University of Zurich

Faculty of Science

Guidebook
for the Study of Mathematics
Issue October 2013
Table of contents

Information about Mathematics 3

Preface ............................................................................................................................................................... 3
§ 1 Bachelor’s and master’s degree course in Mathematics at the University of Zurich ...................................... 4
§ 2 Course offerings, examinations, grades, assessment ................................................................................... 6
§ 3 Chronological structure of the degree courses.............................................................................................. 8
§ 4 Mathematics as a minor.............................................................................................................................. 12
§ 5 Mathematics as a required complementary course..................................................................................... 13
§ 6 Secondary school teaching diploma............................................................................................................ 14
§ 7 Addresses and information centers............................................................................................................. 15
General information on studies in the Faculty of Science at the University of Zurich 16

Issue Oktober 2013

2
Part I:

Information about Mathematics

Preface
This guidebook addresses students who are studying Mathematics at the University of Zurich or who wish to do
so. It will be of help to you in planning your study sensibly, and therefore contains all important information
regarding study regulations and course offerings for the subject of Mathematics.
It is recommended to read this guidebook already at the start of the degree course in order to gain an overview
of the structure of the entire course scope. Students should also inform themselves in good time regarding the
selection and the details of minor subject studies. In order to complete the bachelor’s degree course within the
standard period of study, students should begin with minor subject studies already in the first semester if the
selected minor subject has more than 30 credit points. In case of any questions concerning the degree course,
you can gladly address them to the Student Advisory Service of our institute
(www.math.uzh.ch/index.php?studienberatung).
General information on the Institute for Mathematics can be found under www.math.uzh.ch.

3
§ 1 Bachelor’s and master’s degree course in Mathematics at the University of Zurich

§ 1.1 Overview
The degree course in Mathematics at our institute is tiered and consists of the:
a) Bachelor’s degree course in Mathematics with the degree «Bachelor of Science in Mathematics»
(abbreviation: BSc in Mathematics),
b) Master’s degree course in Mathematics with the degree «Master of Science in Mathematics»
(abbreviation: MSc in Mathematics).
The bachelor’s degree course is designed for six semesters and conveys solid fundamentals in the most
important areas of Mathematics and in a minor subject.
Building upon the bachelor level, students can achieve the master’s degree within three additional semesters of
study. This consists of a specialization in a current area of mathematical research. Focus lies on the master’s
thesis in the form of a research project conducted on a high scientific level. A minor subject is also selected for
the master’s degree course; either the minor subject from the bachelor’s degree course can be expanded or
another minor subject can be chosen.
An MSc in Mathematics is the professionally enabling qualification for academic-mathematical careers, and
forms the scientific basis for the secondary school teaching diploma. A doctoral degree course can follow upon
the MSc degree; this includes an extended independently conducted research project and leads to conferral of
the doctoral degree (Dr.sc.nat.).
The bachelor’s degree is less understood as a professional qualification, but considered rather as a bridge to
the master’s degree course, or as a hinge to entrance into master’s degree programs either at other universities
or into other subject areas.

§ 1.2 Structure

§ 1.2.1. General
The degree course up to the degree of master is organized in two segments:
Bachelor’s degree course
In the bachelor’s degree course students acquire solid fundamental knowledge and capabilities for scientific,
methodological thinking. The concluding degree is the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Required for
achievement of the degree of bachelor are 180 credit points. The standard period of study for the bachelor’s
degree course is six semesters.
Master’s degree course
The master’s degree course conveys to students a deepened scientific education and the capability of
independent scientific work. The concluding degree is the Master of Science in Mathematics. Required for the
achievement of the degree of master are 90 credit points. The standard period of study for the master’s degree
course is three semesters.

§ 1.2.2 Minor subject

The choice of a minor subject is optional during the bachelor studies as well as during the master studies.
However, if a minor is chosen it needs to encompass a minimum of 20 credit points. The minor subject can be
freely chosen among the subjects at the University of Zurich which offer a minor subject with a minimum
breadth of 20 credit points (see also p.18, point 4).
During the master studies, either the minor subject from the bachelor’s degree course can be expanded further,
or another minor subject can be chosen from among the subjects at the University of Zurich. Students of
Mathematics, who pursued a minor subject in the Faculty of Arts during their bachelor’s degree course, can
pursue a consecutive minor subject of a breadth of 15 credit points. The remaining 5 credit points must be
completed in course offerings of Mathematics.
Applications for minor subjects at other university-level institutions must be submitted to the dean of studies.

