University of Basel

University of Basel (German: Universität Basel) is located in Basel, Switzerland, and is considered to be one of leading universities in the country. In 2010 QS World University Rankings ranked the university 137th overall in the world, while a year before it was ranked 96-98th worldwide according to the Russian based Global University Ranking.

The special aspect of the Biozentrum is the fact that the studies in biology at the University of Basel are passed "live" in a research institute. The advantage is that from the beginning on, the students are personally involved in an active, authentic research environment. From their first day on, they experience the every day life of a research scientist. They gain theoretical knowledge, but at the same time learn how to set up experimental methods, and gather practical experience through active research work. The biological research studies are split up into three steps:

Basic studies: With the establishment of the new bachelor/aaster-concept ("Bologna-model"), the University of Basel joins an internationally accepted model. Studies leading to the diploma last about 4 years. The last year consists of practical diploma work in a research group.

PhD studies: Require original research that normally takes 3 – 4 years. Each year, about 25 students graduate with a doctorate. Roughly the same number carry out their PhD work at other Basel institutions, mentored by Biozentrum scientists. These institutions can be the Friedrich Miescher Institute, the Research Department of the Kantonsspital (cantonal hospital) or a research laboratory in the industry.