Minor in Astronomy and Astrobiology (30 or 60 ECTS)

Students of a minor program in Astronomy and Astrobiology (30 ECTS or 60 ECTS) learn about the development, the characteristics and the diversity of the planets and the connections between life, exoplanets and the cosmos. The graduates get an insight into the formation and evolution of life.

Watch this video for more information! (MP4, 47 MB)

This list was curated March 2026. Please see below for older versions of the minor for students who started before 2026.

Compulsory modules (Pflichtmodule): 12 ECTS from Compulsory modules.

Either AST 291 or AST 295 have to be completed. (Both can be completed if you wish, in which case the number of ECTS from the electives changes accordingly)

Semester	Module	ECTS
HS	AST 201 Introduction to Astrobiology (07SMAST201)	5
HS	AST 203 Introduction to Astronomy (07SMAST203)	5
HS / FS	AST 295 Astrobiology Proseminar (07SMAST295)	2
HS	AST 291 Proseminar Astrophysics (07SMAST291)	2

Elective modules (Wahlmodule)

The remaining ECTS credits must come from the below modules which are sorted by semester.
Minor 30 ECTS Credits: Modules with the abbreviation (Kürzel) of the major cannot be chosen (but e.g. BME students can choose BIO modules). 

Minor 60 ECTS Credits: At least 30 ECTS Credits must be chosen from modules without the abbreviation (Kürzel) of the major (but e.g. BME students can choose BIO modules) and the remaining ECTS can be chosen from modules with the abbreviation of the major. 

• Note (i): PHY111, PHY117 and PHY118 are similar modules, only one can be credited.
• Note (ii): BCH201 and BCH210 are similar courses, only one can be credited.
• Note (iii): The solar practicum will end during the solar minimum 2028-2033.
• Note (iv): The astronomy practicums have limited student numbers and are usually fully booked within an hour of the booking system opening.
• Note (v): Some courses have perquisites, e.g. “Introduction to astrobiology” is a pre-requisite for the astrobiology proseminar.
• Note (vi): Courses come and go, if you see a new course that you would like to take then send a request to ben.moore@uzh.ch stating why it is relevant for astronomy or astrobiology.
• Note (vii): Older versions of the minor are listed below these electives, any courses taken from the old versions can be credited towards the minor
• Note (viii): All UZH students who take courses with performance assessments at ETHZ must be registered as "special students" at ETHZ (https://ethz.ch/applications/teaching/en/applications/mystudies/auditors.html), book the respective courses and, in the case of end-of-semester or session examinations, also register for the examination via myStudies (http://www.mystudies.ethz.ch). The results will be communicated or visible via myStudies in the same way as for ETHZ students. 
   

Herbstsemester (Fall Semester)