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§ 1.3 Modules

§ 1.3.1 General
The degree course is composed of modules. These are course offerings associated in content that stretch over
one or two semesters. A single module comprises one or more course offerings. For every module an
assessment is established which determines whether or not the module has been passed. Assessments are
not graded. Besides assessments, graded examinations can be prescribed for modules, from which the
bachelor’s or respectively the master’s grade is calculated (see § 2.2).

§ 1.3.2 Credit points and degree course durations

Credit points are given for every module passed; the number of points indicates the effort required for
completion of the corresponding module, including preparation, follow-up work and required attendance.
Guidelines for allocation of credit points:
 1 credit point corresponds to 30 hours of study time.
 The benchmark workload per semester for a full-time student is 30 credit points.
 The bachelor’s degree course encompasses 180 credit points.
 The master’s degree course (not including the bachelor’s course) encompasses 90 credit points.
This yields the following target degree course durations:
 6 semesters for the bachelor’s degree course.
 3 semesters fort he master’s degree course (not including the bachelor’s course).
The Framework Academic Regulations of the Faculty of Science prescribes that the maximum allowed degree
course duration may not exceed twice the target degree course duration.

§ 1.3.3 Module types

A distinction is made between compulsory and elective modules.
 Compulsory module: a module which is obligatory for all students of Mathematics.
 Elective module: a module that can be chosen freely from the offerings of a subject or subject group. In
mathematics there are five categories of elective modules: algebra, analysis, geometry, numerics,
stochastics.

§ 1.3.4 Module examinations

The Bachelor’s and the Master’s diploma are graded. For some modules (graded) examinations are prescribed.
The bachelor’s grade is the average1 of graded modules in the major and minor subjects, weighted with respect
to credit points.
In addition, the weighted averages of the major and minor subject modules are listed separately on the
Bachelor’s diploma. These regulations are correspondingly valid for the Master’s diploma.
The rules for enrollment and cancellation of module examinations and exam repetitions are valid for all subjects
of the Faculty of Science and are explained in the general information section of this Guidebook.

1
Specifically, every module grade from the bachelor’s degree course is multiplied with the number of credit points of the
respective module and divided by the sum of all credit points of all graded moduls. These weighted module grades are
added together and yield the bachelor’s grade.
5
§ 2 Course offerings, examinations, grades, assessment

§ 2.1 Course offering types in Mathematics degree courses

a) Lecture (L)
Lecture modules are divided into compulsory and elective lectures. The compulsory lectures comprise four
semester week hours (SWH) plus companion tutorials (T) of two SWH. Exceptions are the lectures MAT115
Fundamentals of Mathematics (2L) and InFE1001 Programming for Mathematics (5L + 2T – duration of first
half of semester). INFE1001 is a course offering of the Institute of Informatics. For elective lectures the extent
of SWH is determined by the person responsible for the module. Lectures are all concluded with a graded
module examination (respectively in examination periods 3 or 6). For lectures, credit points are calculated
according to the formula 3/2 (L+T), which yields a result of 9 CP for compulsory modules.

b) Lecture companion tutorials (T)

The lecture companion tutorials make an essential contribution to understanding a lecture. Once a week in
tutorials students are given exercises – to be solved independently or in groups. In the monitored tutorials the
exercises are discussed. Students who have worked out an exercise correctly should be in a position to present
the solution at the board during the tutorial.
As a rule the assessment for a lecture is coupled with successful handling of tutorial exercises. The criteria for
allocation of credit points are published in the commentated handbook of courses (www.vorlesungen.uzh.ch).

c) Seminar/Seminar project (S)

A seminar includes dealing with a given mathematical topic. Individual students or groups make presentations
on these topics and prepare written papers. Seminars are not graded and yield 4 CP.
A seminar project (4 CP) includes the study of and written treatment of a given mathematical topic and can be
conducted independently of a seminar. The breadth of a seminar project corresponds to the written composition
of a two-hour seminar presentation.

d) Master thesis (M)

The master thesis is an essential part of the Mathematics degree course, and corresponding significance is
given to it. Students are recommended to establish contact with a docent to agree upon a topic and to discuss
a sensible introduction to the area at the start of the master’s degree course. The prerequisites established by
individual docents for their diploma candidates are made public from time to time in the Bulletin of the
Mathematics Student Society, or can be reviewed on docents’ homepages.

e) Tutorship for teaching diploma students (T)

Teaching diploma students with the sole instruction subject Mathematics can apply for a tutorship (4 CP) within
the scope of a specialized immersion with pedagogical focus. The tutorship takes the place of a seminar.
Students assume independent leadership of a tutorial group for one of the lectures MAT182, MAT183, MAT15X
or of the Junior Euler Society (JES).

