Biomedical Sciences

Would you like to gain a better understanding of how the human body and its organs function? Are you fascinated by the challenges associated with medicine in the 21st century? Could you imagine having a career in medical research? The BEFRI program in Biomedical Sciences can help you here by teaching you the most modern methods of biological research in combination with a basic education in medicine that focuses on expanding your knowledge of how the most important systems in the human body function. The integration of these two areas of expertise will ideally prepare you for a career in academic or industrial research on both the basic and clinical level.The BEFRI program in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Bern is the only full program of study in the field of bio-medicine offered in Switzerland. It is jointly organized by the University of Fribourg (Bachelor) and the University of Bern (consecutive Master). The aim of the program is to offer students who are interested in human diseases but who do not want to work directly with patients as doctors an education that will enable them to embark upon a career in academic or pharmaceutical biomedical research.The program therefore focuses on the interface between the natural sciences and medicine. The first year of study focuses on the natural sciences, the second on medicine, particularly in the areas of anatomy, biochemistry and physiology. Third and fourth-year students learn about the basic mechanisms of illnesses and diseases, as well as the clinical pathophysiology of specific organs. This is supplemented by an introduction to state-of-the-art research methods and laboratory practices. The program concludes with a master thesis that is written during a six-month internship at a research lab of the student’s choice.