Description
Biology is a degree programme for people who want to understand the natural world and learn how to work with living organisms.
During your studies, you learn how plants, animals, and the human body function. You also explore what cannot be seen with the naked eye – cells, tissues, and processes taking place inside organisms. Many classes are practical. You work in laboratories, carry out simple experiments, and learn how to use equipment that biologists use in their work. You also take part in field classes and learn how to observe nature in its natural environment.
During your bachelor’s studies, you gain a broad foundation in biology and gradually discover which areas interest you the most. Towards the end of the programme, you choose one of the thematic paths, for example ecology, plant, animal and human biology, biotechnology, or nanobiology. You also complete a professional placement and write your bachelor’s thesis under the supervision of an academic advisor.
During your master’s studies, you learn to work more independently. You plan your own research, analyse results, and develop expertise in your chosen major. You work in modern laboratories and learn how to communicate the results of your work clearly and professionally.
Curriculum
1st cycle studies – Biology
Duration of studies: 6 semesters
Number of ECTS credits: 180
Selected courses and what you will learn:
- Botany – you learn about plants, how to identify them, how they grow, and the role they play in nature.
- Basics of Cytology and Plant Anatomy – you learn about the structure of plants and how their cells, tissues, and organs function.
- Field classes in Botany and Zoology – you learn how to observe plants and animals in their natural environment and identify them in the field.
- Zoology – you explore the world of animals, their structure, behaviour, and adaptation to different environments.
- Human Anatomy – you learn how the human body is built and how its organs function.
- Genetics – you learn how traits are inherited and how genes influence living organisms.
- Basics of Molecular Biology – you study processes that take place inside cells, including the role of DNA and proteins.
- Diversity of Vegetation – you learn about plant communities found in different regions and the factors that influence their distribution.
Forms of classes:
- lectures,
- practicals,
- field classes,
- workshops,
- seminars,
- laboratory classes.
2nd cycle studies – Biology
Duration of studies: 4 semesters
Number of ECTS credits: 120
Selected courses and what you will learn:
- Phylogenetics and Taxonomy of Plants and Animals – you learn how the worlds of plants and animals are classified and how different species are related to one another.
- Ethnobotany and Ethnoecology – you explore how people in different cultures use plants and natural resources, and how this affects the environment.
- Food Microbiology – you learn how microorganisms influence food quality, safety, and shelf life.
- Monitoring of Species and Natural Habitats – you learn how to observe and assess the condition of plants, animals, and their natural habitats.
- Nanotechnology in Oncology – you discover how extremely small particles can be used in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Basics of Dietetics – you learn the principles of healthy nutrition and how diet affects the human body.
Forms of classes:
- lectures,
- seminars,
- workshops,
- practicals,
- field classes,
- laboratories,
- discussion classes.
Majors
1st cycle studies
During your bachelor’s studies, you choose one of two majors:
- General major – you gain a solid foundation in different areas of biology. You learn about the structure and functioning of organisms, how they develop, and how they change over time. You also study the basics of molecular biology, biotechnology, and environmental biology, with a strong focus on nature conservation and sustainable development.
The programme combines biology with the exact sciences. Classes in chemistry, mathematics, and biophysics help you better understand processes taking place in living organisms. You also learn the basics of entrepreneurship, which can be useful in your future career.
During your studies, you have a real influence on your study programme. You can choose elective and interdisciplinary courses, including classes taught in foreign languages.
At the end of the fourth semester, you choose one of six major paths that you follow during the third year of studies:
- plant and microorganism biotechnology,
- ecology, monitoring, and environmental restoration,
- plant biology and biodiversity protection,
- animal and human biology,
- nanobiology,
- structure and functions of plant and animal cells and tissues.
Choosing a major allows you to deepen your knowledge in a selected field and prepare more effectively for further studies or your future career.
- Teaching major – teaching biology, chemistry, and nature studies – this major is for you if you want to teach biology, chemistry, and science subjects at school and enjoy working with children and teenagers.
During your studies, you deepen your knowledge of biology and chemistry while also learning how to teach these subjects to others. You learn how to conduct lessons, explain difficult topics in a simple way, and encourage students to explore the natural world.
You study the basics of pedagogy and psychology, which means learning how to work with students of different ages, respond to their needs, and create a positive classroom atmosphere. The programme places strong emphasis on practical experience, not only theory.
You take part in laboratory classes, field courses, and teaching placements in schools. Under the guidance of experienced teachers, you conduct your own lessons and discover what school work looks like in practice. You also learn how to use multimedia, experiments, and modern educational tools in teaching. You choose the teaching major after the first semester of studies. After completing your bachelor’s degree, you can continue your education in a master’s programme. Full qualifications to teach biology, chemistry, and nature studies at schools are obtained after completing 2nd cycle (master’s) studies.
2nd cycle studies
- Experimental biology
This major is for people who enjoy experiments, laboratory work, and asking questions such as: Why does this happen? You learn how to plan and carry out biological research and how to analyse research results. You study the structure and functioning of organisms, cells, and tissues, as well as the mechanisms of evolution. You spend a lot of time in laboratories, working with modern equipment and learning techniques used in biological and medical research. Some classes are based on research projects, which means that from the very beginning you work like a young scientist.