§ 2.2 Examinations

a) Module examinations
All lectures are concluded with a module examination. These examinations of compulsory modules are
conducted in writing, while repeat examinations are written or oral. For the examination INFE1001
Programming for Mathematics the regulations followed are those of the Institute of Informatics. The
examinations and repeat examinations for elective modules can be carried out in writing or orally. Written
examinations last 180 minutes, oral examinations last 20 minutes. Two exceptions are the written module
examination MAT115 Fundamentals of Mathematics which lasts 120 minutes as well as the examinations of
MAT111 Linear Algebra I & II and MAT121 Analysis I & II which last 40 minutes if executed orally.
All module examinations take place during examination period 3 (for fall semester lectures) or period 6 (for
spring semester lectures), while repeat examinations are conducted in the subsequent examinations period 5
or respectively 2.

6
b) Master’s examination (ME)
The master’s examination is oral and lasts 60 minutes. The content of the master’s examination is the master
thesis and the field of the master thesis by agreement with the module coordinator of the master thesis.
The date of the master’s examination is agreed with the module coordinator of the master’s project. In addition
to the module coordinator of the master thesis, one to two additional authorized examiners take part in the
master’s examination. Authorized examiners are the full and associate, assistant and adjunct professors,
Privatdozent (lecturers), as well as the post doctorates of the faculty. Appropriate persons from other faculties
of university institutes of higher education can be drawn upon. In addition, observers may be present who
already possess an academic degree of the diploma or master’s level.

7
§ 3 Example of the chronological structure of the degree courses

8
§ 3.1 Overview of modules in bachelor’s degree program

a) Lectures among lower-level courses (compulsory modules)

MAT 111 Linear algebra I, II
MAT 121 Analysis I,II
MAT 115 Fundamentals of mathematics
MAT101 Programming in Python 1)
1)
Students with the minor subject Informatics are allowed to book AINF1100 Informatics I instead of MAT101.

b) Lectures following lower-level courses

Compulsory modules
MAT 221 Analysis III
MAT 211 Algebra I
MAT 701 Geometry I / Topology
MAT 801 Numerics I
MAT 901 Stochastics

Elective modules
Additional lectures in Mathematics from four out of the five different areas (Algebra, Analysis, Geometry,
Numerics, Stochastics) amounting to a total of 45 credit points, seminars amounting to at least 4 credit points.
The module MAT116 MatLab-Programming (2 CP) takes place in the semester break in January/ February.
MatLab is the programming language used in the lecture MAT801 Numerics I.

c) Minor subject
In bachelor’s degree studies, the choice of a minor subject is optional. However, if a minor is chosen it has to
have a scope of at least 20 credit points. The minor can be freely chosen among those subjects offered at the
University of Zurich. Information on minor subject curricula can be found on the homepages of the minor
subjects or can be requested directly from the Student Advisory Services of the minor subjects. Attaining the
bachelor’s degree requires 180 credit points. These credit points are compiled through completion of modules
in Mathematics or in the chosen minor subject.
If no minor is chosen, elective modules worth 20 credit points can be freely chosen from the whole University of
Zurich. The remaining 23 credit points have to be compiled through elective modules in Mathematics. It is also
possible to choose the total of 43 credit points with mathematics elective modules only.

§ 3.2 Tabular overview of bachelor’s degree studies

1st year of study:
Compulsory modules
Module Num. Module consists of Type Exam/
CP Period
MAT 111 Linear algebra 18 MAT 111.1 Linear algebra I (FS) L yes, 6
MAT 111.2 Tu.Lin. algebra I (FS) T
MAT 111.3 Linear algebra II (SS) L
MAT 111.4 Tu. Lin. algebra II (SS) T
MAT 121 Analysis 18 MAT 121.1 Analysis I (FS) L yes, 6
MAT 121.2 Tutorials Analysis I (FS) T
MAT 121.3 Analysis II (SS) L
MAT 121.4 Tutorials Analysis II (SS) T
MAT115 Fundamentals of 3 MAT 115.1 Fundamentals of L ye, 3
mathematics mathematics
1)
MAT101 Programming in Python 4 MAT101.1 Programming in Python L no
MAT101.2 Exercises Prog. in Python T
MAT 801 Numerics I (SS) 9 MAT 801.1 Numerics I L yes, 6
MAT 801.2 Tutorials Numerics I T
1)
Students with the minor subject Informatics are allowed to take AINF1100 Informatics I instead of MAT101.

