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Introduction 3

The master’s programme 5Structure of the study programme 8 The master’s thesis 11Major modules: Molecular Technologies, Therapeutic 12Technologies, Environmental Technologies Overview of major modules 14Advanced life science skills modules 16Entrepreneurial skills modules 21

General information 22Admission and enrolment 24Fees and grants 27FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts 28

Contact and student advisory service 32

Contents

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The FHNW School of Life Sciences (HLS) provides market-oriented applications for the fascinating world of life sciences. With a network of industry and research partners, HLS is a unique university centred around technology development in medical, natural, environmental and engineering sciences. The state-of-the-art infrastructure facili-tates to translate cutting-edge research into practice. Benefits for pa-tients, innovative products, intelligent solutions and environmental-ly friendly technologies are the ultimate goal.

The master study programme combines lectures on applied life scien-ces with practical experiences conducted in a eight month long mas-ter thesis. The core of the life sciences study programme consists of scientific knowledge for research and development, coupled with practical experience. Students may assemble their own curriculum from available modules, with support by the school. In order to pre-pare optimally for a professional career, the study course also trans-mits aspects of management know-how. The graduates are ultimately expected to prove their abilities in a competitive and international life sciences environment. Studies are therefore complemented by English language skills and the option of a stay abroad at a partner institute.

The FHNW School of Life SciencesIntroduction

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The MSc (Master of Science) study programme gives graduates spe-cialist knowledge enabling them to integrate quickly and effectively into the global industrial life sciences sector and related fields. MSc graduates have broad training and in-depth knowledge, combined with profound practical experience. During the eight months of their MSc thesis, they demonstrate that they can work independently on demanding projects.

With these qualifications, graduates of the MSc programme are able to plan and carry out projects in the fields of applied research, de-velopment, translational research and production. They are also awa-re of entrepreneurial issues such as budgeting, personnel, deadlines, markets and products.

Graduates are able to present and explain the results of their work in their native language and in English to other specialists as well as to colleagues with different backgrounds. They bring skills and know-ledge to multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary teams.

New career prospectsMSc graduates typically hold positions in organisations where they manage and participate in projects that build upon their expertise. Such organisations are active in chemistry, biotechnology, environ-mental protection and nutrition as well as pharmaceutical and me-dical technology. The Master of Science degree is internationally recognised and allows students to continue their studies with a doc-torate in most countries.

Qualified experts for the growing life sciences marketThe master’s programme

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The international Master of Science in Life Sciences is conducted in collaboration with other Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences: Ber-ner Fachhochschule, Haute Ecole Spécialisée de la Suisse Occidenta-le and Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften.

Programme structureThe MSc study programme encompasses lectures (50 ECTS credits) and the thesis (40 ECTS credits). The major modules are offered by the School of Life Sciences FHNW and take place in Basel or Muttenz. The Entrepreneurial skills and the Advanced Life Science skills mo-dules, which are organised in cooperation with the partner universi-ties, are held in Zollikofen and Spiez.

The modules are offered during the semesters (see pages 8 – 9). All mo-dules usually take place at least once a year. The students are sup-ported by an innovative e-learning platform.

Study consultationAfter acceptance, the dean of the programme will consult each stu-dent regarding which modules shall be taken in which semester. Thus each student will have an individual study programme that best meets his/her interests. It is also possible to complete part of the course at a foreign institute of higher education: www.fhnw.ch/life-sciences/partner-universities.

Where life sciences come aliveThe master‘s programme

Teaching languageThe language of teaching is English. This requires that in addition to the technical and scientific skills applicants must be able to read scientific articles and books, follow the lectures, participate in dis-cussions and be able to write the thesis in English on their own. Th-erefore, it must be emphasised that students who want to undertake the MSc programme need adequate skills in English (see also page 24).

Educational conceptThe educational concept of «blended learning» combines independent learning with lessons on site. When preparing course contents, mo-dern forms of teaching and learning such as e-learning and case stu-dies are included. In seminars and workshops, students deal with challenging issues and differing points of view. Complex issues will be explained by the instructors in lessons. In the master’s program-me, great emphasis is put on «research learning», where traditional teaching is augmented by individual context-based knowledge gene-ration.

StartThe studies start in the autumn semester (calendar week 38) or in the spring semester (calendar week 8).

CompletionSuccessful completion of the course leads to the award of the re-nowned title «Master of Science» which is recognised around the world.

Learn moreThe School of Life Sciences FHNW offers information evenings that provide more details about the MSc study programme. Please consult www.fhnw.ch/lifesciences/master-of-science/info-events for more in-formation and dates.