Semester	Module	ECTS
HS	AST 210 Astronomy Field Trips (07SMAST210)	3
HS	AST 231 Astronomy practicum: I (07SMAST231)	2
HS	AST 233 The Sun and its surface activity (astronomy practicum) (07SMAST233)	3
HS	AST 241 Introduction to Astrophysics (07SMAST241)  (Note that AST 241 is intended for students with a major in Physics)	5
HS	BCH 201 Biochemistry I (07SMBCH201)	5
HS	BCH 203 Practical course in Biochemistry (07SMBCH203)	5
HS	BCH 301 Molecular cell biology (07SMBCH301)	6
HS	BIO 111 Molecular and Classical Genetics (07SMBIO111)	5
HS	BIO 112 Cell Biology (07SMBIO112)	3
HS	BIO 113 Evolution (07SMBIO113)	5
HS	BIO 115 Human Evolution (07SMBIO115)	2
HS	BIO 117 Molecular and Classical Genetics for Non-Biologists (07SMBIO117)	4
HS	BIO 133 Anthropology (07SMBIO133)	3
HS	BIO 142 Developmental Biology (07SMBIO142)	3
HS	BIO 219 Evolution of the Human Brain, Cognition, and Language (07SMBIO219)	3
HS	BIO 243 Epigenetics (07SMBIO243)	3
HS	BIO 267 Paleobiology and Evolution of Vertebrates (07SMBIO267)	6
HS	BIO 279 Paleontological Excursions (on weekends) (07SMBIO279)	1
HS	CHE 170 Fundamentals of Chemistry for Students of Life Sciences (07SMCHE170)	5
HS	CHE 205 Physical Chemistry I: Thermodynamics (07SMCHE205)	5
HS	CHE 304 Organic Chemistry III: Voyage into the Physical Realm (07SMCHE304)	4
HS	EEE 101 Introduction to Biodiversity (07SMEEE101)	3
HS	EEE 201 Biogeochemical Cycles and Global Change (07SMEEE201)	3
HS	EEE 240 The Physics of Life (07SMEEE240)	3
HS	EEE 326 Principles of Evolution (07SMEEE326)	6
HS	ESS 101 Introduction to Earth System Science (07SMESS101)	2
HS	ESS 111 Dynamic Earth I (with Exercise) (07SMESS111)	6
HS	ESS 236 Geobiology (07SMESS236)	3
HS	ESS 242 Geochemistry I (07SMESS242)	4
HS	ESS 352 Geophysics I (07SMESS352)	4
HS	ESS 372 Atmosphere (07SMESS372)	3
HS	ESS 373 Atmospheric Chemistry (07SMESS373)	3
HS	ESS 374 Atmospheric Physics (07SMESS374)	3
HS	GEO 111 Physical Geography I (Basics and spheres) (07SMGEO111)	5
HS	GEO 113 Fernerkundung und Geographische Informationswissenschaft (Earth Perspectives - Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Remote Sensing) (07SMGEO113)	5
HS	GEO 233 Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Science III (Basics of Remote Sensing) (07SMGEO233)	5
HS	GEO 343 Geochronology (07SMGEO343)	3
HS	GEO 371 Specialisation in Remote Sensing: Methods in Remote Sensing (07SMGEO371)	5
HS	GEO 417 Environmental archives and age determination (07SMGEO417)	6
HS	INI 401 Introduction to Neuroinformatics (07SMINI401)	6
HS	INI 410 Consciousness: from philosophy to neuroscience (07SMINI410)	3
HS	PHY 111 Physics I (07SMPHY111)	8
HS	PHY 112 Lab Physics I (07SMPHY112)	3
HS	PHY 117 Physics for Life Sciences (07SMPHY117)	6
HS	PHY 118 Physics I for natural sciences (07SMPHY118)	5

Frühlingssemester (Spring Semester)

Semester	Module	ECTS
FS	AST 210 Astronomy Field Trips (07SMAST210)	3
FS	AST 211 Science in Science Fiction (07SMAST211)	3
FS	AST 231 Astronomy practicum: II (07SMAST232) (Part II of the practicum takes place over two semesters starting in the Spring semester)	6
FS	AST 233 The Sun and its surface activity (astronomy practicum) (07SMAST233)	3
FS	AST 248 The Sun and Planets (07SMAST248)	5
FS	BCH 202 Biochemistry II (07SMBCH202)	5
FS	BCH 210 Biochemistry for students of the Life Sciences (07SMBCH210)	4
FS	BIO 121 Evolution and Biodiversity II (07SMBIO121)	4
FS	BIO 123 Quantitative and Molecular Systems Biology (07SMBIO123)	3
FS	BIO 124 Introduction to the Ethics and Theory of Biology (07SMBIO124)	2
FS	BIO 125 Development of Multicellular Systems (07SMBIO125)	3
FS	BIO 148 Einführung in die Paläontologie (07SMBIO148)	3
FS	BIO 274 Mass extinctions, macroevolution and macroecology through the Phanerozoic (07SMBIO274)	1
FS	BIO 279 Paleontological Excursions (on weekends) (07SMBIO279)	1
FS	BIO 347 Concepts in Developmental Biology: From Cells to Animals (07SMBIO347)	3
FS	BIO 404 Science Fiction for Biologists (07SMBIO404)	1
FS	CHE 102 Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry: Bond with the Molecules of Life! (07SMCHE102)	7
FS	CHE 155 Physical Chemistry II for the Life Sciences (07SMCHE155)	3
FS	CHE 172 Organic Chemistry for the Life Sciences (07SMCHE172)	4
FS	CHE 322 Crafting Functional Organic Molecules (07SMCHE322)	4
FS	EEE 103 Evolution II (07SMEEE103)	3
FS	EEE 203 Ecosystems and Climate (07SMEEE203)	3
FS	ESS 121 Dynamic Earth II (with Exercise) (07SMESS121)	5
FS	ESS 123 Earth Science Excursions I (07SMESS123)	1
FS	ESS 129 Geological Field Course I (07SMESS129)	2
FS	ESS 367 Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere (07SMESS367)	3
FS	ESS 376 Climate Systems (07SMESS376)	3
FS	ESS 421 Global Biogeochemical Cycles and Climate (07SMESS421)	3
FS	GEO 123 Geographic Information Science and Remote Sensing II (07SMGEO123)	5
FS	PHY 127 Physics for Life Sciences II (07SMPHY127)	4