9
Elective module
MAT116 MatLab-Programming 2 MAT116.1 MatLab-Programming L no

3rd – 6th Semester:

Compulsory modules
Moduel Num. Module consists of Type Exam/
KP Period
MAT 221 Analysis III (FS) 9 MAT 221.1 Analysis III L yes, 3
MAT 221.2 Tutorials Analysis III T
MAT 211 Algebra I (FS) 9 MAT 211.1 Algebra I L yes, 3
MAT 211.2 Tutorials Algebra I T
MAT 701 Geometry I / Topology 9 MAT 701.1 Geometry I / Topology L Yes, 3
MAT 701.2 Tutorials Geometry I / T
Topology
MAT 901 Stochastics 9 MAT 901.1 Stochastics L yes, 6
MAT 901.2 Tutorials Stochastics T

Elective modules
Lectures
Among elective modules, additional lectures in Mathematics are chosen from four different areas amounting to
a total of 45 credit points. The following lectures are offered regularly at the University of Zurich:
Probability II and III
Statistics II and III
Numerics II and III
Geometry II and IIII
Analysis IV (Introduction to PDE) and V (Functional analysis)
Algebraic geometry
Algebra II
Commutative algebra
Number theory
Cryptology
Financial mathematics
Topology
Complex analysis, Riemann surfaces
Dynamic systems
PDE

Lectures are concluded with a module examination, those lectures in the fall semester in examination period 3,
and those in the spring semester in examination period 6. Credit points are calculated as follows according to
the scope of lectures (3/2 (L+T)).

Additional, irregularly offered Mathematics lectures at the UZH as well as the ETHZ may also be attended.

Seminars
Seminars of a scope comprising 4 CP in total must be attented.

Lectures and seminars at the ETH

All lectures and seminars of the ETH can be taken as elective modules, to the extent that these address
students in bachelor’s or master’s studies in Mathematics. Other course offerings will not be acknowledged.
All UZH students who complete assessments of academic achievement at the ETH must be registered as
„Auditors“ (http://www.rektorat.ethz.ch/students/admission/auditors/external), take credit units and in addition
register themselves for end-of-semester – or respectively session-examinations via myStudies
(www.mystudies.ethz.ch). The results are communicated or respectively made visible as for ETH students via
myStudies. In addition, UZH students receive a written confirmation of the completed assessments of academic
achievement by mail at the beginning of the following semester.

10
§ 3.3 Overview of the master’s degree studies

1st – 3rd semester:

Compulsory modules
Module Num. Module consists of Type Exam/
KP Period
MAT 491 Master thesis 30 MAT 491.1 Master thesis M no
MAT 499 Master’s examination 5 MAT 499.1 Master’s ME yes (s. §
examination 2.2)

Elective modules
Lectures
Mathematics lectures from among elective modules of a scope comprising at least 27 CP are chosen from at
least two of the five different areas (Algebra, Analysis, Geometry, Numerics, Stochastics). The lectures are
concluded with a module examination (examination period 3 or 6, see § 2.2).

Seminars
Mathematics seminars of a scope comprising 8 CP. A seminar can be substituted by a seminar project.

Minor subject
In master’s degree studies, the choice of a minor with a scope of at least 20 credit points is optional. If a minor
was chosen during bachelor’s degree studies either the minor subject from bachelor’s degree studies can be
extended further, or another minor subject can be selected. Students who took minor subject in the Faculty of
Philosophy during their bachelor’s degree studies may take a consecutive minor subject with a scope of 15
credit points. The remaining 5 credit points must be completed in Mathematics course offerings (see also p. 18,
point 4).

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§ 4 Mathematics as a minor

§ 4.1 General
Mathematics as a minor subject includes at least 36 credit points. The compulsory modules are MAT121
Analysis and MAT111 Linear algebra. Through attendance of additional lectures and seminars in Mathematics
the minor subject can be expanded to 60 CP.
The modules Analysis or respectively Linear algebra consist of the lectures Analysis I and II, and respectively
Linear algebra I and II as in the major subject degree program, as well as the companion tutorials to the
lectures.

§ 4.2 Tabular overview of minor subject studies in Mathematics

Compulsory modules
Module Num. CP Module consists of Type Exam/
period
MAT 111 Lineare algebra 18 MAT 111.1 Linear algebra I (FS) L yes, 6
MAT 111.2 Tutorials Lin. algebra I (FS) T
MAT 111.3 Lineare algebra II (SS) L
MAT 111.4 Tutorials Lin. Algebra II (SS) T
MAT 121 Analysis 18 MAT 121.1 Analysis I (FS) L yes, 6
MAT 121.2 Tutorials Analysis I (FS) T
MAT 121.3 Analysis II (SS) L
MAT 121.4 Tutorials Analysis II (SS) T

Elective modules
Additional lectures and seminars in Mathematics up to 60 credit points.

