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We are one of Switzerland’s leading educational institutions for the construction and wood industries. As a nationally and internationally recognised university of applied sciences with many years of experience and tradition, we provide future architects, civil and wood engineers and timber technicians with the tools for a successful career.
Our courses are based on a holistic approach that takes ecological and economic factors as well as social responsibility into consideration. Our remit as Switzerland’s only centre of competence for the timber industry is to impart high standards of knowledge and skills, which we do in close collaboration with industry partners. We systematically combine the theoretical and practical sides of the learning process. Our courses, research and services are geared to international standards. Our graduates are among the most highly qualified that Switzerland has to offer. 
Teaching
Architectur : Success from specification
Design, Management and Technology: the three clearly defined specializations in the Bachelor of Architecture are unique in Switzerland. The complete course structure is geared specifically to the individual specializations and profiles of our students and increases their career prospects. Building on the Bachelor's degree, the Master of Arts in Architecture provides the other building blocks for a successful career as an architect on the national or international stage.
However, we put the full scope of advanced and further education at the forefront: we pay particular attention to international exchange programs which promote intercultural thought and work. With close cooperation between the subjects architecture, construction and wood we create valuable synergies and promote interdisciplinary training in architecture.
Civil engineering: Versatile specialists in construction
The division Bachelor Civil Engineering has a complex course design based on the practical needs of the construction industry: in-depth knowledge of construction engineering, civil engineering and conversion and maintenance of complex infrastructures are included in the course, as well as preparation for demanding planning and management tasks. Bachelors can expand their CV with a Master of Science in geo-engineering. The Master's program is a collaboration with the University of Bern. The new range of courses available is unique not only in Switzerland but throughout Central Europe. The aim is to train highly qualified engineers and scientists for management posts geared to engineering in geo-engineering.
Wood engineering: the national and international squad trainers in the wood industry
The wood engineering course at Biel which has been in great demand for 20 years covers all the processes and applications involving the use of wood, wood-composite and combined materials. Our graduate engineers are highly thought of, designing and developing wooden buildings, furniture and spaces. The division Bachelor Wood is the only educational establishment in Switzerland to train wood engineers. Working closely with companies in the wood industry we are very closely orientated towards the current needs of the wood industry and allied careers.
Bachelors of Wood Engineering are able to extend their education to a Master of Engineering in Wood. This international course was created in cooperation with Rosenheim College of Technology (D). With the new master's degree course we want to support companies in the wood industry with the most up-to-date practical knowledge.
The Higher Technical Schools HF Wood Biel
The technical courses at the department of Higher Technical Schools HF Wood Biel which are linked to the department train wood technicians for jobs at the medium and top levels once they have completed their education.
Focus on further education/research
Our specialized postgraduate courses and studies ensure that you are right up to date. In a global environment, which is prone to rapid change, it is worth getting to know the changing needs of society. However we do not just see further education as an important instrument for communicating our expert knowledge. It is also an important platform for an intensive exchange of knowledge with business.
Research for the market
Product testing, expert reports, consulting
Our research feels the heartbeat. Research activities are geared towards practice – their aim is to solve everyday industrial problems quickly and innovatively. We offer a complete range of contract services for industry. The services provided include product testing, planning, expertise and consultancy.
Our research concentrates on the planning, construction and manufacturing processes; composite construction and wood engineering; and natural resource management and geotechnical engineering.
Research and development are closely linked to the master’s degree programme. The research units form the bases of the master courses and the master’s students are integrated into the research teams and projects, helping them acquire their knowledge at very close quarters to practice.
Organisation
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H. Müller 
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Management |
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Departement Board |
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Heads of Divisions + Management
The Departement Board is supplemented by two additive members representing lecturers and staff members. |
BA: Bachelor of Arts - BSc: Bachelor of Science - MA: Master of Arts - MSc: Master of Sciences - HF Holz Biel: Higher Technical Schools HF Wood Biel |
Mission
Innovation, pluralism and reflection
Bern University of Applied Sciences prepares students for careers that apply academic knowledge and methods or use artistic creativity. The education, training and continuing education opportunities offered by Bern University of Applied Sciences as well as its research and development activities focus on practical application.