 

Compulsory modules (Pflichtmodule): 12 ECTS from Compulsory modules.

**Either AST 291 or AST 295 have to be completed. (Both can be completed if the student wishes to do both. In that case, the number of ECTS from the electives changes accordingly).

Sem.	Modul	ECTS
HS	AST 201 Introduction to Astrobiology	5
HS	AST 203 Introduction to Astronomy	5
HS**	AST 291 Proseminar Astrophysics	2
FS/HS**	AST 295 Proseminar Astrobiology	2

Elective modules (Wahlmodule)

The remaining ECTS credits must come from the following modules.
Minor 30 ECTS Credits: The remaining ECTS Credits must be chosen from the elective modules. Modules with the abbreviation (Kürzel) of the major cannot be chosen (but e.g. BME students can choose BIO modules). AST 248 is highly recommended. AST 241 is highly recommended for students with a major in Physics.
Minor 60 ECTS Credits: At least 30 ECTS Credits must be chosen from modules without the abbreviation (Kürzel) of the major (but e.g. BME students can choose BIO modules) and the remaining ECTS can be chosen from modules with the abbreviation of the major.  AST 248 is highly recommended. AST 241 is highly recommended for students with the major in Physics.

Please note: some modules may not be offered each HS or each FS*.

Sem.	Modul	ECTS
FS	AST 202 The Universe: Contents, Origin, Evolution and Future	5
HS,FS	AST 210 Astronomy Field Trip	3
HS***	AST 241 Introduction to Astrophysics	5
FS	AST 248 The Sun and Planets	5
HS, FS	AST 231 Astronomy Practicum I	2
HS, FS	AST 232 Astronomy Practicum II (follows AST 231)	6
HS, FS	AST 233 The Sun and its surface activity	3
HS	AST 291 Proseminar Astrophysics	2
HS	AST 293 Proseminar Cosmology	2
FS	AST 295 Proseminar Astrobiology	2
FS22	AST321 Biosignatures and Life Detection	2
FS22	AST322 Colloquium: Biosignatures and Life Detection	3
HS**	PHY 111 Physik I	8
HS**	PHY 117 Physik für die Life Sciences	6
HS**	PHY 118 Physik I für Naturwissenschaften	5
FS	PHY 128 Physik II für Naturwissenschaften	5
HS	BIO 111 Molecular and Classical Genetics	5
HS	BIO 112 Cell Biology	3
HS	BIO 113 Evolution und Biodiversity I	5
HS	BIO 117 Molekulare und klassische Genetik für Nicht-Biologiestudierende	4
FS	BIO 123 Quantitative and Molecular Systems Biology	3
FS	BIO 124 Introduction to Ethics and Philosophy of Biology	2
HS	BIO 132 Mikrobiologie	3
FS	BIO 141 Ecology and Biodiversity	4
FS	EEE102 Ecology and Biodiversity	5
FS	BIO 142 Entwicklungsbiologie	3
FS	BIO 143 Neurobiology	3
HS	BIO 243 Epigenetics	2
FS	BIO 272 Paleobiology and Phylogeny of Amphibiens and Reptiles	1
FS	BIO 279 Paleontological Excursions (on weekends)	1
FS	BIO 342 Comparative Behavioural Neuroscience	3
HS	BIO 351 Principles of Evolution: Theory	6
FS	BIO 364 The Physics of Life	2
HS	BCH 201 Biochemie I	5
FS	BCH 210 Grundlagen der Biochemie für die Biologie	4
HS	BME 347 Space Life Sciences and Gravitational Biology	6