12
§ 5 Mathematics as a required complementary course

Listed here are modules needed by other subjects as required complementary courses. The specification as to
whether a module is compulsory, core elective or elective, is determined by the respective major subjects.
Remarks:
The examinations for modules MAT 182 and MAT 183 are written and last 120 minutes respectively.
The respective repeat examinations take place in examination period 6.
The module Bioinformatics II is a joint course offering of ETHZ/UZH. The module Bioinformatics I is found in the
program regulations under number BCH 401 Biochemistry.

Module Num. CP Module consists of Type Exam/

period
MAT 131 Analysis I for Physics 9 MAT 121.1 Analysis I L yes, 2
students MAT 121.2 Tutorials Analysis I T
MAT 132 Analysis II for Physics 9 MAT 121.3 Analysis II L yes, 5
students MAT 121.4 Tutorials Analysis II T
MAT 141 Linear algebra for 5 MAT 141.1 Linear algebra for Physics L yes, 2
Physics students MAT 141.2 Tutorials Lin. alg. for Physics T
MAT 182 Analysis for the Natural 6 MAT 182.1 Lecture AN L yes, 2
sciences (AN) MAT 182.2 Tutorials AN T
MAT 183 Stochastics for the 6 MAT 183.1 Lecture SN L yes, 5
Natural sciences (SN) MAT 183.2 Tutorials SN T
MAT 184 Mathematics for 4 MAT 184.1 Lecture MC I (FS) L yes, 3
Chemistry I (MC I) MAT 184.2 Tutorials MC I (FS) T
MAT 185 Mathematics for 4 MAT 185.1 Lecture MC II (SS) L yes, 5
Chemistry (MC II) MAT 185.2 Tutorials MC II (SS) T
PHY 312 Mathematical methods 5 PHY 312.1 Lecture MMP I L no
in Physics I (MMP I) PHY 312.2 Tutorials MMP I T
PHY 322 Mathematical methods 5 PHY 322.1 Lecture MMP II L no
in Physics II (MMP II) PHY 322.2 Tutorials MMP II T
STA 110 Introductions to 5 STA 110.1 Lecture Introduction to L yes
probability probability
STA 120 Introduction to statistics 5 STA 120.1 Lecture Introduction to L yes
statistics
STA 120.2 Tutorials IS T
STA 121 Statistic modeling 5 STA 121.1 Lecture Statistic modelin L yes
STA 121.2 Tutorials T
BINF 2180 Numerics and 3
L no
scientific calculation

13
§ 6 Secondary school teaching diploma

§ 6.1 Secondary school teaching diploma degree program

Education for the secondary school teaching diploma is offered by the Institute of Educational Sciences.
Detailed and current information can be found at http://www.ife.uzh.ch/llbm
This degree program comprises 60 credit points. The degree can be completed in one subject or in two
subjects of instruction (i.e., Mathematics as 1st subject of instruction and Physics as 2nd subject of instruction).

An overview of the degree program:

Degree program Degree program
completion with one completion with two
subject of instruction subjects of instruction
Eductional theory (compulsory) at least 16 CP at least 16 CP

Core elective
Specialized didactics in 1st subject of instruction at least 10 CP at least 10 CP
- 3 compulsory modules
- comprehensive module examination

at least 10 CP
Specialized didactics in 2nd subject of instruction
Practice oriented eductional training 1st subject at least 15 CP at least 14 CP
50 lessons (30 + 20)

Practice oriented eductional training 2nd subject at least 7 CP

30 lessons (20 + 10)
Subject specific immersion with pedagogical 12 CP
focus
Subject specific course offerings oriented toward
secondary school teaching activity
Comprehensive module examination
- Educational theory
- Specialized didactics
- Practice oriented examination in 1st subject
- Practice oriented examination in 2nd subject

§ 6.2 Teaching diploma with Mathematics as 2nd subject of instruction

The subject specific prerequisites for the 2nd subject of instruction consist of the following modules:
Mathematics as a minor subject (36 CP) with additional workload comprising 44 CP for a total of 80 CP:
Mathematics lectures of a scope comprising at least 36 CP chosen from at least four out of the five different
areas (Algebra, Analysis, Geometry, Numerics, Stochastics) and two seminars (each of 4 CP)

In each of the five areas (Analysis, Algebra, Geometry, Numerics, Stochastics) at least one seminar is offered
per year. These seminars can also be attended by teaching diploma students.
An individual assessment can be defined for teaching diploma students, i.e., the composition of a lecture.

§ 6.3 Teaching diploma with Mathematics as the sole subject of instruction (subject specific immersion
with pedagogical focus)

The subject specific immersion with pedagogical focus (SIP) includes 2 seminars of 4 CP each and a seminar
project of 4 CP. For the SIP, students can enroll in the seminars listed above in § 6.2.

