Faculty of Science Faculty of Science

FAQ

Bachelor / Master IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

In the following text, we refer to:

  1. the Règlement Général de la Faculté des Sciences (RG), available at :
    https://www.unige.ch/sciences/files/2115/3745/7266/RegleGen.pdf
  2. the Conditions d'Immatriculation (CI), available at :
    https://www.unige.ch/admissions/application/files/7116/0977/0557/Conditions_immat_UNIGE_2021-22.pdf
  3. the Règlement du Bachelor (RB), available at :
    https://www.unige.ch/dinfo/formations/bachelor/reglements/
  4. the Règlement du Master (RM), available at :
    https://www.unige.ch/dinfo/formations/master-en-sciences-informatiques-new/reglements/

These official documents are authoritative in all cases, please consult them.

A - ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (BEFORE STUDIES)

  1. What is the specificity of the Bachelor (eg as compared to HES or EPFs) ? Can I join this study programme in the Spring Semester ?
    Our Bachelor is taking a scientific approach to problem-solving. This means that you will acquire the theoretical, methodological and practical skills for a rigorous and systematic approach for bringing operational solutions to problems via the adequate abstraction and relations to relevant practical tools. Due to the organization of its curriculum, the Bachelor program can only be entered at the Autumn semester.
    https://www.unige.ch/dinfo/formations/bachelor/
  2. What is the specificity of the Master (eg as compared to HES or EPFs) ? Can I join this study programme in the Spring Semester ?Can I join this study programme in the Spring Semester ?
    Our Master extends the scientific approach to problem-solving taken by our Bachelor. This means that you will acquire the theoretical, methodological and practical skills for a rigorous and systematic approach for bringing operational solutions to problems via the adequate abstraction and relations to relevant practical tools. Due to the organization of its curriculum, the Master program can only be entered at the Autumn semester.
    https://www.unige.ch/dinfo/formations/master-en-sciences-informatiques-new/
  3. Does my file make me eligible ? What is the status of my application ?
    The Department is not in charge of the admission procedure. We do not provide any partial assessment for eligibility. Your file must follow the full formal admission procedure to be evaluated. Questions about the status of your application must also be directed to the admission service.
    https://www.unige.ch/admissions/
  4. Can I apply even if I will obtain my current diploma at the end of this academic year ?
    The Department is not in charge of the admission procedure. Admissions may be conditioned to success on your current studies. If doubt, please direct questions to our Admission Service :
    https://www.unige.ch/admissions/
  5. Can you help me filling in the admission file ?
    We do not provide such support. Questions about the content of your application must be directed to the admission service.
    https://www.unige.ch/admissions/
  6. Is there an entry test for Bachelor ?
    No. You must simply comply with the conditions d’immatriculation (CI).
  7. Is there an entry test for Master ?
    No. You must simply comply with the conditions d’immatriculation (CI). Your admission file will be evaluated by the Faculty.
  8. What are the conditions for admission to the Bachelor program with a Swiss education ? With a foreign education ?
    See: CI et RG Art 2 et 3 et RB Art A4b.
  9. What are the conditions for admission to the Master program with a Swiss education ? With a foreign education ?
    Our Master directly follows from our Bachelor program. Continuation is guaranteed in that case. Should you have a different prior diploma, your admission file will undergo a full assessment via the formal submission procedure. The major criteria are that you show a background equivalent to that provided by our Bachelor and a good GPA.
    See: CI and RG Art 2 and 3 and RM Art B 3b    .
     