- General biology – teaching major
This major prepares you to work as a biology and science teacher. You deepen the biological knowledge needed for teaching at school and also learn the basics of chemistry, physics, and geography, which help explain natural phenomena. You learn how to conduct lessons, plan classes, explain difficult topics in a simple way, and work with students of different ages. You also explore modern teaching methods, multimedia, and digital tools. The programme includes teaching placements in schools.
- Food and nutrition biology
This major combines biology with topics related to food and health. You learn how human and animal nutrition works and where food comes from. You study the basics of dietetics, food microbiology, and food quality and safety. You work with data, analyse food composition, and learn how to assess food quality. Classes prepare you for work in laboratories, food-related companies, and institutions responsible for food quality control.
- Biodiversity and nature conservation
This major is for people interested in nature, environmental protection, and fieldwork. You learn how to identify plant and animal species, assess the condition of natural environments, and plan conservation activities. You study methods of environmental monitoring, field surveys, and working with maps and GIS systems. You gain skills needed for work in national parks, environmental protection institutions, and companies involved in spatial and environmental planning.
- Nanobiology
This major combines biology with modern technology and medicine. You learn how very small structures (nanomaterials) interact with cells and living organisms. You explore the use of nanotechnology in medicine, oncology, cosmetology, the food industry, and environmental protection. You work on your own research project and learn modern methods of data analysis. This is a good path for students interested in innovative science and future-oriented research.
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 rules
1st cycle full-time studies
Admission to the bachelor’s programme is based on the results of the written Matura exam. We take into account results from three subjects:
Biology | One subject to choose from: chemistry, mathematics, geography, or physics | Foreign language |
50% | 30% | 20% |
- Results obtained at the basic level are multiplied by 0.5, while results obtained at the extended level are multiplied by 1.
- If you took the same subject at both levels, we select the result that gives you more points.
- If you did not take one of the required subjects, you receive 0 points for it, but you can still take part in the admission process.
- A bilingual foreign language exam is treated as an extended level exam – the result is multiplied by 4/3, with a maximum of 100%.
- Detailed rules for the admission of candidates holding the old Matura certificate are specified in §14 of the resolution.
- Admission is based on a ranking list created according to the total number of points obtained by each candidate. If the number of applicants does not exceed the admission limit, all candidates with a score higher than 0 will be admitted.
- Candidates are required to submit a medical certificate confirming that there are no health contraindications to undertaking studies in this programme.
2nd cycle full-time studies
You can apply for the master’s programme if you hold:
- a bachelor’s, engineer’s or master’s degree,
- a foreign diploma that allows you to pursue studies in the country where it was issued,
Admission is based on a ranking list. A candidate’s position on the list is determined by the combined score calculated from:
● the final grade on the degree diploma,
● the average grade obtained during previous studies.
If you have completed a degree in a field other than those listed above or graduated from another university, your previous study programme will be reviewed. If differences are identified in the curriculum or learning outcomes, you will be required to complete additional paid courses within a deadline specified by the Dean of the Faculty.
For candidates admitted to the teaching major within the master’s programme who have documented partial teacher-training preparation (in accordance with national standards for teacher education), their previous preparation will be assessed. This assessment includes completed modules, learning outcomes, ECTS credits, and the number of teaching hours completed.
The purpose of the assessment is to identify any curriculum differences and determine whether supplementary coursework is required. Such differences may result from variations in the order or structure of teacher-training modules at different universities. If supplementary courses are required, students must pay the applicable fee in accordance with university regulations.
Applicants are also required to submit a 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 Biology is PLN 85.
Internships and practical training
During your bachelor’s studies, you complete 120 hours of practical training (90 actual working hours). Internships usually take place during the summer break, so they do not interfere with university classes.
During your internship, you:
- take an active part in the everyday work of the chosen institution or company,
- learn how a particular institution or company operates,
- gain practical experience useful for your future career.
Internships are unpaid.
Where can you complete your internship?
You can complete your internship, for example, in:
- botanical and zoological gardens,
- city offices (for example departments of environmental protection, agriculture, or forestry),
- plant breeding stations, horticultural companies, and businesses responsible for urban greenery,
- water supply companies and wastewater treatment plants,
- scientific and research institutions (such as arboretums, herbaria, seed banks, and ecological institutes),
- analytical laboratories (medical, microbiological, veterinary, or environmental).
2nd cycle studies:
During your master’s studies, if you choose the teaching major, you complete teaching placements in schools. These placements allow you to see what a teacher’s work looks like in practice.
You complete three types of teaching practice:
- 60 hours in a primary school,
- 60 hours in a secondary school,
- 60 hours of nature studies teaching practice in a primary school.
During your internship, you:
- observe biology and science lessons,
- conduct your own classes,
- learn how to plan lessons and work with students.
You also prepare:
- lesson plans,
- teaching materials for students,
- short assignments based on books and online sources.
Teaching placements take place in schools under the supervision of a university lecturer and an experienced teacher. Thanks to this, you gain confidence and practical experience before starting your professional career.
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 experiences and become part of a global academic community.