A seminar can be substituted by a tutorship (4 CP). Students must apply for the tutorship (registration form:
www.math.uzh.ch). Students assume independent leadership of a tutorial group for one of the lectures
MAT182, MAT183, MAT15X or of the Junior Euler Society (JES). The module coordinator evaluates the
execution of the tutorials twice per semester, for which the students each prepare a written concept. The
decision of pass/fail of the module resides with the module coordinator. The attendance of instruction can be
delegated to an assistant.

14
§ 7 Addresses and information centers

Homepage of the Institute of Mathematics: www.math.uzh.ch

Postal address: Institute of Mathematics, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich

Student advisory services:

Student advisory services: studium@math.uzh.ch
Student society Mathematics: fvm@math.uzh.ch

Student information: www.math.uzh.ch/index.php?studenten

Handbook of courses at the UZH: www.vorlesungen.uzh.ch

Events at the UZH: www.agenda.uzh.ch

Regulations and fact sheets: www.mnf.uzh.ch/studium/reglemente-merkblaetter

Student society Mathematics: fvm@math.uzh.ch

15
Part II:
General information on studies in the
Faculty of Science at the University of Zurich

1. What is in this guidebook?

Assembled in this introductory section of the guidebook on studies of the major subject Mathematics in the
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MNF) is the information that is valid for all subjects. In the
sections that follow one can find specific information for the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in
Mathematics.

2. Which documents contain the regulations governing studies at the MNF?

This guidebook has a descriptive function. The following documents are binding:
a) Framework ordinance for studies in the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the Faculty of
Science at the University of Zurich.
b) Program regulations for studies in the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the Faculty of
Science at the University of Zurich.
c) Regulations for obtaining the doctoral degree in the Faculty of Science at the University of Zurich
These regulations can be found under: http://www.mnf.uzh.ch/studium/reglemente-merkblaetter.html

The framework ordinance contains the general stipulations for bachelor’s and master’s studies. The content of
the degree programs is described in the program regulations. The regulations for obtaining the doctoral degree
administer doctoral studies, but are not the subject of this guidebook.
The present guidebook and the regulations a), b), and c) mentioned are valid for an extended period. For
current information, every subject issues a “commentated handbook of courses” every semester, which
contains among other information details on course offerings.
Alongside the commentated handbook of courses, every semester the handbook of courses of the entire
university is also issued; this contains all courses in summarized form as well as other information about the
university (institutes, faculty etc.).

3. How are studies structured? What academic degree(s) can I achieve?

The degree programs at the MNF represent a tiered study system. The first tier leads to the bachelor’s degree,
the second, subsequent tier to the master’s degree. In bachelor’s degree studies, students develop
fundamental knowledge and capabilities of methodic-scientific thinking. A subsequent master’s degree study
course conveys a specialized scientific education and the capability of independent scientific work.
Bachelor’s degree studies serve primarily as a hinge to further education in a master’s degree study course,
whether in the same subject at one’s own or at another university, or in another subject. The program
regulations determine under what conditions a change of subject is possible between a bachelor’s and a
master’s degree program.
As a third tier one can pursue doctoral studies following completion of master’s degree studies, insofar as an
instructor declares willingness to guide a dissertation project.
The master’s degree is the professional basis for the teaching diploma for secondary school. Additional
information can be found under http://www.igb.uzh.ch/studium.html.

4. What is a minor subject?

A minor subject is a subject which differs from the major subject, the scope of which should not be less than 20
credit points. Students who in their bachelor’s degree course complete a minor subject in the Faculty of
Philosophy can pursue an extension (consecutive) minor subject during master’s degree studies with a scope
of 15 credit points. The minor subject is listed on the bachelor’s and respectively the master’s degree
certificate. The curricula of minor subjects and possible combinations of bachelor’s and extension tiers in
master’s degree studies are established by the respective fields of study.
The available minor subjects for the study of Mathematics are listed under:
- for the bachelor’s degree studies: http://www.vorlesungen.uzh.ch/current/lehrangebot/fak-50000008/sc-
50503822.html
- fort he master’s degree studies: http://www.vorlesungen.uzh.ch/current/lehrangebot/fak-50000008/sc-
50017160.html
The Office of the Dean of Studies can approve other minor subjects upon application.
16
5. How does the credit point system work?
All degree programs are carried out according to the principles of the credit point system. Within this system
credit points (CP) are given for all efforts based on an assessment. The following principles apply:
 No credits without assessment.
 One credit point corresponds to a workload of 30 hours. Included in this time are attendance time, time
for independent work (self-study, solution of exercises, etc).
 The workload for one semester (including lecture-free periods) corresponds to 30 CP.