HS	CHE 170 Grundlagen der Chemie für die Biologie	4
HS	CHE 205 Physical Chemistry I: Thermodynamics	5
HS	GEO 111 Physische Geographie I	5
HS	GEO 113 Earth Perspectives - Introduction to geographic Information Science and Remote Sensing	5
FS	GEO 121 Physische Geographie II	5
FS	GEO 123 Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Science II	5
HS	GEO 233 Grundlagen Fernerkundung	5
HS	GEO 417 Environmental archives and age determination	6
HS	GEO 418 Atmosphere and climate	6
HS (findet nicht statt im HS21)	GEO 734 Geochronology I	2
HS	EEE266 Biogeochemical Cycles and Global Change	3
HS	EEE326 Principles of Evolution: Theory	6
HS	ESS 101 Introduction to Earth System Science	2
HS	ESS 111 Dynamische Erde I	6
FS	ESS 121 Dynamische Erde II	5
FS	ESS 123 Exkursion zu Dynamische Erde II	1
HS	ESS 236 Geobiology	3
HS	ESS 351 Tectonics	3
HS	ESS 352 Geophysics I	4
FS	ESS 367 Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere	3
FS	UWW 122 Scientific Methods	3
HS	UWW 152 Ecohealth	2
HS	UWW 181 Biogeochemische Kreisläufe und globale Umweltveränderungen	2
FS	UWW 182 Ecosystems and Climate	3
HS	UWW 220 (&UWW 221) Concepts on Biodiversity	3
HS	UWW 250 Spatial Ecology and Remote Sensing	2
HS	UWW 273 Introduction to Theoretical Ecology	3
HS	INI 401 Introduction to Neuroinformatics	6
HS	INI 410 Consciousness: from philosophy to Neuroscience	3
HS	ETH Erdbeobachtung	4
HS	ETH Planetary Geochemistry	3
HS	ETH Climate history and palaeoclimatology	3
HS	ETH Atmosphäre	3
HS	ETH Astrophysics I	10
HS	ETH Astronomie	2
FS	ETH Geochemical and isotopic tracers of the Earth system	3
FS	402-0368-13L  Extrasolar Planets	6

*previously offered modules that count toward the minor: BIO 118, BIO 291, UWW 101, UWW 221, UWW 252, ESS 244, GEO 712 only: Measuring Terrestrial Carbon Cycling

**PHY111, PHY117 and PHY118 are similar modules: only one can be credited towards the minor.

***AST241 is only suitable for students with Physics as a major or minor subject

Compulsory modules (Pflichtmodule)

Sem.	Modul	ECTS
HS	AST 201 Introduction to Astrobiology	5
FS	AST 248 The Sun and Planets	5

Elective modules (Wahlmodule)

The remaining ECTS credits must come from the following modules.
Minor 30 ECTS Credits: At least 20 ECTS Credits must be chosen. Modules with the abbreviation (Kürzel) of the major cannot be chosen (but e.g. BME students can choose BIO modules). AST 241 is highly recommended for students with a major in Physics.
Minor 60 ECTS Credits: At least 30 ECTS Credits must be chosen from modules without the abbreviation (Kürzel) of the major (but e.g. BME students can choose BIO modules) and up to 20 ECTS can be chosen from modules with the abbreviation of the major.  AST 241 is highly recommended for students with the major in Physics.

Please note: some modules may not be offered each HS or each FS*.

