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Subject-specific competencies

Knowledge of theories, concepts, and techniques as well as its application to specific fields

Each competency below presents a general definition and describes learning outcomes regarding knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The subject-specific competencies are specified in detail by the degree programmes.

Explore these competencies

Ability to understand and apply the basic concepts and definitions that are relevant for a scientific subject or a field

Knowledge description

  • Theoretical knowledge of relevant phenomena and problems in own field
  • Understanding of linkages between own field and other fields, and society

Skills description

  • Ability to apply theories properly to understand phenomena and problems
  • Ability to make linkages between own field and other fields, and society
  • Ability to seek and manage information

Attitudes description

  • Believe in the worth of own work or field and stay informed of new developments
  • Be open to other fields as an opportunity to gain a global outlook

Ability to understand and apply techniques and technologies in use within a specific scientific subject or field

Knowledge description

  • Knowledge of terminologies, techniques, and technologies in own field
  • Knowledge of research methods in use in own field

Skills description

  • Ability to apply techniques, technologies, and research methods effectively and efficiently
  • Ability to use terminologies properly

Attitudes description

  • Value and strive for excellence and rigor in own field

A holistic set of competencies

Subject-specific competencies lie at the core of our degree programmes and represent our excellence. Employers and latest studies point out that these competencies alone are not enough to cope with an increasingly more complex and fast-moving society.

Integrating the method-specific, social and personal competencies into our students' learning journey at ETH Zurich can help students acquire and deploy their subject-specific competencies to their very best level.

What employers, ETH alumni and employees say

Explain why students need to learn

Quite often students tend to learn to pass the exam. Of course, it helps, but it helps even more if they know why they want to build those competencies as part of their portfolio to be able to apply knowledge and abilities to their future career. 

Dr. Erik Jentges, Educational developer D-​MTEC

Foster connections among subjects

System thinkers are hard to find, those people who can transfer knowledge from one field to another. Basic training should emphasize the adaptation of technical skills to other fields.

HR Director, Swiss pharmaceutical company

Promote a holistic set of competencies

As a researcher, one develops skills like project management, self-​management, extending knowledge in a dynamic and interdisciplinary team, but these skills can help you pursue a non-​academic career too and make you more resilient towards change.

ETH alumna, Doctorate D-​BIOL

Further Readings

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