6. How many credit points do I have to achieve? What period of time is available for this?
The bachelor’s degree is granted for achievement of 180 CP and the master’s degree for an additional 90 CP.
This means that as a rule, bachelor’s degree studies require six semesters, and master’s degree studies an
additional three (standard period of study).
The maximum period of study for the bachelor’s or respectively the master’s degree amounts to twice the
standard period of study, as calculated from the respective start of study. Whoever has not fulfilled the
conditions for achievement of the bachelor’s or respectively the master’s degree within this length of time can
no longer achieve a degree in the Faculty of Science. The Faculty can approve longer periods of study in
response to a well-grounded application.
It is hereby possible in particular for part-time students to extend the period of study to a maximum of double
the standard period. Conversely in particular cases, it is also possible for the required number of credit points to
be achieved in a time shorter than the standard period.

7. Can I assemble my credit points in any arbitrary order?

No. Credit points cannot be achieved with an arbitrary assembly of course offerings. This guidebook or
respectively the program regulations provide information about the extent to which course offerings are
compulsory and where elective possibilities exist. Additional information on this topic can be found in Question
10.

8. How do I find out about my credit point status?

Once per semester students receive a report of credit points achieved to date as well as, insofar as they are
given, the grades achieved. Students are obligated to report irregularities to the Office of the Dean of Students
within 30 days.

9. Can I collect as many credit points as I want?

The framework ordinance of the faculty of science stipulates that a maximum of 10 additional credit points can
be counted towards the required number of credit points of the respective program. All the other surplus credit
points will not be counted towards the diploma. They will be, however, appear in the academic record under a
separate paragraph.

Sie werden jedoch im Academic Record unter „nicht an der Abschluss angerechnete Leistungen“ ausgewiesen.

10. How are degree programs structured? What are modules?

Degree programs are structured in modules. A module consists of one or more course offerings. Credit points
are given exclusively for modules. In general, modules extend beyond one semester. Completing one module
can be dependent on fulfillment of prerequisites; the commentated handbook of courses provides information.

11. What types of modules are there?

Modules are distinguished as:
 compulsory module: a module which is compulsory for all students of a degree program.
 elective module: a module which can be freely selected from among the offerings of a subject or group
or subjects.
The program regulations of the Faculty of Science and respectively this guidebook establish the compulsory,
core elective and elective modules of the individual degree programs, including the corresponding credit points.

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For elective and core elective modules this stipulation can also be made in the commentated handbook of
courses.

12. Who is responsible for the modules (including any possible examinations or other types of official
assessment)?
A module coordinator is determined for each module and named in the commentated handbook of courses.

13. How do I register for a module?

You can register online using the module registration system of the University of Zurich under http://
www.students.uzh.ch/booking.html.

14. How do I accumulate my credit points?

Credit points are only granted on the basis of official assessments. The date, form and extent of these
assessments are published in the commentated handbook of courses.
Should improbity occur during an assessment, then the examination or respectively the assessment is declared
as failed.

15. What are module examinations? How are they carried out?
A module examination is a written or oral examination on the material dealt with in a module. Module
examinations are commonly graded on a scale from 1 to 6 (half-grades are allowed). If the grade is 4 or better,
then credit points are granted for that module; if the grade is worse, then no credit points are granted. Grades
from module examinations are given a weighting which corresponds to the number of credit points when
establishing the grades in your bachelor’s or master’s diploma.

16. Do I have to register for the individual module examinations? Can I revoke my registration?
Upon registration for a module, you are automatically registered for the pertinent module examinations. You
can, however, revoke your registration from the module as well as the examination without submission of a
reason within the cancellation period listed in the handbook of courses.

17. Do I receive an invitation to each module examination?

Not necessarily. You do not receive an invitation to the written module examinations. Under
http://www.math.uzh.ch/index.php?id=pruefungen you can view the date, time and location of an examination,
and must assume responsibility for noting this information correctly in your own agenda. For oral module
examinations, the module coordinator is responsible for arranging the examination dates and location, as well
as communicating these to the candidates (at least three weeks prior to the date of examination).

18. When do the module examinations take place?

The Faculty has six appointments at its disposal per year for the module examinations. In the program
regulations and the commentated handbook of courses it is established individually for each module on which
of the appointments the respective module examination will take place. A single appointment date is foreseen
for each module.
The examination periods are specified as follows (CW = calendar week):
 Period 1 CW 51 + 2
 Period 2: CW 3 + 4
 Period 3: CW 6 + 7
 Period 4: CW 22 + 23
 Period 5: CW 25 + 26
 Period 6: CW 35 + 36 + 37
In Mathematics studies, module examinations take place in periods 6 and 3. The respective repetition
appointments fall in period 2 or in period 5.
The examinations for the modules Analysis (MAT 121) and Linear Algebra (MAT 111) of the first regulation
year of study take place in period 6, i.e., in the two weeks before the start of lectures for the third regulation
semester.