Sem.	Modul	ECTS
FS	AST 202 The Universe: Contents, Origin, Evolution and Future	5
FS	AST 203 Introduction to Astronomy	5
HS,FS	AST 210 Astronomy Field Trip	3
HS	AST 241 Introduction to Astrophysics	6
HS, FS	AST 231 Astronomy Practicum I	2
HS, FS	AST 232 Astronomy Practicum II (follows AST 231)	6
HS, FS	AST 233 The Sun and its surface activity	3
HS	AST 291 Proseminar Astrophysics	2
HS	AST 293 Proseminar Cosmology	2
FS	AST 295 Proseminar Astrobiology	2
HS	PHY 111 Physik I	8
HS	PHY 117 Physik für die Life Sciences	6
HS	PHY 118 Physik I für Naturwissenschaften	5
FS	PHY 128 Physik II für Naturwissenschaften	5
HS	BIO 111 Molecular and Classical Genetics	5
HS	BIO 112 Cell Biology	3
HS	BIO 113 Evolution	3
HS	BIO 114 Evolution and Biodiversity I	3
HS	BIO 117 Molekulare und klassische Genetik für Nicht-Biologiestudierende	4
FS	BIO 123 Quantitative and Molecular Systems Biology	3
FS	BIO 124 Introduction to Ethics and Philosophy of Biology	2
HS	BIO 132 Mikrobiologie	3
FS	BIO 141 Ecology and Biodiversity	4
FS	EEE102 Ecology and Biodiversity	5
FS	BIO 142 Entwicklungsbiologie	3
FS	BIO 143 Neurobiology	3
HS	BIO 243 Epigenetics	2
FS	BIO 272 Paleobiology and Phylogeny of Amphibiens and Reptiles	1
FS	BIO 279 Paleontological Excursions (on weekends)	1
FS	BIO 301 Vascular Plants of the Plateau and Jura	2
FS	BIO 342 Comparative Behavioural Neuroscience	3
HS	BIO 351 Principles of Evolution: Theory	6
FS	BIO 364 The Physics of Life	2
HS	BCH 201 Biochemie I	5
FS	BCH 210 Grundlagen der Biochemie für die Biologie	4
HS	BME 347 Space Life Sciences and Gravitational Biology	6
HS	CHE 170 Grundlagen der Chemie für die Biologie	4
HS	CHE 205 Physical Chemistry I: Thermodynamics	5
HS	GEO 111 Physische Geographie I	5
HS	GEO 113 Earth Perspectives - Introduction to geographic Information Science and Remote Sensing	5
FS	GEO 121 Physische Geographie II	5
FS	GEO 123 Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Science II	5
HS	GEO 233 Grundlagen Fernerkundung	5
HS	GEO 417 Environmental archives and age determination	6
HS	GEO 418 Atmosphere and climate	6
HS	GEO 734 Geochronology I	2
HS	EEE266 Biogeochemical Cycles and Global Change	3
HS	EEE326 Principles of Evolution: Theory	6
HS	ESS 101 Introduction to Earth System Science	2
HS	ESS 111 Dynamische Erde I	6
FS	ESS 121 Dynamische Erde II	5
FS	ESS 123 Exkursion zu Dynamische Erde II	1
HS	ESS 236 Geobiology	3
HS	ESS 351 Tectonics	3
HS	ESS 352 Geophysics I	4
FS	ESS 367 Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere	3
FS	UWW 122 Scientific Methods	3
HS	UWW 152 Ecohealth	2
HS	UWW 181 Biogeochemische Kreisläufe und globale Umweltveränderungen	2
FS	UWW 182 Ecosystems and Climate	3
HS	UWW 220 (&UWW 221) Concepts on Biodiversity	3
HS	UWW 250 Spatial Ecology and Remote Sensing	2
HS	UWW 273 Introduction to Theoretical Ecology	3
HS	INI 401 Introduction to Neuroinformatics	6
HS	INI 410 Consciousness: from philosophy to Neuroscience	3
HS	ETH Erdbeobachtung	4
HS	ETH Planetary Geochemistry	3
HS	ETH Climate history and palaeoclimatology	3
HS	ETH Atmosphäre	3
HS	ETH Astrophysics I	10
HS	ETH Astronomie	2
FS	ETH Geochemical and isotopic tracers of the Earth system	3
FS	402-0368-13L  Extrasolar Planets	6

