The Curriculum
Structure
The program is full-time, and a total of 120 credit points (ETCS) must be earned for the MIBS master's degree. The program is structured into three types of courses categories - fundamental, core, and specialised - that all fall under the main course group. In particular the core coursework in the main course group is designed - to sequentially and cumulatively - link the different disciplines and provide a broad spectrum of expertise. Complementary to the main course group, the program includes science in perspective (SiP) coursework that contextualises the scientific knowledge and technologies the programme introduces. Additionally, students are involved in interdisciplinary design and innovation project based courses, as well as a semester project, which commences after the first year of coursework. The program concludes with a masters thesis project on a current research topic. Students typically complete the program in four to five semesters.
The curriculum diagram above provides an overview of the course sequence over 4 semesters. Each category type with the Main course category provides a range of course options (W) that students can select. Courses marked as (O) in the Core course category meet the meet MIBS program credit minimum requirements (31 ECTS). Please see the online course catelogue. Click on the image to enlarge.
The diagram above provides an overview of the course credit breakdown. Option credits fall within Fundamental, Specialised or Core categories. Click on the image to enlarge.
Main Courses
Fundamental course options are designed to create a common language between students with diverse educational backgrounds and also provide an opportunity to develop and strengthen the required mathematical, scientific and technical skills needed to be successful in the program.
See current course options here.
Core courses build upon each other to provide basic knowledge in the main disciplines relevant to the topics addressed in the program. Additional options (W) are provided to top up the 31 credit mininum (O) in main course group category, and the first and second semester core courses are prerequisites for the project courses.
See current course options (O and W) here.
Specialised courses provide students with the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge in topics of their interest relevant to the study program.
See current course options here.
SiP
Science in Perspective (SiP) courses enable students to develop contextual socio-political and economic perspectives on the scientific and technical skills they are acquiring, as well as a greater understanding of the impact of the technical systems they are learning to design.
See current course options here.
Projects
The two project based courses of Innovation Leadership and Integrated Design apply the knowledge acquired in the fundamental, core and specialised courses. The first year core and fundamental coursework shown in the curriuculm sequence above provide the knowledge base necessary to succeed in the project course work. Both project courses involve interdiscplinary team work and focus on real world problem contexts. Typically, these courses also provide also students exposure to local Swiss industry partners.
See project courses here.
Designed to train students in solving specific research questions in the field of integrated building systems, the semester project can be performed either at ETH Zurich, an industrial enterprise, or in a research institution, and must be advised by one or more professors affiliated with the MIBS program. The project should take between 180 to 230 hours of time, which can be done full-time in about 5 weeks or half-time over 10 weeks. Students discuss the subject of the semester project with the tutor, who approves and monitors the overall execution or tutors agree with the chosen semester project and supervising professor, who approves and monitors the overall execution. The grading of the project is based on a written report and an oral presentation. The goal of the project is to apply acquired knowledge such as advanced analysis, calculation, diagnostic, modelling techniques, and related programming skills to analyse a problem or task in relation to the operation and management of buildings.
See open semester projects here.
A 6-month thesis project completes the MIBS program. With the thesis project students are expected to demonstrate their ability to generate independent and structured scientific thinking. The thesis can be performed either at ETH Zurich, an industrial enterprise, or in a research institution, but has to be advised by one professor affiliated with the MIBS program.
The responsible supervisor defines in consultation with the student:
- The topic
- The scope of work
- The criteria of assessment
- The dates of beginning and delivery of the work.
The thesis has to be finalised within 6 months. All other courses, except 13 ECTS from specialised and 2 ECTS from SiP courses, must be completed before starting the thesis. (MIBS Regulation Article 35.c)
See open Master's Thesis projects here.
Additional Requirements - Fundamental Courses
Depending on a candidate's profile he or she might be required to fulfill additional requirements which will be outlined in their admissions letter, such as specific Fundamental courses. Candidates must undertake all of the performance assessments pertaining to the additional admission requirements by the end of the first year of the Master program. The binding requirements will be outlined in your admissions letter and determined by the admissions committee evaluation of your academic transcript and curriculum. Below is a table of which courses are typically assigned by degree title. The bold type indicates degrees offered by the ETH.