Description
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.
Already during your Bachelor’s degree studies, you gain practical skills needed in professional work. You complete compulsory internships, write your diploma thesis, and develop your interests through elective courses and student research groups.
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. Biotechnology at the Master’s degree studies can also be studied in English.
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
1st cycle studies – Biotechnology
Duration of studies: 6 semesters
Number of ECTS credits: 180
Selected courses and what you will learn:
- Genetic Analysis
You learn how to study DNA and detect genetic changes that are important in medicine, biology, and biotechnology. - Microbiology
You learn about bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and how to study and use them in laboratories and industry. - Molecular Genetics
You learn how genes function at the molecular level and how they control the activity of cells. - Molecular Mechanisms of Animal and Human Development
You learn how a whole organism develops from a single cell and which molecular processes are responsible for it. - Genetic Engineering
You learn methods of modifying the DNA of organisms, used for example in medicine, agriculture, and environmental protection.
Forms of classes:
- lectures,
- practicals,
- field classes,
- workshops,
- seminars,
- laboratory classes.
2nd cycle studies – Biotechnology
Duration: 4 semesters
Number of ECTS credits: 120
Selected courses and what you will learn:
- Plant biotechnology – advanced course – you learn how to modify and grow plants in laboratory conditions to improve their traits and resistance.
- GMO – benefits and risks – You learn what genetically modified organisms are and what opportunities and risks they bring for people and the environment.
- Bioethics – you learn how to assess which activities in biology and biotechnology are ethically acceptable and where the limits of responsible science lie.
- Ethnobotany and Ethnoecology – You learn how people around the world use plants and how traditional knowledge connects with nature protection.
- Statistical Methods in Biological Sciences – You learn how to analyse research results and draw correct conclusions from biological data.
Formy zajęć:
- lectures,
- seminars,
- workshops,
- practicals,
- field classes,
- laboratory classes,
- discussion classes.
Majors
1st cycle studies
During bachelor’s studies, you do not choose a major. All students follow the same curriculum.
2nd cycle 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 process
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 studies
Admissions to university is determined by the results of the Matura exam. We take the written examination in the selected subjects. We take into account:
Biology | One subject to choose from: chemistry, mathematics, geography, or physics | Foreign language |
50% | 30% | 20% |
How is the result calculated?
The basic level result is multiplied by 0.5, the advanced level result is 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 secondary school leaving certificate are specified in § 14 of the resolution.
Admission is based on the candidate’s position on the ranking list created according to the total number of points obtained. If the number of candidates does not exceed the admission limit, all candidates with a score higher than 0 will be admitted.
Candidates are required to submit an appropriate medical certificate confirming that there are no health contraindications to studying in this programme.
2nd cycle studies
You can apply if you have:
- a bachelor’s, engineer’s or master’s degree,
- or a foreign diploma that allows you to pursue studies in the country where it was issued, obtained in one of the following fields:
● biology,
● biotechnology
● environmental protection, or a related field.
Qualification criteria: Admission is based on the number of points obtained and your position on the ranking list. It is calculated on the basis of your final diploma grade, and your average grade from your studies.
If you completed a different programme or studied at another university, we will review your 1st cycle study programme. If we identify curriculum differences, you will be required to complete them through paid supplementary courses within a deadline set by the dean.
Candidates are required to submit an appropriate medical certificate confirming that there are no health contraindications to studying 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
During the bachelor’s programme, you complete 120 hours of practical training.
You carry out your training in places where biotechnology is actually used. You can choose, for example:
- laboratories in companies producing medicines, cosmetics and food (e.g. breweries, dairies),
- plant breeding stations and horticultural companies,
- water supply companies and wastewater treatment plants,
- research institutes,
- medical, microbiological, veterinary or forensic laboratories,
- genetic counselling centres.
During your training, you work in a real laboratory, learn how to use equipment and see what the daily work of a biotechnologist looks like. It is an opportunity to gain your first experience and find out which direction you want to develop in.
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.
Contact
Dean’s office
Matters related to submitting documents and completing admission 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 candidates (who do not hold Polish citizenship), formalities concerning required educational documents (legalisation, apostille), certificates confirming admission eligibility, etc.
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
1st cycle studies:
- You understand mathematics, statistics, physics and chemistry well enough to explain processes occurring in cells and in biotechnology.
- You see how physical, chemical and biological processes are interconnected and how to apply them in practice.
- You know the structure of cells, tissues and organs, and understand how they work together and how this can be used in biotechnology.
- You can explain what biological diversity is and why it matters for new technologies.
- You understand the principles of inheritance, work with DNA and know the tools of molecular biology.
- You know the main methods used in biotechnology and understand when to apply them.
- You use bioinformatics tools to analyse genetic data.
- You understand how biotechnological products are developed and how they affect health, industry and the environment.
- You understand why experimentation is essential in research.
- You know the legal and ethical principles related to genetic modification.
- You understand how to use organisms and biotechnological tools in environmental protection.
- You know how to start a company, obtain funding and protect your idea.
2nd cycle 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.
Your skills
1st cycle studies
- You search for information (including online), combine data from different sources and draw accurate conclusions.
- You collect and describe biological material for research.
- You work in a laboratory and analyse results using statistics and computer software.
- You independently plan and carry out measurements in the field and in the laboratory.
- Under supervision, you carry out research projects and prepare basic expert reports.
- You communicate in English at B2 level and use English-language sources.
- You use specialist terminology in Polish and English, and prepare presentations and short scientific texts.
- You take part in discussions, present your opinions and evaluate the arguments of others.
- You work independently and as part of a team.
- You assess whether there is market demand for a given biotechnological product.
- You combine biotechnology with other fields and analyse problems also in social and legal contexts.
- You plan your development and future career steps.
2nd cycle 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.
Proszę uzupełnić treść
Proszę uzupełnić treść.
Social skills
1st cycle studies
After completing the studies:
- You act creatively and entrepreneurially. You follow laboratory safety
rules, respect intellectual property and comply with applicable standards. - You combine knowledge from different fields and continue learning in order to solve complex problems more effectively.
- You critically assess your knowledge and use it to solve real problems in biotechnology.
- You act ethically – both in professional work and in everyday life.
- You regularly update your knowledge and can explain new developments in biotechnology to others in a clear and simple way.
2nd cycle studies
After completing the 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.