*previously offered modules that count toward the minor: BIO 118, BIO 291, UWW 101, UWW 221, UWW 252, ESS 244, GEO 712 only: Measuring Terrestrial Carbon Cycling

Older version for students who started before spring semester 2018:

The 30 ECTS Astronomy & Astrobiology Minor for students without the major subject programme in Physics:

Compulsory modules (Pflichtmodule)

Semester	Module	ECTS
5	AST 201 Introduction to Astrobiology	5
6	AST 202 The Universe: Contents, Origin, Evolution and Future	5
5	AST 391 Proseminar Astronomy and Astrophysics	2

Core elective modules (Wahlpflichtmodule)

• At least 10 ECTS must be chosen from one of the following 3 blocks:

The block from which the core elective modules can be chosen is given by the main subject (MS):

- students with MS Biology must choose from block 2 or block 3

- students with MS Chemistry must choose from block 3

- students with MS Geography must choose from block 1 or block 2

- students with MS Mathematics can choose from all blocks

- it is recommended that students with a major subject outside the MNF choose from block 1

Block 1

Semester	Module	ECTS
3	PHY 117 Physik für die Biologie	6
4	BIO 118 Prinzipien des Lebens	6
3	ESS 111 Dynamische Erde I	6
3	CHE 170 Grundlagen der Chemie für die BIologie	4
4	BCH 210 Grundlagen der Biochemie für die Biologie	4

Block 2

Semester	Module	ECTS
3	PHY 116 Physik I für Nebenfachstudierende*	8
4	PHY 126 Physik II für Nebenfachstudierende	8
3	UWW 111 Grundlagen der Umweltwissenschaften	2

* Studierende, die im Hauptfach bereits PHY 118  absolviert haben, können (statt PHY 116) PHY 119 (3 ECTS) wählen.

Block 3

Semester	Module	ECTS
3	GEO 111 Physische Geographie I	5
4	GEO 121 Physische Geographie II	5
3	ESS 111 Dynamische Erde I	6
4	ESS 121 Dynamische Erde II	5
3	UWW 111 Grundlagen der Umweltwissenschaften	2
4	ESS 123 Exkursion zu Dynamische Erde II	1

Elective modules (Wahlmodule)

• The remaining ECTS credits can be chosen from the following table. (It is also possible and recommended to choose modules from the core elective modules):

Semester	Module	ECTS
HS	BIO 351 Principles of Evoultion: Theory	6
FS	BIO 229 Intro to Ancient Biomolecules	2
HS	AST 241 Introduction to Astrophysics	6
HS/FS	AST 244 Astrophotography Practicum	9

 

The 30 ECTS Astronomy & Astrobiology Minor for students with the major subject programme in Physics:

Compulsory modules (Pflichtmodule)

Semester	Module	ECTS
5	AST 201 Introduction to Astrobiology	5
6	AST 241 Introduction to Astrophysics	6
5	AST 391 Proseminar Astronomy/Astrobiology	2

 

Core elective modules (Wahlpflichtmodule)

At least 10 ECTS must be chosen from one of the following blocks:

Block A

Semester	Module	ECTS
4	BIO 118 Prinzipien des Lebens	6
3	ESS 111 Dynamische Erde I	6
3	CHE 170 Grundlagen der Chemie für die BIologie	4
4	BCH 210 Grundlagen der Biochemie für die Biologie	4

Block B

Semester	Module	ECTS
3	GEO 111 Physische Geographie I	5
4	GEO 121 Physische Geographie II	5
3	ESS 111 Dynamische Erde I	6
4	ESS 121 Dynamische Erde II	5
3	UWW 111 Grundlagen der Umweltwissenschaften	2
4	ESS 123 Exkursion zu Dynamische Erde II	1

 

Elective modules (Wahlmodule)

Up to 7 ECTS can be chosen from the following table. (It is also possible and recommended to choose modules from the core elective modules):

Semester	Module	ECTS
HS	BIO 351 Priciples of Evoultion: Theory	6
FS	BIO 229 Intro to Ancient Biomolecules	2
HS, FS	AST 233 The Sun and its surface activity	3
HS/FS	AST 244 Astrophotography Practicum	9