Full-time studentsThe MSc study programme takes 90 ECTS credits. Shown here is a full-time study plan starting in the autumn semester (1.5 years):

Note: It is possible that modules or final exams take place outside the semester. Note: It is possible that modules or final exams take place outside the semester.

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Structure of the study programmeThe master‘s programme

Part-time studentsIt is also possible to study part time. In this case, the studies take approximately six semesters depending on the individual study plan. Part-time students may work in parallel – as a guideline 50 to 60 percent workload is appropriate. Other plans are possible; please consult the dean.

Master’s thesis 8 months from end of 2nd to 3rd semester 40 ECTS credits

Entrepreneurial skills (see page 21)

three modules à 4 ECTS are taken during the first two semester

Advanced Life Science skills (see page 16)

six modules à 3 ECTS are taken during the first two semester

Major modules (see page 12)

four modules à 5 ECTS are taken during the first two semester

Master’s thesis 8 months from end of 4th to 5th semester or 40 ECTS credits 12 months from end of 4th to 6th semester

Entrepreneurial skills (see page 21)

three modules à 4 ECTS are taken during the first four semester

Advanced Life Science skills(see page 16)

six modules à 3 ECTS are taken during the first four semester

Major modules(see page 12)

four modules à 5 ECTS are taken during the first four semester

Programme structure full-time students Programme structure part-time students

Autumn semester

Sep Feb

Spring semester

Feb Jun Jun Sep

Lectures (1st sem.)

Thesis (3rd sem., 8 months)

Lectures (2nd sem.) Thesis (8 months)

Autumn semester

Sep Feb

Spring semester

Feb Jun

Jun Sep

Lectures (1st sem.) Lectures (2nd sem.)

Lectures (3rd sem.) Lectures (4th sem.) Thesis (8 or 12 months)

Thesis (5 / 6th sem., 8 or 12 months)

Study plan Study plan

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Amounting to 40 ECTS points, the thesis is the most important mo-dule of the MSc programme. It addresses a scientific or technical question of practical relevance and is carried out either at an insti-tute of the School of Life Sciences FHNW, at the site of an industrial partner or at foreign university or research institute. In all cases, the student is supervised by a member of the school’s faculty.

The thesis has to be written in English and lasts eight months in full-time study.

The master’s thesisThe master‘s programme

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The School of Life Sciences FHNW offers three MSc majors:

Molecular TechnologiesSynthesis and analysis of active compounds and biological systemsThe major in Molecular Technologies is aimed at graduates in che-mistry, bioanalysis and biotechnology.

Students enrolled in the Molecular Technologies major will become experts in synthetic chemical and analytical issues. Subjects covered range from the analysis and structure elucidation of substances to the design and application of molecular and cellular assays in high throughput settings. Students will also acquire skills in the designing and optimising of synthetic routes and in the scaling-up of organic synthesis using chemical engineering approaches.

Therapeutic TechnologiesPharmaceutical technologies and medical engineering for disease treatmentThe major in Therapeutic Technologies offers an innovative enginee-ring-based training in pharma technology, medical technology and biomedical IT.

Students will learn to design and develop engineering-based solu-tions. In pharma technology, the formulation of active compounds, their distribution in the human body as well as drug targeting is taught. Students also learn how drugs are manufactured in an indus-trial setting. In the field of medical engineering, the main subjects covered are medical data analysis, the development of medical sys-tems, medical imaging, implant development and the use and surface characterisation of biomaterials.

Major modulesThe master‘s programme

Environmental TechnologiesApplied environmental science and technologyThe major in Environmental Technologies is aimed at graduates in environmental sciences.

The major in Environmental Technologies deals with applied techno-logies and strategies in the areas of water and waste management. This includes the optimisation of process, material and energy flows with the aim of minimising harmful emissions into the environment. The technologies covered are based inter alia on biotechnological pro-cesses and on membrane technology in water treatment and environ-mental remediation. The principles of developing sustainable water use cycles as well as the assessment of treatment effectiveness and efficiency of chemical and biological methods are part of the program-me. In the context of environmental protection in industry, the con-cepts of clean technologies and integrated product policy are studied, including the eco-efficiency of processes and utilisation of waste streams as secondary resources. Students will also learn to perform technology-related environmental risk assessments and mitigation measure planning.