At the same time, Bern University of Applied Sciences (BUAS) focuses on the following guiding principles:
— Assume responsibility. BUAS develops innovative solutions and addresses the needs of its economic, technical, cultural and social environment. It promotes the discussion of social values and supports its students, teaching staff and employees in assuming responsibility.
— Achieve sustainability. BUAS implements the objectives of sustainability in its teaching, research and administration. It respects and protects the dignity of mankind and nature and invests its resources in the interest of sustainable results.
— Develop cooperation. Strong partnerships anchor BUAS both domestically and abroad. They create added value for teaching and research as well as for the transfer of knowledge and technology.
— Practise pluralism. BUAS cultivates its pluralism and promotes exchange between degree disciplines, mindsets and behavioural patterns. It uses its multilingualism to bridge the gap between other cultural regions and labour markets.
— Strengthen quality. BUAS considers itself to be a learning organisation. It ascribes central importance to the systematic development of quality and diversity management in teaching, research, the transfer of knowledge and technology as well as in administration.
Bern University of Applied Sciences fulfils its educational mandate as part of the Swiss system of higher education and, in so doing, it focuses on individuals. Its success is founded on the commitment of its students, lecturers and employees.
Facts and Figures
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between studying at a university of applied sciences and an ordinary university?
Universities of applied sciences fulfil the mission defined by the Swiss Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology (OPET) as follows: education (bachelor and master), advanced and further education (MAS, CAS, DAS postgraduate courses), applied research and development (R&D), services for third parties. Our aim is to ensure that our courses are closely interwoven with the everyday practicalities of the construction site, workshop and engineering office. We make sure that our courses keep pace with current market needs and requirements. This means that when you complete your studies you will have the applied knowledge and practical experience needed to begin your career immediately. All our teaching staff are committed professionals who combine their teaching work with professional work. We set great store by the interdisciplinary cooperation of our departments.
The Bologna reform and student exchanges
Our broad range of courses meets the Bologna process requirements for a Europe-wide standard in multicycle study models. The modules of the various courses of study are evaluated according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The bachelor’s degree is the first professional qualification degree in this two-level concept (bachelor and master). It can be followed by a master’s degree or by one or more courses of study in further education (MAS, DAS, CAS). These training courses are highly regarded in the profession and enable our students to enjoy national and international careers that lead from the basic vocational training (with the vocational high school certificate) or the GCSE (with practical experience) to executive positions in the industry or in research and development. Through the Erasmus scheme, the Bologna process also supports international student exchanges and enables students to find foreign placements. We offer our students help in planning and organizing exchanges.
Executive Board
Bern University of Applied Sciences
Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering
Pestalozzistrasse 20
Postfach 1058
CH-3401 Burgdorf
+41 34 426 41 41
Subvention
Bern Canton
Controlling organisation
Bern University of Applied Sciences (BUAS)
History
- 1892 Foundation of the Cantonal Technical College for Building Engineers in Burgdorf
- 1952 Foundation of the Swiss School for the Wood Industry in Biel
- 1974 Introduction of the curriculum "Engineer HTL" for civil engineers
- 1986 Start of the curriculum “Wood Engineers” HTL in Biel
- 1997 The HTL Burgdorf and HTL Biel technical colleges are granted the status of university of applied sciences.
- 2003 Incorporation of HTA-Burgdorf, HTA-Bern, HTA-Biel, SH Wood Biel into the department Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BUAS)
- 2005 Introduction of the Bologna Reform with bachelor and master degree courses
Department Board
| Heinz Müller, Director |
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Ronald Giroud
Marc-André Gonin
Urs Heimberg
Christian Straumann |
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Figures
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800 (including HF Wood Biel) |
| Further education |
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more than 2,000 course participants per annum |
| Employees |
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400+ |
Annual Report
In 2007 the annual report was incorporated into the departmental reports of the Bern University of Applied Sciences. The report reviews the activities of our institution throughout the year and has news about latest developments and major events. To download a PDF version of the annual report, click here (only German and French).
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Contact Burgdorf (map)
Pestalozzistrasse 20
Phone +41 34 426 41 41
Biel-Bienne (map)
Solothurnstrasse 102
Phone +41 32 344 02 02
E-Mail office.ahb@bfh.ch
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