Bachelor of Science

Please consult the study guide for an overview of the Bachelor degree programme.

The ETH Zurich degree programmes in Environmental Engineering are structured similarly to the international Bachelor, Master and doctoral programmes. After six semesters, successful students are conferred with a Bachelor degree and can join a Master programme at ETH Zurich or at another university abroad.

In the first year, basic courses in Mathematical and Natural Sciences are covered: Mathematics, Chemistry, Informatics, Geology and Petrography as well as Systems Engineering and Mechanics. First year students are also requested to carry out a small project. The first year examinations are based on all the subjects taught in the first two semesters.

In the third semester, Physics, Hydraulics, Hydrology, Ecology, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Legal Doctrine are included, while the fourth semester focuses primarily on basic knowledge of core subjects essential for Environmental Engineering, as well as Business Administration and Project Management. The core subjects are:

- Urban Water Management
- Ecological Systems Design and Waste Management
- Water Resources Management

By having access to laboratory courses, students also learn to implement analytical and experimental methods important for their future profession.

The fifth semester further broadens the students’ knowledge by allowing them to choose from one of the following courses:

- Soil Protection
- Air Pollution Control
- Environmental Planning
- Civil Engineering
- Energy

To complement one’s studies, a wide range of interdisciplinary courses including Social and Political Sciences, and the Humanities can be taken at either ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich.

Evaluation in all courses is by formal examination/performance assessments mainly carried out in examination blocks. In accordance with the European Credit Transfer System, 180 credits must be obtained.

The Bachelor programme concludes at the end of the sixth semester once the Bachelor thesis, an independently written piece of work, has been finished. Successful students acquire the Bachelor degree and are awarded the title 'Bachelor of Science ETH in Environmental Engineering'.

An ETH Zurich Bachelor degree in Environmental Engineering allows direct entry to the ETH Zurich Master programme in Environmental Engineering, or to a similar Master  programme at a partner university abroad. It is also possible to take up an interdisciplinary ETH Zurich Master programme, e.g.

- Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems
- Project and Facility Management
- Natural Hazards and Risk Management