Subject-specific competencies

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

Each competency below provides a general description 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

Discover how to develop your subject-specific competencies

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 your learning journey at ETH Zurich can help you acquire and deploy your subject-specific competencies in an optimal way.

What employers, ETH alumni and employees say

Explore 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

Value putting knowledge in practice

In our graduates, companies find good candidates with a broad educational background, with good potential to become generalists because of their subject-specific competencies, exposure to an international environment, and practical experience.

Dr Maddalena Velonà, Coordinator of studies D-MAVT

The worth of 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