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Molecular Technologies

Applied organic chemistry: Organic synthesis; Selected topics in medicinal chemistry; Special methods in NMR spectroscopy

Chemical engineering: Reaction processes and technology; Process control and analytics; Production of semi-solid materials

Instrumental analytics: Hyphenated mass spectrometric methods; Advanced spectroscopy and imaging

Profiling of bioactive compounds: Target identification; Target validation; Molecular toxicology, Molecular Pharmacology

Applied bioanalytics: Analytical assessment of biolological drugs; Radioanalytics; Systems biology

Therapeutic Technologies

Drug formulation and delivery: Controlled release technologies; Biopharmaceutical modelling and simulation; Oral formulations of poorly water soluble drugs; Routes of drug delivery and drug targeting

Drug manufacturing: Advanced pharmaceutical production units; System dynamics of production processes; Processing of biologics

Medical systems: Interactive systems; Distributed medical systems; Surgical robots

Implant development: Medical device development process; Advanced biosignal processing; Data and energy transfer; Patient specific implant design and manufacturing

Medical Data analysis: Medical imaging & image processing; Radiation protection in diagnostics of radiation safety

Environmental Technologies

Water management and treatment technologies: Water resources management; Water purification and supply; Sustainable water use; Wastewater treatment and reuse; Water quality and health

Environmental remediation: Management and monitoring of contaminated sites; Physico-chemical remediation technologies; Advanced environmental biotechnologies

Environmental risk assessment: Exposure assessment; Fate of pollutants; Environmental and health impact of pollutants

Common modules

Sustainable production and clean technologies: Concepts of sustainable production; Process integrated preventive environmental protection; Industrial environmental technologies

Bio/nanotechnology: Advanced sensing technologies; Surface technology; Advanced (bio-)materials

Materials recovery technologies: Materials and mass flow analysis; Separation and conversion technologies; Management of recovered materials

Overview of major modulesThe master‘s programme

Your options

Bioanalytics / diagnostics

Chemistry

Processtechnology

Cleantechnologies

Pharmatechnology

Medicaltechnology

Students have to choose four modules (5 ECTS points each). The table shows possible combinations that may correspond to students’ specific fields of interest. Other combinations are possible. In general, three of the mo-dules have to be from the major chosen but the fourth module can be chosen freely among the modules offered. The interdisciplinary modules Bio-nanotechnology, Sustainable production and clean technologies production and Materials recovery technologies belong to all three majors.

First choice modules Second choice modules

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Advanced life sciences skills modulesThe master‘s programme

Generic modules

Quality excellence: Current concepts in quality management; Improvement process (plan-do-check-act)

Applied statistics and mathematics: Basics of statistical inference; Analysis of variance, Linear regression; Categorical data analysis; statistical software package R

Data management and visualisation: Data structuring; Querying from databases; Processing Data in R; data visualisation and special plots in R; Exploration of multi-dimensional data

Modelling of complex systems: Introduction into system theory; Introduction into tools and methods used for system analysis and modelling; Detailed case studies of systems and their modelling

Management of R&D projects: Requirements and concepts of R&D projects; Planning and controlling of research projects; Context management and problem solving in research projects

Life cycle assessment: Seminal examples of LCA; Overview of environmental management methods and impact indicators; Steps of the LCA procedure; Case study (group work)

Industrial life sciences

Cellular and molecular physiology: Cellular models with 3D-construction of human cartilage and bones; Models with co-cultures of blood immune cells, stem cells and microorganisms; Engineered molecular models using specific gene-deficient animals; Pathogens-to-host communication

Natural substances: Anabolic and catabolic processes in natural product research; Techniques for the isolation and identification of natural compounds; Diversity of natural compounds of secondary metabolism; Screening systems applied to test the bioactivity; Production and application of biofuels; Natural raw materials; Bioraffination

Materials science: Crystallographic and electronic structure of solid materials; Surface of materials as an interface to the environment and biology; Macroscopic and microscopic structure and properties of metallic and ceramic materials; Creation, microscopic and spectroscopic characterisation of nanoscopic structures

Polymers and applications: Synthesis of polymers and polymeric materials; Analysis of polymers and polymeric materials; Polymer processing & engineering; Inorganic & conductive polymers; Biopolymers; Supramolecular chemistry

Applied environmental and natural sciences

Biodiversity: Concepts and theoretical framework of biodiversity; Global change, species loss, status and trends of biodiversity; Management for biodiversity maintenance; Ecological applications in natural resources manage-ment; Linking ecological principles and sustainable resource use

Sustainable development in natural resource management: Rio +20, Actors and stakeholders; Human behaviour, Institutions, rules and property rights; Governance and policy

Food & consumer health and oenology

Nutrition and nutrition related diseases: Micro nutrition deficiencies and diet related diseases; Global shifts in eating patterns; Key role of obesity as a risk factor; Nutritional recommendations

Sustainable sourcing, processing and tracing of food: Analysis of the whole value chain (cradle-to-cradle design); Sustainability performance; Footprints; Principles of a sustainable diet

Your options

The Advanced Life Science skills modules support the subject specialisation in the MSc programme by expanding the scope of knowledge. The catalogue of 14 modules covers various in-depth fields of specialisation and allows the students to make in-dividual choices. Students select six modules, worth three ECTS points each, from the following modules, relating to their field of specialisation.

