Human Medicine

Abstract

This study programme provides full schooling in Human Medicine at bachelor's level. Admission is subject to the numerus clausus.
The first year of study consists of physics, chemistry, an introduction to organ systems and fundamental human biology. In-depth study of the systems begins in the second semester and continues during the second and third years: during the second year, the emphasis is placed on the morphological and functional aspects, and in the third year on understanding the mechanisms responsible for the development of disease.
The course also provides skills in medical interviews, clinical examination techniques and basic practical gestures, on real or simulated patients, and immersion days in a doctor's surgery.
Holders of a bachelor's degree from the University of Fribourg continue their studies at master's level in Fribourg or in one of the Faculties with which the University of Fribourg has established a convention (Basel, Bern or Zurich). Further studies in Lausanne are also possible.

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    Profile of the study programme

    The Medicine Section of the Faculty of Science and Medicine offers bachelor's level education in Human Medicine. The holder of a Bachelor of Medicine in Human Medicine has command of the knowledge and skills necessary to continue studying to master's level in one of the five Faculties of Medicine in Switzerland.

    The first year of study consists of physics, chemistry, an introduction to organ systems and fundamental human biology (cells, genetics, transmission and processing of biological information, development, structural biochemistry, metabolism and microbiology). In the second semester, systematic and in-depth study of the systems begins; it continues into the second year. At the end of the second year, the student will thus have acquired solid knowledge of the structures and functions of the human body.
    The third year comprises the study of the general fundamental concepts of pathology, pharmacology and medical microbiology. At this level, the study of systems is focused on understanding the mechanisms responsible for the appearance of illnesses.
    During the bachelor programme, the student also acquires skills in medical interviews, clinical examination techniques and basic practical gestures (reanimation, stitches, injections, etc.).
    «Medicine and Society» classes introduce students (over the three years of study) to the psycho-social, ethical, deontological and community dimensions of their future profession.

    Fribourg profile
    Admission to the Human Medicine course at the University of Fribourg is subject to the numerus clausus. Where applicable, selection is based on the result achieved in the «Test d'aptitudes aux études de médecine/Eignungstest für das Medizinstudium». This pre-university mode of selection guarantees cohorts of reasonable size from the beginning of the course, thus giving precedence to quality teaching.
    Studies are bilingual, giving students the opportunity to continue in a German or French-speaking Faculty. A good understanding of the partner language is required.
    The programme comprises a practical mix of lectures, seminars in small groups, practical work and laboratory work, as well as clinical apprenticeships with real or simulated patients. These clinical apprenticeships are notably part of immersion days in a doctor's surgery.

    Learning outcomes and career openings
    The university course lasts a total of six years, giving access to postgraduate education, which is compulsory for practising medicine as an independent doctor.
    The main career options are:

    • Independent doctor: specialist in general medicine or other speciality;
    • Contract doctor, usually in a hospital;
    • Doctor in research (university, industry, etc.).

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

180 ECTS credits, 6 semesters

Curriculum

Comments

To obtain the bachelor's degree, the candidate must have carried out a four-week nursing internship. This hospital internship can also be done before starting the course. Students who have completed a recruit school as a medical soldier are exempt from this internship.

Admission

The following Swiss school-leaving certificates grant admission to bachelor programmes at the University of Fribourg:

  • Swiss Maturity
  • Federal vocational or specialised Baccalaureate + Supplementary examination of the Swiss Maturity Commission (passerelle)
  • Bachelor's degree of a University, University of Applied Sciences or University of teacher education

A complete list of all further recognised Swiss school-leaving certificates (in French and German only) is to be found on the webpages of swissuniversities: http://studies.unifr.ch/go/en-admission-swiss-certificates

Important:
Admission to the Human Medicine course at the University of Fribourg is subject to the numerus clausus. Places are granted on the basis of results obtained in the Aptitude test for medical studies.
Foreign applicants also have to meet the conditions for admission set by the cantonal authorities: see https://webapps.unifr.ch/legal/fr/document/4158113 (in French) or https://webapps.unifr.ch/legal/de/document/4158113 (in German).

Key points

Degree conferred

Bachelor of Medicine in Human Medicine

Languages of study

Study in two languages, in French and German

Commencement of studies

Commencement of studies only in the Autumn Semester (September)

Special features for admission

On-line pre-registration is compulsory, before February, 15 in the intended year of study. Apply to swissuniversities.
If the global acceptance capacities are exceeded in the first year, admission is restricted via a pre-university aptitude test. The swissuniversities web site: http://studies.unifr.ch/go/en-applying-med also provides detailed information on the rules and procedures in effect for applying to study Human Medicine in Switzerland.

Access to further studies

Master

Contact

Faculty of Science and Medicine
Medicine Section
Dr med. Isabelle Charrière
isabelle.charriere@unifr.ch
http://studies.unifr.ch/go/fr-medicine (French)
http://studies.unifr.ch/go/de-medicine (German)