Contact
Dean’s Office
Matters related to submitting admission documents and completing enrolment, the study programme and curriculum, class schedules and course registration, student ID cards, tuition fees and other study-related payments, problems with logging into the USOSweb system.
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 the admission process, problems with registration in the IRK admissions system, required application and admission 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), including the study application and admission process, formal requirements concerning educational documents, including legalisation and apostille procedures, certificates confirming admission or qualification for studies, and other recruitment and admission matters concerning international candidates.
Faculty Admission Committee
You can find the relevant contact details in the IRK admission system by selecting the study programme you are interested in:
https://irk.us.edu.pl/en/.
Matters related to admission: qualification for studies, grade conversion in the IRK system, the study application and admission process, admission criteria, and required documents.
Co nas wyróżnia
01.
Flexibility
You shape your own educational path through a variety of learning opportunities and by consciously choosing courses, academic supervisors, and majors.
02.
Practice
03.
Development
You carry out your own research projects under the guidance of experienced mentors. We support student research groups and encourage participation in exchange programmes such as Erasmus+ and MOST Programme.
04.
QUALIITY
Twój profil po studiach
Career paths
After graduating in Biology, you can work with nature, health, and the environment. You have many career paths to choose from.
You can work, for example:
- in a laboratory – analysing water, food, environmental samples, or biological material,
- at school – teaching biology or science subjects (after completing the teaching major),
- in scientific research – supporting research projects and experiments,
- in healthcare – for example, in diagnostic laboratories,
- in pharmaceutical companies – working in testing, quality control, or advisory roles,
- in agriculture and forestry – working with plant and animal breeding,
- in public offices and institutions – monitoring environmental and food quality,
- in nature protection – in national parks, foundations, and environmental organisations,
- in botanical gardens, zoological gardens, and museums – educating people and working with nature.
Biology gives you flexibility – you can start your professional career after graduation or continue your education and specialise in the area that interests you most.
Your knowledge
1st cycle studies
- You understand how biological, chemical, and physical processes are connected and interact in nature.
- You use biological terminology confidently and understand the language of the natural sciences.
- You know the structure of cells, tissues, and organs, and understand how they work together in living organisms.
- You understand how plants and animals function and how the environment influences their activity.
- You know how DNA works, how traits are inherited, and how biotechnology and genetic engineering are used.
- You understand the mechanisms of evolution and the relationships between living organisms.
- You know the diversity of the natural world and understand the impact of human activity on the environment at both local and global levels.
- You can use laboratory and field methods as well as modern research techniques.
- You analyse biological data using mathematics, statistics, and computer tools.
- You know the basics of workplace safety, ethics, and copyright law, and you can work with scientific literature and sources, including materials in English at the B2 level.
2nd cycle studies
- You understand how living organisms function – from individual cells to entire ecosystems.
- You can explain the origins of biological diversity and the mechanisms of evolution.
- You can work in a biological laboratory and are familiar with basic research procedures.
- You understand how biology is applied in practice – in medicine, agriculture, and environmental protection.
- You can identify research problems and select appropriate methods to investigate them.
- You can plan simple research projects and understand how scientific research is funded.
- You can combine biology with other scientific disciplines when a problem requires an interdisciplinary approach.
- You understand the ethical and legal principles that apply to scientific and professional work.
- You know how to teach biology and science subjects and how to work with students who have different educational needs.
Your skills
1st cycle studies:
- You can carry out biological research in the laboratory and in the field, including the use of modern tools and techniques.
- You can analyse research data using mathematics, statistics, and computer software.
- You can find reliable information, compare sources, and draw your own conclusions.
- You can prepare biological material for research and work with it safely.
- You can plan and conduct simple biological experiments under the supervision of an instructor.
- You can investigate biological problems using scientific literature and your own research results.
- You can analyse research findings and discuss them in the context of current scientific knowledge.
- You can present your results in the form of reports, presentations, and short written assignments.
- You can work independently and as part of a team, while communicating your ideas clearly.
2nd cycle studies:
- You independently select modern field and laboratory research methods and adapt them to specific research problems.
- You can find reliable scientific sources, analyse data, draw conclusions, and present them clearly.
- You can plan and perform advanced biological, chemical, and physical measurements and test your research hypotheses.
- You can work independently and in teams, coordinate activities, and communicate effectively with others.
- You can use a foreign language at B2+ level and read specialist biological literature.
- You take responsibility for your own development, learn independently, and consciously build your professional or academic career path.
Social skills
1st cycle studies
- You understand that knowledge helps solve problems. When necessary, you seek advice from experts.
- You think creatively and entrepreneurially. You recognise social and environmental challenges and know how to respond to them.
- You work responsibly, follow ethical and safety principles, and continuously develop your skills.
- You critically evaluate information found in the media and popular science publications.
2nd cycle studies
- You critically assess your own knowledge and evaluate biological information presented in the media and online sources.
- You can evaluate your own work and communicate new biological discoveries to different audiences.
- You think creatively and entrepreneurially, while actively engaging in activities that support the environment and society.
- You work responsibly, follow ethical and safety standards, and assess your own work and the work of others fairly.
