Description
Biotechnology – 2nd cycle studies in English
Biotechnology is a degree programme for people who are curious about the world and interested in how life begins and develops. During your studies, you learn about processes that take place in cells, genes, and microorganisms, and how this knowledge can be used in practice.
The programme combines theory with laboratory work. You study cell biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. You spend a lot of time in the laboratory, where you conduct experiments, analyse results, and work in project teams.
The master’s degree studies allow you to deepen your knowledge and take part in scientific research. You also learn bioinformatics, statistics, and ethical issues related to modern science.
After graduation, you can work in laboratories, biotechnology companies, the pharmaceutical and food industries, as well as in healthcare or environmental protection. The programme has a positive evaluation from the Polish Accreditation Committee and offers opportunities for international mobility.
Rekrutacja rozpoczyna się 2 czerwca
Curriculum
Master’s degree studies – Biotechnology (language of instructions: English)
Duration: 4 semesters
Number of ECTS credits: 120
Selected courses and what you will learn:
- Plant biotechnology – you learn how to modify and grow plants in laboratory conditions to improve their traits and resistance.
- Bioethics – you learn how to assess which activities in biology and biotechnology are ethically acceptable and where the limits of responsible science lie.
- Basics of microbial biotechnology – you learn how microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast are used in medicine, industry, and environmental protection.
- Bioinformatics – you learn how biology and computer science are combined to analyse genetic data and better understand processes taking place in cells.
Forms of classes:
- lectures,
- seminars,
- workshops
- practicals,
- field classes,
- laboratory classes,
- discussion classes.
Limit of places: 25
Majors
Master’s degree studies
Plant Biotechnology
In this major, you learn how to work with plants at the level of cells and DNA. You explore methods that help increase crop yields, improve plant quality, and use plants in agriculture, the food industry, and the pharmaceutical sector. You spend a lot of time in the laboratory using modern equipment and carrying out real analyses. After graduation, you can work in modern agriculture, biotechnology companies, or research laboratories.
Environmental Biotechnology
This major focuses on using plants and microorganisms to protect the environment. You learn how biological methods can be used to clean soil, water, and waste. You work in laboratories and learn about technologies that help reduce pollution and use natural resources more efficiently. After graduation, you can work in environmental laboratories, companies involved in environmental protection or waste processing, and in the food or pharmaceutical industries. The programme can also prepare you for PhD studies.
Graduation requirements
In order to take the diploma examination, you have to:
- achieve the learning outcomes provided for in the curriculum,
- confirm the required level of a foreign language,
- receive a positive thesis grade.
You finish your studies with a diploma exam with at least a ‘satisfactory’ grade
As a graduate, you receive a diploma that confirms your qualifications.
Detailed information on the rules for awarding diplomas and the requirements for the diploma thesis can be found in the Rules and Regulations of Studies at the University of Silesia and the Diploma Award Regulations.
Admission
The admission process for studies at the University of Silesia is carried out via the Online Application System at irk.us.edu.pl (IRK).
Use IRK to enrol in your studies and find all the information you need. You will learn about the admission process, the deadlines, the enrolment fee, and all the documents you need to submit.
Questions? Feel free to write to the International Admissions Office or visit rekrutacja.us.edu.pl and irk.us.edu.pl.
Admission criteria
2nd cycle studies in English
You can apply for 2nd degree studies if you have a Bachelor’s, Engineer’s, or Master’s degree (including a foreign diploma that allows you to continue studies in the country where it was issued). Your previous studies should be related to biology, biotechnology, environmental protection, or a similar field.
If you graduated from a different programme, the admission committee will review your study programme and learning outcomes and then decide whether you can take part in the admission process.
The admission process has two stages.
Stage 1:
Submission to the Faculty Admission Committee of a document compliant with the applicable legal regulations confirming English language proficiency at a minimum level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
In the case of Polish citizens and EU citizens applying on the basis of documents issued in EU, OECD, EFTA, or EEA countries who do not possess a document confirming English language proficiency at the B2 level, the candidate’s language competence will be assessed during an interview verifying their level of English proficiency.
The interview is graded on a scale from 0 to 20 points. A positive result requires the candidate to obtain at least 10 points. Receiving fewer than 10 points or failure to attend the interview disqualifies the candidate from the entire admission process.
Stage 2:
Candidates admitted to the second stage of the admission process will be qualified for studies on the basis of the combined result of their diploma grade and the average grade from their previous studies (according to their position on the ranking list).
Applicants are required to submit an appropriate medical certificate confirming that there are no health contraindications to undertaking studies in this programme.
Point tresholds
We do not set minimum point thresholds for any field of study at the University of Silesia.