  10. Can I get equivalences (from prior UniGE, EPF or HES education) ? I failed EPFL (or elsewhere) can I enter your Bachelor ?
    Equivalence requests are to be addressed directly to the Faculty.
    See: CI and RG Art 2 and 3 and RB Art 4b.
  11. What is the cost of Bachelor's or Master's program ? Can I access grants or scholarships ? Fee waivers ?
    Scholarships, grants and fee waivers are all advertised in the respective websites (inc. from Foundations) and are not the responsibility of the Department. You may start with the following links:
    https://www.unige.ch/admissions/en/informations/fees
    https://www.unige.ch/dife/social-finances/
    https://www.unige.ch/exchange/en/incoming/why-geneva/students
  12. For the Bachelor, is there any language entry test ? Or requirement on my French/English level ?
    Our Admission service is in charge of these questions. Please note that all lectures and exams take place in French during the Bachelor..
    https://www.unige.ch/admissions/en/informations/french-exam
  13. For the Master, is there any language entry test ? Or requirement on my French/English level ?
    Our Admission service is in charge of these questions. There is no test for French for the Master’s program. Please note that all lectures and practical sessions are generally taking place in English. Exams are generally oral exams and our teaching staff is able to interact in French or English.
    https://www.unige.ch/admissions/en/informations/french-exam
  14. Is my math and/or programming level sufficient to enter your Bachelor's program ? Do you recommend preparatory training ?
    The Conditions d’Admissions (CI) should ensure that your level in Sciences is adequate. Our Bachelor program is designed so as to remind and advance all the necessary scientific notions and protocols. Of course, the more, the merrier but we do not recommend any specific preparatory training. Have a look at our Bachelor’s curriculum at:
    https://www.unige.ch/dinfo/formations/bachelor/
  15. Is my math and/or programming level sufficient to enter your Master's program ? Do you recommend preparatory training ?
    Our Master’s program assumed the scientific level acquired during our Bachelor program. Reminders are taught at the start of the semester but are not enough if this is the first time you approach these scientific notions.
    W    e do not recommend any specific preparatory training. Have a look at our Master’s curriculum at:
    https://www.unige.ch/dinfo/formations/master-en-sciences-informatiques-new/
  16. My Bachelor is from HEPIA or HEG, can I enter the Master ?
    Several students entered our Master’s program and succeeded nicely. To guarantee success and adequation with your profile, we recommend you to provide a letter of support from one teacher of your HES, as he/she will know whether your profile corresponds to our program.
  17. Is the Bachelor part of the Athena program ?
    No. So far this program concerns only Maths and Physics.
    https://www.unige.ch/sciences/fr/faculteetcite/programme-athena/
  18. I have a disability (earing/visual/mobility impairment, ...), can I enter the program ?
    Yes. UniGE is fully dedicated to be inclusive for all students in the best conditions. This action is not specific to the Department and you may start from the following links for more information:
    https://www.unige.ch/admissions/etudes-particulieres
    see the list under Conditions d'Etudes Particulières
    https://www.unige.ch/dife/sante-psychologies/besoins-particulier
  19. I want to apply for the Complementary Computer Certificate (CCC), what is the procedure?
    The description of the CCI and its regulations is available on the Department's website:
    https://www.unige.ch/dinfo/formations/certificat-en-informatique/
    Registration for the CCI is first to be requested from the Faculty Advisor. With his agreement, and using the programmes of our Computer Science courses, you propose a study plan (30 ECTS over a maximum of 2 semesters) to the Academic Advisor of the Department for validation using this form: document

B - ORGANISATION OF STUDIES (DURING STUDIES)

 