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19. How and when do I learn of the results of module examinations?
Following every examination period the results are validated by the Faculty board. Subsequently you can view
the results in your personal account.

20. What are the possibilities for repetition?

Failed module examinations can be repeated for each module once (and only once). If a compulsory module
has not been passed after the allowed repetition, then studies cannot be continued in the particular major
subjects for which that module is compulsory. Exactly one compulsory module may be repeated again after a
failed repetition on the basis of a written application during the whole of bachelor’s degree studies. If an elective
has not been passed after the allowed repetition, it can be substituted once by another module.
If you have failed a module examination, along with your examination notification you will receive a registration
for an examination repetition. Within the deadline noted in the registration, you may commit to the repetition of
that examination. If you do not register within this deadline, then you must repeat the module and may take the
examination only one more time.

21. What happens if I fail to appear for an examination or an examination repetition? What must I do in
this case?
Whoever fails to appear for a module examination does not pass the examination. Upon submission of
important reasons or a medical attest the Faculty can grant exceptions. In such cases you must send a written
appeal with the necessary documents or certificates to the Office of the Dean of Students within five days
following the date of the examination.
If the Faculty grants the appeal, then it also determines when the missed module examination must be
completed. As a rule this is the repetition date for the pertinent module examination.

22. How are the official assessments conducted for modules, for which module examinations are not
published?
In this case the module coordinators are responsible for the modalities. These are listed in the commentated
handbook of courses. Performance can be graded in these cases also.
If for reasons of health or other pertinent cause you are hindered from taking part in such an official
assessment, you must communicate this to the module coordinator immediately, who will see to it that the
assessment can still be carried out.
If an official assessment for a module has not been completed, then the regulation for repeated examinations
(Question 19) should be applied appropriately.
Should you not fulfill the conditions for the official assessment, you will receive the opportunity to repeat the
attempt. Depending on the type of assessment, this can mean that you may have to repeat the module. If on
this occasion you still do not fulfill the conditions, then you can substitute the module with another one

23. What are the circumstances for the bachelor and master theses?
There is no bachelor thesis required in the study of Mathematics. Acquiring the master’s degree, however,
requires a master thesis of a maximum of one year (52 weeks) as an unconditional prerequisite. One repetition
(with a new topic) is possible. Languages allowed include German and English, or also French or Italian in
agreement with the mentor.

24. What is the master’s examination?

To acquire the master’s degree, the master’s examination must be passed. This examination tests the breadth
of your knowledge in the subject. For this examination the registration and examination regulations apply
accordingly. The date of examination is agreed directly with the module coordinator. A cancellation is possible
directly with the responsible coordinator up to ten days before the examination date. A single repetition is
allowed.

25. Do I receive the bachelor’s or respectively the master’s degree automatically upon fulfillment of all
requirements?
No. The granting of the diploma for these degrees does not occur automatically on the basis of the ccumulated
credit points. Rather, you must in both respects submit an application to the Dean of Students Office for the
degree. The application form can be found under:
http://www.math.uzh.ch/index.php?id=2315

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When all conditions have been fulfilled, then the Faculty grants you the corresponding title at the next Faculty
Assembly, insofar as the application occurs at least three weeks prior to the Faculty Assembly; otherwise this is
done at the next assembly.

26. What does my diploma look like?

The diploma document is written in German and English. It also includes a grade, calculated from the grades
achieved during the course of studies according to the program regulations. Separate grades are given for the
major subject and the minor subject. In accompaniment to the diploma document is a list of all the modules
completed including the credit points acquired, as well as the “diploma supplement,” which contains general
information on courses of study in Switzerland and in particular at the University of Zurich.

27. Can I change university every semester?

Yes. Credit points are fundamentally acknowledged at any university, insofar as the institution also applies the
ECTS credit point system. The target university retains the right, however, to set certain regulations for a
program of studies, in case the course of studies there differs essentially from that at the University of Zurich. If
you wish to receive a bachelor’s diploma from the Faculty of Science, then you must in this case complete at
least 90 of the 180 required credit points at the University of Zurich; the Faculty can grant exceptions upon
submission of written application.

28. How do I manage both studies and military service?

The dates of module examinations coincide with military training and other military educational services. It is
therefore recommended that these services be completed before the start of studies. If you must complete
military services during the course of studies, then you should get in touch with the Student Advisory Services
in your subject area and discuss the planning of your studies. Absences due to military service can however
under no circumstances lead to relaxed conditions for official assessments.

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