Committees create ranking lists during the admission process. Admission thresholds vary every year, as they depend on the number of candidates, their grades, and the applicable qualification rules.
Additional criteria
To begin studies in this programme, you must provide a medical certificate. A doctor must confirm that there are no health contraindications for studying in this degree programme.
Fees
The fee for participating in the recruitment process for the degree programme in Biotechnology is PLN 85.
Internships and practical training
There are no compulsory internships in the Master’s degree studies. All students follow the same curriculum.
Cooperation
During your studies, you benefit from cooperation between the programme and research institutions and universities in Poland and abroad.
You can also go abroad with the Erasmus+ programme. It allows you to study or complete an internship in one of 31 countries for a semester or a full academic year. Partner universities are located in many European countries, including Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Italy, and Lithuania.
International cooperation helps you gain new experience and become part of a global academic community.
Kontakt
Dean’s office
Matters related to submitting documents and completing application process, the study programme, class schedules, course registration, student ID cards, tuition fees, and problems with logging into USOSweb.
Education Department
tel. +48 32 359 18 10
tel. +48 32 359 18 80
tel. +48 32 359 16 22
e-mail: rekrutacja@us.edu.pl
Matters related to admission, problems with registration in the IRK system, and required documents.
International Admissions Office
tel. +48 32 359 22 72
tel. +48 32 359 22 73
e-mail: admission@us.edu.pl
Matters related to the admission of international applicants (candidates who do not hold Polish citizenship): the university admission process, formalities concerning required educational documents (legalisation, apostille), certificates confirming admission eligibility, etc.
Faculty Admission Committee
You can find the contact details in the IRK system by selecting the programme you are interested in:
https://irk.us.edu.pl/.
Matters related to admission: qualification for studies, grade conversion in the IRK system, the university application process, admission criteria, and required documents.
What makes us stand out?
01.
Flexibility
You create your own learning path by choosing from different types of classes, specializations, academic supervisors, and courses that match your interests.
02.
Practical experience
We focus on practice and real-life skills. You can take part in internships, workshops, and classes led by experts. You will learn how the job market works and how research can be turned into real-world solutions.
03.
Development
You work on your own research projects with the support of experienced mentors. We also support student scientific clubs and international exchange opportunities through programs such as ERASMUS+ and MOST Programme.
04.
Quality
We provide high-quality education confirmed by the accreditation of Polish Accreditation Committee. Classes are taught by highly qualified academic staff with recognised scientific achievements.
Twój profil po studiach
Career paths
After completing Biotechnology, you can work wherever DNA, cells, and microorganisms are used in practice.
You can:
- conduct research as part of scientific teams,
- analyse samples and check the quality of food, medicines, or biological material in laboratories,
- develop and improve new solutions in biotechnology companies,
- work in the production and quality control of medicines, food, or agricultural products,
- support medical diagnostics in hospitals,
- develop modern plant and animal breeding,
- cooperate with companies involved in wastewater treatment and waste processing,
- improve industrial processes that use microorganisms.
You can also develop your own idea and start a biotechnology-based company.
Your knowledge
After completing the studies:
- You understand advanced mathematics and natural sciences, which helps you explain processes in living organisms.
- You have in-depth knowledge in your specialisation and can work confidently in this field.
- You understand relationships in nature and can explain them using biotechnology.
- You know procedures used in laboratories and in industrial production.
- You understand how biotechnology supports agriculture, industry, medicine, and environmental protection.
- You know how to start and develop a company and where to look for funding for research and development.
- You understand the principles of patent protection and copyright and know how to use them.
- You can assess both the benefits and the risks connected with the development of biotechnology.
- You know advanced research methods and understand how to move from an experiment to large-scale production.
- You are familiar with selected scientific methods from other fields and can use them in practice.
Your skills
After completing the studies:
- You can independently choose research methods and adapt them when necessary to solve a specific problem.
- You use specialist sources, analyse data, present results clearly, and discuss scientific findings.
- You plan and conduct advanced research in the field and in the laboratory, analyse results, and verify your research assumptions.
- You can manage the work of a team and communicate effectively with others.
- You use English confidently at B2+ level, read scientific texts, and use specialist terminology.
- You continue developing your biotechnology knowledge and motivate others to learn.
- You formulate research questions, analyse problems, and find solutions, also by using knowledge from other fields.
Social skills
After studies:
- You critically evaluate information about biotechnology that appears in the media and can distinguish facts from opinions.
- You assess your own work honestly and clearly explain new biotechnology achievements to others.
- You act creatively and entrepreneurially and adapt your ideas to real social needs.
- You follow ethical principles in both professional work and everyday life.
- You combine knowledge from different fields and continue learning in order to solve complex problems more effectively.
