New course 2025:

ETH Math & Science Prep Track

Start: 5. Jan 2025 - Sept 2025
ETH Math & Science Prep Track

Ready for ETH Zurich?

Are you dreaming of studying at one of the world’s most prestigious universities, ETH Zurich? Do you know the journey will be challenging, but you want to be thoroughly prepared? The ETH Math & Science Prep Track is exactly the solution you’re looking for! This program prepares you specifically for the challenges of ETH Zurich’s demanding introductory studies, providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

The Challenge of ETH Zurich’s First Semester

Many students struggle during their first few weeks at ETH Zurich because they underestimate the pace and intensity of the course material. With a strong focus on mathematics and the sciences, ETH Zurich demands deep understanding and commitment. The constant pressure from weekly exercises, exams, and additional assignments can quickly lead to stress and self-doubt. The risk of needing an extra year or even leaving the program altogether increases significantly without adequate preparation.

Why Choose This Preparation Course?

The ETH Math & Science Prep Track is designed to prepare future students for the high standards at ETH Zurich. This course goes beyond simple knowledge transfer, offering a solid foundation that will make your first semester much more manageable. With a structured curriculum and experienced instructors, you’ll have the best possible start for a successful academic journey.

How is our program structured?

The following graphic overview shows the planned modules.

Math & Science Prep Track course

Short Rep & Fundamentals

Analysis
Block I

LinAlg
Block I

Math-GL
Physics

Algo +
Data structure

Analysis
Block II

LinAlg
Block II

Techn.
Mechanics

Python, Java or C++

1. Semester ETHZ

Eligibility for the ETH Math & Science Prep Track

This preparation course is available to students holding:

  • Swiss Matura

  • German Abitur

  • Austrian Matura

  • International Baccalaureate (IB):

    Accepted if certain subject combinations and grade requirements, particularly in mathematics and sciences, are met.

  • British A-Levels:

    ETH Zurich requires at least three A-Levels in scientific subjects, including mathematics and one science.

  • ETH Passarelle after vocational Matura

Course Structure and Content

Below is a structured overview of the modules included in the program.

Core Modules:

1. Basics & Fundamentals

  • Exponents and their properties, logarithms, exponential laws, fraction equations

  • Basics of logic and set theory, including laws

  • Proof methods in higher mathematics

  • Sup, Inf, Min, Max, and calculations with these values

  • Inequalities and estimates

2. Analysis Block I

  • Relations and functions

  • Sequences and their properties, limits

  • Limits of functions and calculation methods

  • Series, convergence criteria, and extensive exercises

  • Fundamentals of differential calculus and its applications, e.g., Taylor series

  • Introduction to topology concepts and metric spaces

  • Basics of integral calculus, Riemann integrals, integration techniques like partial integration and substitution

  • Introduction to differential geometry and curves, parametrization, and curve length

  • Introduction to differential equations and key solution methods like Euler’s integrating factor and variable separation

  • Extensive practice exercises

3. Linear Algebra Block I

  • Matrices and types: orthogonal, nilpotent, symmetric, inverse matrices

  • Matrix operations, computation rules, matrix powers

  • Linear systems of equations (LGS), Gauss algorithm, and LGS discussion

  • Determinants, properties, relation to Gauss, inverse matrices, and Cramer’s rule

  • LU decomposition and its complexity

  • Vector spaces, subspaces, affine subspaces, basis, dimension

  • Linear mappings, kernel and image, isomorphic vector spaces, equivalence, and matrix similarity

  • Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, eigenspace, spectrum, and spectral radius

4. Mathematical Foundations for Physics

5. Programming with Python, Java, or C++

Elective Modules:

1. Analysis Block II

2. Linear Algebra Block II

3. Technical Mechanics

4. Data Structures and Algorithms

5. Python, Java, or C++

6. Discrete Mathematics

Learning Materials for the ETH Math & Science Prep Track

We use proven exercises and solutions from current ETH courses as well as textbooks from the Springer “Exam Training” series by Thomas Michaels and Marcel Liechti.

Course Costs
Core Modules:
CHF 9,550
Elective Modules:
CHF 3,900
3 Orientation Exams:
CHF 900

Ideal Preparation for UZH and EPFL

epfl-logo-new

This course is also ideal for future students at the University of Zurich (UZH) in mathematics, physics, natural sciences, and computer science at HSG St. Gallen, as well as for ETH Lausanne (EPFL).

Make the most of this unique opportunity to be fully prepared for your studies. The ETH Math & Science Prep Track gives you the tools to tackle the challenges of the first semester and sets you on the path to success from day one.

Start strong, be ready, and take your first step towards achieving your academic goals at ETH Zurich. Get in touch with us by filling out the form below!