout EPFL, such as analysis, linear algebra, physics, chemistry (general and organic), and numerical methods. Courses specific to Life Sciences begin with a course in molecular biology of the cell integrated with a course in biochemistry. Courses in molecular biology and developmental biology follow during the two next years. In the first two years, life sciences courses make up less than 20% of total academic load. This changes in the third year when students take engineering courses (signals and systems, electronic and electrical systems, and biophysical and biochemical methods) and typical life sciences courses such as genetics, immunology, functional genomics applied to biological development, biocomputing, neuroscience or molecular biology and oncology. An important part of the third year experience is a course in integrated physiology for engineers, in which the future engineers will learn systems biology via functional study of the human nervous system, organs and tissues. Lab work in physiology also gives them the opportunity to apply the engineering knowledge acquired up to this point. During the third year, students will choose about a third of their credits from one of the specializations that are offered as part of the masters program. These include neurosciences, molecular and oncology medicine, biotechnology and bioengineering. It is important to mention that the choice of a specialization does not prevent from choosing a different one later when they enrol in the master's program.
The Life Science programme offers two different Master's Degrees :
· Master in Life Sciences and Technology (120 ECTS)
Courses in biomedical image acquisition and processing, Bioinformatics and Microsystems (30 ECTS), as well as hands-on training in modern techniques and methods in biological research (30 ECTS), and the final Master project (30 ECTS credits). In addition, students can choose courses in one of the following branches (30 ECTS credits):
o -Specialization in Neuroscience
o -Specialization in Molecular medicine and oncology
o -Specialization in Bioinformatics
· Master in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (120 ECTS)
Courses in biomedical image acquisition and processing, Bioinformatics and Microsystems (30 ECTS), as well as hands-on training in modern techniques and methods in biological research (30 ECTS), and the final Master project (30 ECTS credits). In addition, students can choose courses in one of the following branches (30 ECTS credits):
o -Specialization in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
o -Minor in Biomedical Engineering
EPFL grants the doctorate (PhD) as its ultimate academic degree, offered in all areas and disciplines of research on campus. It represents the gateway to positions of leadership in academia and research. A Doctoral Program pools resources of a grouping of research units around a scientific discipline. It organizes the recruitment of its doctoral candidates, provides them with an administrative and intellectual hub on campus, and offers them a menu of advanced courses. Courses of EPFL's doctoral school are listed in EPFL's
Doctoral Program in Biotechnology and Bioengineering :
The Doctoral Program in Biotechnology and aims at providing doctoral students with the education necessary to be leaders in the fast-growing industrial and academic biotechnology and bioengineering sectors, i.e. a depth of knowledge and competence in their specific research area as well as a breadth of knowledge in biology, bioengineering and biotechnology. The combination of coursework, laboratory based research, in-house seminars, and national and international conferences, etc. will form the basis of this education. These program themes include: genomics and proteomics, biomolecular engineering and biomaterials, stem cell biotechnology, biochemical engineering, orthopaedic engineering, biomechanics, biorheology, mechanobiology, cell biophysics, computational biology, biomedical imaging as well as molecular, cell and tissue engineering.
Doctoral Program in Molecular Biology of Cancer and Infection :
The Doctoral Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology of Cancer and Infection provides training and research opportunities to motivated graduate students in key areas of modern biology. It is a joint program between ISREC-EPFL(Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research) and GHI-EPFL (Global Health Institute).
Highly qualified applicants worldwide are chosen twice a year through a competitive selection procedure.
Doctoral Program in Neurosciences :
The research group leaders of the Global Health Institute (EPFL School of Life Sciences) recently joined our PhD program offering some exciting PhD positions to talented young researchers.