About Us

The Institute of Biochemistry is part of the Biology Department of the ETH. Its mission is to teach Biochemistry and to perform research in biochemistry and related fields. Traditionally, the scientific focus of the Institute has been in the areas of membrane biology, signal transduction, and extracellular matrix. Presently, increasing emphasis is given to genetic and cell biological topics while preserving the traditional strengths in chemically oriented biochemistry.

Research

As you can see from the individual projects listed in this WEB site (Professors and Groups), research in the Institute spans a broad range of topics. They include, in addition to the analysis of structure and function of individual macromolecules, the investigation of biochemical processes in mammalian cells, yeast, bacteria and viruses. While most of the work is directed towards understanding fundamental biochemical processes and concepts, some of the projects have practical applications as their major aim.

Teaching

Teaching takes many forms ranging from basic courses to advanced seminars and hands-on methods courses. It is performed in close co-operation with other Institutes in the ETH (Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Plant Biology and Chemistry) and increasingly together with Institutes in the University of Zurich.

Undergraduates that have biochemistry as their main subject obtain a solid multidisciplinary education with extensive additional emphasis on chemistry, molecular biology, structural biology and cell biology. Members of the Institute also provide basic biochemistry teaching to students studying pharmacy, agricultural sciences and chemistry. For general information on biochemistry courses for undergraduate students see the DBIOL web-pages or contact Dr. Alicia Smith

Many Swiss and foreign students have received their PhD in the Institute as an introduction to successful careers in science and industry. This tradition continues; the Institute has a lively group of Graduate students. Typically, the PhD thesis requires about 3-4 years. If you are interested, please contact members of the faculty directly or, for general information Prof. Dr. Ulrike Kutay. More information is also available under PhD Prg.

Ambience

It is noteworthy that the Institute has quite an international ambience. Many members of the faculty, most of the post doctoral fellows and about half of the PhD students are from abroad. English is the main language in many of the research groups. Progress reports and seminars are held on a weekly basis in English. Although German is the main language in the basic courses, some of the teaching is also given in English. Students in Biochemistry get an early introduction into international science and communication.