Bioanalytics / diagnostics

Chemistry

Process technology

Clean technologies

Pharmatechnology

Medicaltechnology

First choice modules Second choice modules

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The Entrepreneurial skills modules teach students to understand and apply interfaces between their technical-scientific core areas and eco-nomic and social fields. From the following five modules, worth four ECTS points each, students select three modules relating to their area of specialisation and their subject interests:

Entrepreneurial skills

Innovation and knowledge managementInnovation and knowledge management foundations; Intellectual property management; Information acquisition and information collaboration; Copyright and the internet; Problem solving and decision making

LeadershipLeadership theories and principles; Ethical and sustainable leadership; Basics of communication psychology; Negotiations methods and techniques

Business managementEntrepreneurial thinking and acting; Strategic management; Financial accounting and capital budgeting; Business plan

Communication and marketIntroduction to marketing & marketing research; Marketing strategy; Integrated marketing communication; Markets

Society, legislation and politicsRelationship between society and politics; Processes involved in doing politics

Entrepreneurial skills modulesThe master‘s programme

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Terms of admissionAs a rule, outstanding bachelor’s degree qualifications are accepted for the MSc programme.

Candidates will be admitted without an entry examination if they have – gained an University of Applied Sciences-BSc in a related

subject and graduated with grade A, B or ≥ 5 or demonstrated an equivalent qualification

– adequate English skills

Motivated students who do not fulfil the entry requirements entirely can take an entrance examination.

Adequate English competency has to be proven with one of these cer-tificates:

In the case of a lower English level, the applicants are admitted but have the obligation to improve their English during the master’s cour-se. They may attend the Advanced English course offered by the School of Life Sciences or may attend other courses. At the end of the studies, students have to prove that they have attained the required English level (see table above).

Admission and enrolmentGeneral information

ApplicationDeadline for applications is end of April for the autumn semester (start in calendar week 38) and end of November for the spring se-mester (start in calendar week 8).

Application formPlease send the application form with copies of your certificates to the following address:

School of Life Sciences FHNW Student Administration Gründenstrasse 40CH-4132 MuttenzSwitzerland

Type of certificate Required level

FCE (First Certificate English) FCE-A/B

IELTS (English Language Testing System) 5.5

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT 71

Intermediate English (module of the Bachelor programme at 5.0 the School of Life Sciences FHNW)

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Fees and expenses

Tuition fees per semester for students domiciled in a Swiss canton, the Principality of Liechtenstein or an EU member state* CHF 700

Tuition fees per semester for all other students CHF 5 000

Materials per semester CHF 100

Enrolment fee CHF 200

Meals (CHF 79) and accomodation (CHF 304 – 384) for each Entrepreneurial skills module in Spiez (optional) CHF 0 – 463

It is expected that students own a notebook PC.

GrantsIn Switzerland, grants are regulated on a cantonal basis. The canton of your place of residence decides on grants or interest-free loans. In addition to public grants, there are also private institutions that award scholarships.

Fees and grantsGeneral information

* Fees of CHF 700 are payable by those students whose parents or guardians are in Switzer-land, Liechtenstein or the EU; who are citizens of Switzerland, Liechtenstein or the EU; who for the previous two years were financially independent due to being employed in Switzer-land, Liechtenstein or the EU and who did not undertake any higher or further education in this time.

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The FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland is an education and research institution that enjoys strong regional ties. It has established itself as one of Switzerland's leading and most innovative universities of applied sciences.

The FHNW is composed of nine Schools covering Applied Psychology, Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Art and Design, Life Sciences, Music, Teacher Education, Social Work, and Engineering and Business. The FHNW campus occupies a number of sites in its four spon-sor cantons, Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt and Solothurn.

The FHNW provides education to more than 11,000 students. Taking the form of 29 bachelor's and 18 master's degree programmes, as well as numerous continuing education courses, the practical education and training provided by its 800 or so lecturers is geared to the mar-ket. The FHNW's graduates are in demand as professionals.

