Individuals in the life sciences with a university degree who wish to complement their expertise with skills in computational science and AI. Practitioners with comparable professional competence may also be admitted (admission sur dossier).

• Use digitalisation in the life sciences.
• Apply your expertise effectively in a digital context.
• Close the continuing education gap for data science in the life sciences.

The CAS Digital Life Sciences consists of five compulsory modules and one compulsory elective module, which are selected from the extensive programme offered by the Institute of Computational Life Sciences (ICLS). 

Compulsory modules: 

Case Studies and Life Science Applications (2 ECTS): Immerse yourself in the world of data science and learn how to overcome challenges in the life sciences with customised data solutions. 

Einführung ins Programmieren mit Python (2 ECTS): Acquire basic programming skills in Python and create your first programmes and data structures. 

Data Analysis Fundamentals (2 ECTS): Master the basics of data analysis with Python and use high-quality models and visualisations for data-driven decisions. 

Machine Learning Fundamentals in Python (2 ECTS): Discover the key techniques of machine learning and develop your own algorithms for data analysis and visualisation with Python. 

Introduction to Neural Networks (2 ECTS): Explore the basis of neural networks and their application potential for predictions in the life sciences. 

Compulsory elective modules: 

Natural Language Processing Fundamentals (2 ECTS): Deepen your programming skills and learn how to automatically process and analyse language data. 

Simulation for Beginners (2 ECTS): Develop models, analyse data and optimise complex systems with theoretical foundations and practical exercises for your professional success. 

Bioinformatics for Beginners (2 ECTS): Discover the basics of bioinformatics from data acquisition to analysis and modelling in molecular biology applications. 

Einführung in SQL (2 ECTS): Immerse yourself in the world of SQL databases and learn how to develop, manage and query databases and optimise data structures. 

• Digital transformation: Digitalisation is rapidly changing all areas of life and work.
• Handling data volumes: The life sciences generate increasingly large data sets that need to be analysed.
• Skills shortage: There is a high demand for skilled professionals in data science for the life sciences.
• New access: The CAS offers professionals in the life sciences new access to data science.

Students who began their studies before 10 July 2024 will follow the study regulations dated 1 February 2024. Link to the old study regulations. (PDF 223 kB)

• Part-time, predominantly in English.
• Duration of Study: 8 months.

Our teaching methods are designed to provide you with a practical and in-depth learning experience:

• Interactive Lectures: Our experts deliver knowledge through dynamic and interactive presentations.
• Practical Group Exercises: Work in teams on real case studies to directly apply and deepen what you've learned.
• Self-study with Support: Utilize comprehensive resources and guided learning to work at your own pace and solidify your understanding.
• Transfer Projects: Apply the learning content to your professional practice and benefit from immediate feedback.
• Real-world Case Studies: Analyze and discuss actual cases from the life sciences to gain a thorough understanding of digital transformation.

With university degree: Recognized university degree and 2 years of professional experience.

Without university degree: Tertiary B degree, 3 years of professional experience, and successful completion of an admissions interview.

Would you like to make a difference in the world? Do you meet the requirements for our continuing education programmes and want to pursue further training at the ZHAW? Then register now and get ready to experience one of our multi-faceted and challenging continuing education programmes. We look forward to welcoming you soon as one of our students.

Registration is a three-step process.

1. Create your switch edu-ID
   A switch edu-ID is your digital identity for accessing web resources in the academic world. You need to provide your first name, last name and your personal e-mail address.
   Create switch edu-ID
2. Provide necessary information and supporting documents
   Students enrolling in continuing education programmes need to provide the following:
   
   Personal information:
   Swiss social security number
   (13-digit number in the format: 000.0000.0000.00)
   If you live or work in Switzerland, you will find this on your AHV ID card or on your Swiss health insurance card.
   
   Swiss matriculation number
   (8-digit number in the format: xx-xxx-xxx)
   If you have already been enrolled at a Swiss university or university of applied sciences, you will find your matriculation number on:
   - your matriculation or exmatriculation document from a Swiss university
   - the student eligibility document used for your first matriculation at a Swiss university
     (this is a yellow adhesive label on your high school certificate or diploma)
   
   Documents:
   - Current CV
   - A copy of your highest education certificate
   - A photo of yourself for your ZHAW Student ID (CampusCard)
      (file format: JPG or JPEG /file size pixels: 300x400)
3. Submit application
   Answer the questions in our online application form to complete your registration.

Note:
If you expect to receive emails from us during the admission process and do not receive any, please check your spam folder.
If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact your admissions contact person.