  1. What is the language of studies ? Can I write my exams in English ?
    Our Bachelor is taught in French. All teaching staff can interact in English but you will be required to write your exams in French.
    Lectures and practical sessions of the Master are generally taking place in English. Exams are generally oral exams and our teaching staff is able to interact in French or English..
  2. How much time should I work per week to do all homeworks ?
    The semester is organised in a weekly schedule consisting for most courses of hours of teaching augmented with interactive exercise sessions and practical labs for some courses. The schedule is available from here:
    https://www.unige.ch/dinfo/formations/bachelor/horaires/
    https://www.unige.ch/dinfo/formations/master-en-sciences-informatiques-new/grilles-horaires/
    We generally consider that you will be required to work 1h on top of lectures, exercises and labs for every course, every week (eg 6h of personal work per week in the 1st semester).
  3. What is the impact of COVID-19 ?
    Latest Department information is posted here :
    https://www.unige.ch/dinfo/covid/
    See also the COVID-19 specific FAQs of the Faculty of Sciences and UniGE:
    https://www.unige.ch/sciences/fr/espaceetudiant/secretariatetudiants/covid-19-faq-concernant-les-etudes-et-les-examens/
    https://www.unige.ch/coronavirus/fr/etudiant-es/
  4. How are classes organized in the normal time and under lock-down conditions ?
    UniGE uses the Moodle online platform to make all teaching material (eg lecture notes, labs) available online to students (regardless COVID-19). See Also RG Art 7 and RB Art 4 ter and quarter.During COVID-19, UniGE is providing students with an academic Zoom licence. All courses happen online (at least until April 1st, 2021) and videos are made available to students.
    Latest Department information is posted here:
    https://www.unige.ch/dinfo/covid/
    Voir aussi les FAQ spécifiques au COVID-19 de la Faculté des sciences et UniGE :
    https://www.unige.ch/sciences/fr/espaceetudiant/secretariatetudiants/covid-19-faq-concernant-les-etudes-et-les-examens/
    https://www.unige.ch/coronavirus/fr/etudiant-es/
  5. Is the attendance of lectures mandatory or not ?
    Attendance to lectures and lab sessions is highly recommended but not checked in the general case. This is left to the rules installed by every teacher, who will notify students at the start of the semester.
  6. What about mobility during the studies ?
    Yes this is possible and it is organised via our Exchange Office to whom you may direct your specific questions:
    https://www.unige.ch/exchange/fr/propos/
  7. What about part-time studies ?
    Part-time studies, duly justified, are possible. The organisation is managed by the Academic Advisor of the Faculty. See also RG Art 6.
    https://www.unige.ch/admissions/etudes-particulieres/temps-partiel
  8. How are exams happening ?
    Exams take the form of written exams, oral exams or evaluation based on practical work. Every teacher will provide clear details at the start of the semester.
    See also RG Art 8 and RB Art 4 quinquies and sexies
    For COVID-19 specific information, see :
    https://www.unige.ch/dinfo/covid/
    or the COVID-19 specific FAQs of the Faculty of Sciences and UniGE :
    https://www.unige.ch/sciences/fr/espaceetudiant/secretariatetudiants/covid-19-faq-concernant-les-etudes-et-les-examens/
    https://www.unige.ch/coronavirus/fr/etudiant-es/
  9. Do you have a library ? Will I need to buy books ?
    UniGE has several libraries (attached to Departments) and as a student you will get access to these and most of the libraries in the City of Geneva.
    http://cui.unige.ch/fr/lecui/bibliotheque/
    We do not require you buy books and you may wait until the semester starts to discuss with the teachers possibly relevant books you can optionally acquire for their disciplines. In general these will also be made available for loan at the UniGE libraries.
  10. Student association ? Can I contact current or former students ? Alumni ?
    There are several student associations at the UniGE centered around their respective topics. The Association des Etudiants en Informatique (AEI) is the one specifically relevant for our programs.
    https://aei.unige.ch
    See also : https://agora.unige.ch/
  11. Is there any tutoring/mentoring ?
    During your studies, all the teaching staff will be dedicated to support your learning. We do all we can for this to be a valuable unique feature of the Bachelor that this support is rather strong.
    The contact with more senior and former students (via the AEI) is also a valuable form of support.
    https://aei.unige.ch

 

C - CONTENT OF STUDIES (DURING STUDIES)

 