Aside from the education and training offered by the University of Ap-plied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, a high priority is placed on applied research and development. The FHNW participates in research projects alongside national and international partners from industry, business, culture, administration and institutions and is involved in European research programmes. The University promotes the transfer of knowledge and technology to industry and institutions. In 2014 its applied research and development activities encompassed 1128 re-search projects and 258 service provision projects.

FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern SwitzerlandGeneral information

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AddressFHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland School of Life SciencesGründenstrasse 40 CH-4132 MuttenzSwitzerland

ContactDirector of Studies Prof. Dr. Frank Pude T +41 61 467 42 84E lehre.lifesciences@fhnw.ch

Dean, student advisory service Prof. Dr. Georg LippsT +41 61 467 43 01E georg.lipps@fhnw.ch

We are at your serviceContact and student advisory service

Design: Büro für Kommunikationsdesign FHNWPhotography: Marc HuberSeptember 2016Print run: 1000© FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life SciencesContent published within this prospectus is correct at the time of publication. University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW reserves the right to change details at any time.

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The FHNW incorporates nine faculties:– FHNW School of Applied Psychology– FHNW School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics– FHNW Academy of Art and Design– FHNW School of Business– FHNW School of Engineering– FHNW School of Life Sciences– FHNW Academy of Music– FHNW School of Social Work– FHNW School of Education

FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland School of Life Sciences Gründenstrasse 40CH-4132 MuttenzSwitzerland

T +41 61 467 42 42F +41 61 467 44 60master.lifesciences@fhnw.ch www.fhnw.ch/lifesciences

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Study guide: Master of Science in Life Sciences– Molecular Technologies– Therapeutic Technologies– Environmental Technologies

Application: Master of Science in Life Sciences School of Life Sciences FHNW Please fill in the registration form in block capitals and check applicable items. Only completed forms will be processed (incl. appendices).

Personal details

Gender female male

Surname(s) First name(s)

Street / No.

Postcode / city Canton / Country

Date of birth Place of birth Canton / Country

Nationality Place of origin Canton / Country

Legal residency at start of studies Mother tongue

Mobile Phone

E-Mail AHV-No. / SS-No.

Educational background

Bachelor’s degree in Graduated yes no

FH diploma in Grade

Other (please specify)

School of graduation

University of Applied Sciences (FH) University Foreign institute of higher education

Name of institution

Place / Country

Type of matriculation

Length of studies from / to Year graduated

Professional qualifications

Name of company, location Employed as from / to

Attachments

Letter of motivation 1 page English (required)

Passport photograph with surname / first name on it (required)

Bachelor’s degree with Transcript of Records or FH diploma (required)

Curriculum vitae with references (required)

Copies of certificates (final exams, enrolment / matriculation/vocational diploma (BM-Zeugnis); internship (Praktikum))

Proof of English proficiency (required)

Application and processing fee: By signing this application form it is understood that an application and processing fee of 200 Swiss francs is due.This amount will be invoiced by the Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz following submission of the application, and is payable within 30 days. This fee applies regardless of whether studies are started.

Date of receipt

Not expanded metallic stent provided by eucatech AG, Rheinfelden

Master’s study programme Provisional choice of modules; definitive study programme is agreed on consultation with the Dean of the MSc study programme

Application

full time study part-time study

Proposed date of entry:

Major modules (In general three modules from the chosen major and the last module can be chosen freely.)

Molecular Technologies

Chemical engineering Applied organic chemistry Instrumental analytics

Applied bioanalytics Profiling of bioactive compounds

Therapeutic Technologies

Drug formulation and delivery Drug manufacturing Medical systems

Medical data analysis Implant development

Environmental Technologies

Water management and treatment technologies Materials recovery technologies

Environmental remediation Environmental risk assessment

Common modules

Bio-Nanotechnology Sustainable production and clean technologies

Advanced life science skills (Select six modules)

Generic modules Industrial life sciences

Quality excellence Cellular and molecular physiology

Applied statistics and mathematics Natural substances

Data management and visualisation Materials science

Modelling of complex systems Polymers and applications

Management of R&D projects

Life cycle assessment

Applied environmental and natural sciences Food & consumer health and oenology

Biodiversity Nutrition and nutrition related diseases

Sustainable develop. in natural resource management Sustainable sourcing, processing and tracing of food

Entrepreneurial skills (Select three modules)

Innovation and knowledge management Communication and market

Leadership Society and politics

Business management

Place, date Signature

Please return the entire application form to: School of Life Sciences FHNW

Student Administration

Gründenstrasse 40

CH-4132 Muttenz