The Institute of Natural Sciences and Humanities provides students with the essential basis of knowledge at a high standard. In their degree programs, students acquire reflective and contextual knowledge for understanding the networked and globalized world. The latest teaching methods seen in e-learning and blended learning are applied, with videocasts, podcasts, e-books and online lessons used in the modules. This means the Institute of Natural Sciences and Humanities leads the way when it comes to implementing the latest training.
The varied curriculum is integrated in all levels of study seen in the various degree programs. The modules in natural science lay the foundations for degree programs in engineering. Modules with interdisciplinary teams of lecturers explore ecological, economical, legal, political and historical topics. The lecturers teach how to think in a broader social context and thus promote responsible, ethical actions together with the personal development of the students. Many of these modules are offered across universities.
The range of courses in natural sciences teach in-depth foundational skills and knowledge in mathematics and physics. It is a prerequisite and integral part of a successful degree program in engineering with outstanding career prospects. In their research topics, natural scientists achieve some outstanding results. Their research work ensures teaching of the highest quality and the degree programs of tomorrow.
In today’s globalized world, intercultural understanding and language skills are essential for anyone wishing to work at a management level. The language modules cover all world languages and provide students with basic, professional and business language skills, not to mention insights into foreign cultures. Individual training programs such as Writing Across the Curriculum focus on developing the language skills of the students from the start of their degree program right through to their bachelor’s and master’s thesis.
Specific language modules further develop specialist language skills. In this way, students are ideally prepared for work in international teams at large companies that operate on global markets.
Individual learning backgrounds require individual support programs. Assessments determine the skills of new students in mathematics, physics, German and English. Remedial courses prior to the commencement of studies help to fill any gaps in basic training in a targeted manner. The physics refresher course based on mathematics or e-learning is a prime example of this. These courses guarantee a successful start to the degree program. A close-knit network of tutorials offers the students specialist support and helps them to formulate effective working strategies. With the help of e-learning tools in the modules, the students can fill in any gaps in their knowledge and test their skills independently with the help of assessments.
Intensive contacts and regular exchanges with vocational schools ensure that the students are optimally prepared for their degree program. The lecturers at vocational schools and high schools are experts in their field and ensure that the students commencing their studies are of a high standard. Involvement in skills networks such as the Society for Mathematics at Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences, the Swiss Society for Communication and Media Sciences and the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language ensures that lecturers remain in regular contact on a national and international level.
