Physics Programme code: W4-S2FZA22.2025

Physics is one of the most crucial research area in modern science. Discoveries of new phenomena, deepening of knowledge about the structure of matter and related interactions and understanding the consequences of natural laws and scientific theories lead to changes in the world around us. Physics brings together advanced experiments, computations, and theoretical considerations to describe what is unknown. Experiments are carried out on highly sophisticated facilities/equipment, often as part of international collaborations. Developments in physics result in new technologies that are extensively used in a wide range of industries, including the health and environmental sectors. The computational aspects use machine learning and other advanced techniques in data science. Theoretical physics aims to predict physical systems' behavior and interpret the experimental results in terms of mathematical models of the physical world's structure and evolution. The Physics Master's degree program is closely related to the A. Chełkowski Institute of Physics' scientific activities. Students will participate in the Institute's activities, including regular seminars, colloquia, and workshops involving physicists worldwide. Students will also be involved in a research-level project as part of their dissertation. The study program and scientific research will be carried out at the Chorzow campus of the Silesian University and partly within the framework of activities based on cooperation between the Institute of Physics and many prestigious institutions worldwide. This program provides exposure to frontier physics activities and develops general transferable skills related to data analysis, research, and communication. The program leads to careers in research, teaching, and industry and develops very valued computing skills.

The condition for admission to the diploma examination is to achieve the learning outcomes provided for in the study program, to obtain a certificate of an appropriate level of language proficiency in a foreign language and to obtain positive grades for the diploma dissertation. The condition for graduation is to pass the diploma examination with at least a satisfactory result. A graduate receives a higher education diploma confirming obtaining the qualifications of the appropriate degree. Detailed rules of the diploma process and the requirements for the diploma thesis are set out in the Rules and Regulations of Studies at the University of Silesia and the diploma regulations.

The education in Physics at the second-degree level (2-year master's studies) is realized in English in two specializations: Fundamental and applied physics and Nanophysics and mesoscopic materials - modeling and application (Polish-French studies). Education in both specializations is consistent with the 2020-2025 Development Strategy of the University of Silesia in Katowice and Poland's development strategy (Poland 2030). It serves the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Due to each specialization's curriculum's specificity, the relationship of the field of study with the Development Strategy, including the University mission, has been described for each specialization separately. Specialization: Fundamental and Applied Physics - Relation to the development strategy and mission of the University. The establishment of the specialization in Fundamental and Applied Physics in 2021 resulted from the need to adapt education to socio-economic demands. The curriculum considers the priorities and operational goals defined in the Strategy for the Development of the University (aimed at transforming the University into a research university of international significance and prestige), including the assumptions of the program "ONE UNIVERSITY - MULTIPLE POSSIBILITIES. Integrated Programme.". Education aims to educate highly specialized specialists to meet the employment market's needs, including expanding the expert faculty by graduates of the University. Education at the Fundamental and Applied Physics specialization is closely connected with scientific research conducted at the August Chełkowski Institute of Physics. This research is related to the most important contemporary challenges to civilization and is part of the University's Priority Research Areas (POB). The range of offered subjects includes education in theoretical physics, atomic and molecular physics, condensed phase physics, nuclear and particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, and physics applications in various fields. The curriculum also includes subjects to enhance computer skills. The offer is in line with the following Priority Research Areas of the University: Harmonious human development - concern for health protection and quality of life, Modern materials and technologies and their socio-cultural implications, Environmental and climate change with its attendant societal challenges, the study of the fundamental properties of nature. Education within the specialization of Fundamental and Applied Physics is realized by involving students in the research work of functioning research teams and individualizing the education process. The educational process is carried out in an environment that supports the acquisition of knowledge, based on current trends in education (the diploma module is the central axis of education, the ability to choose the path of education following the interests of the student), teaching methods (project and problem-based learning, classes in small groups, online and hybrid forms of education that increase flexibility and the degree of interaction between the teacher and the student) and scientific and research apparatus. The curriculum of Fundamental and Applied Physics strongly reinforces the internationalization of the University. All classes are conducted in English, which improves Polish students' language competencies and enables international students to undertake studies at the University or realize a part of the curriculum under academic exchange programs (e.g., ERASMUS +). The program also provides a possibility to serve an internship in foreign academic or scientific institutions or companies with a profile related to the specialization. Specialization: Nanophysics and Mesoscopic Materials - Modelling and Applications The field of study Nanophysics and mesoscopic materials-modelling and application delivered on 2 level of education integrates very well with the four strategic objectives identified in the Education Area in the University of Silesia Development Strategy 2020-2025. These are Modification of the education offer in order to link it more closely with research activities, taking into account the directions of higher education development, Internationalization of education, Individualisation of education and project-problem education, Modern educational methods using new technologies based on interactivity. As a university field of study the ‘Physics’ and specialization “Nanophysics and mesoscopic materials - modelling and applications” delivered here distinguishes by an increased emphasis on basic modules, like nanophysics, quantum physics etc. parallel to maintaining modules that require the student’s own workload like Laboratory training and Internship. Both modules can be carried out with an international collaboration by polish and french research teams based on the International Academic Cooperation Agreement signed between the University of Silesia in Katowice and Le Mans University. So we put emphasis on the participation of students in the scientific projects realized in that two moduli, which are oriented to projects-based learning. Students carry out scientific projects, and the obtained results are often published in journals included in the Journal Citation Reports database, which also fits in with the University's strategy in the field of internationalization of scientific research. Students, as part of their international internships, receive not only the necessary skills in their further academic career, but also acquire the essential predispositions to work in innovative nanotechnology companies. Good internationalization practices are realized by Institute of Physics since the academic year 2007/2008, when the double-diploma studies were started. Since then, monitoring the nanophysic's graduates career, we are convinced that they are mostly continuing their adventure with science, mainly in doctoral studies in several European countries, including co-tutelles financed by the government of the Republic of France. Continuation of the implementation Polish-French studies on specialization Nanophysics and mesoscopic materials-modelling and application will strengthen the existing long-term cooperation and contribute to the strategy of development of both partner Polish and French universities as modern European scientific and didactic centres. The curriculum for physics major is taught by experienced academic teachers conducting world-class research. The current personnel policy of the Institute of Physics is aimed at attracting outstanding scholars who will be involved in the implementation of the educational process at the specialization in Fundamental and Applied Physics. Within the framework of the academic exchange programs operating at the University, it is also planned to involve external experts (e.g., visiting professors) to teach selected classes of the specialization program. It is intended to conclude a collaboration with the leading foreign academic centers to implement a study program. The quality of education is verified and improved on an ongoing basis following the Education Quality Assurance System operating at UŚ. The education process is subject to periodic evaluation by the evaluating institutions (PKA). The educational offer will be modified periodically to ensure a closer connection between the offer and the research activity of the Institute, the University's Strategy, and socio-economic demands.