  1. Will I study AI, Data Science, Security, Social Nets, Deep Learning ... ?
    Yes, all these topics will be covered, including in 2nd year Bachelor with the course on Cryptographie et sécurité (Autumn) and 3rd year with the courses on Artificial Intelligence (Autumn) and Data Mining (Spring). They will be covered in even deeper details during the Master.
  2. What computer languages will I study ? Will I study Python ? Will I learn about Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS ... ?
    There are no language courses per se. But you will practice languages (including C/C++, Java, Python, Scala,...) via the labs and exercises of the respective courses. You will also be faced to all types of platforms including more specific hardware such as micro-controllers.
  3. Will I need my own computer/tablet ? Is the University providing hardware facilities ? Do you recommend some specific hardware/software ?
    We do provide desktop computers and necessary software in computer rooms. We recommend that you wait for the start of the semester to invest into your computer so as to be able to discuss with teachers or other students the best material you want to acquire if so.
    Note the availability of the Neptun program from ETHZ to which UniGE students have access:
    https://projektneptun.ch/
  4. Relationship with professional training (company internship) ? Partner companies ?
    The Bachelor program does not include any internship in its curriculum. The Master progam includes an Industrial Internship (3 months FTE) as optional course. We also have a network of partner companies with whom UniGE is in close contact (eg for post-studies hiring).
    See also the Adopt-a-Skill initiative from CUI: https://cui.unige.ch/fr/emploi/adpot-a-skill/
    and : https://emploi.unige.ch/
  5. Bi-disciplinary studies ? Or relationships with other disciplines ? Maths ? Physics ? BioInfo ? Neurosciences ?
    The Bachelor in Computer Sciences does not offer external option courses but UniGE is by definition inter-disciplinary and there are several opportunities for orienting practical projects towards a specific discipline during the studies. The above listed branches are fully compatible with our scientific approach to Computer Science.
    The Bachelor also opens the door for bi-disciplinary Masters:
    https://www.unige.ch/sciences/fr/enseignements/formations/masters/bi-disciplinaire/

D - GRADES, EXAMS, CONDITIONS TO ACQUIRE THE SEMESTER, ELIMINATION (DURING STUDIES)

 

  1.  I obtained this grade, should I take the exam again ? Can I take the exam again ?
    See RB Art A 4 quinquies, sexies, and septies, RM Art. B 3 sexies et septies and  RG Art 8, 13, 14 et 19.
  2. I registered for an exam but eventually did not take it ? What are the consequences ?
    Unless you have a formal document (e.g medical certificate) explaining the reason for not taking the exam, this exam will count as a failed attempt and impact the overall number of attempts for the exams.
    See RB Art A 4 quinquies, sexies et septies / RM Art B 3 sexies et septies / RG Art 8, 13, 14 et 19.
  3. Can I take a study leave ? Suspend my studies ?
    You may contact the Faculty. Leaves are granted for one or two semesters. See RG Art 6.
  4. I am accused of cheating or plagiarism ? What does that mean ? What does that imply ?
    See RG Art 18.
    https://www.unige.ch/universite/politique-generale/plagiat/
  5. I am under "elimination". What does that mean and what can I do ?
    Any opposition letter is to be addressed to the Faculty (att. Dean or Vice-Dean for student affairs).
    See RB Art 4 A septies, RM Art. B 3 octies, nonies et RG Art 19 et 20.

E- FUTURE (AFTER STUDIES)

 

  1. How will I continue my studies after the Bachelor ?
    The Bachelor of Computer Science opens a variety of doors. The natural continuation is our Master in Computer Science, but also the bi-disciplinary master at the Faculty of Sciences.
    https://masters.unige.ch/sciences
    As our Bachelor is aligned with most curriculum, it opens the way to apply to other studies in Switzerland, Europe or abroad.
  2. Can I apply to EPFL or ETHZ Master's programs directly after your Bachelor ?
    We offer our Master in Computer Science but we do have a history of students successfully entering these after our Bachelor.
  3. Is the Bachelor/Master valid abroad ?
    Of course, UniGE is internationally recognized and so are the degrees it delivers. Also all courses are valued in the ECTS system and therefore compatible with this system.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Credit_Transfer_and_Accumulation_System
  4. Where can I work after your Bachelor or Master's program ?
    The Bachelor and Master in Computer Science are well-recognized in companies and the profile of jobs you may enter corresponds to that degree. See also the Adopt-a-Skill initiative from CUI:
    https://cui.unige.ch/fr/emploi/adopt-a-skill/
    The Master opens the door to the Doctorate.
  5. Do you have some statistics where your former students work and how easy it is to find a job with your Bachelor or Master ?
    See : https://emploi.unige.ch/

MY QUESTION IS NOT ANSWERED. WHO CAN I CONTACT ?

 

You may check the relevant links :

Or contact the Department Academic Advisor : conseil-etu-info(at)unige.ch