Biology Programme code: 01-S1BI12.2015

The aim of the first- cycle studies of biology is preparing students to expand their biological knowledge, , prepare public presentations and use these skills in professional activities related to that knowledge. Students gain the knowledge and skills appropriate for the individual disciplines of biology, in particular, in the following areas: the structure, function and development of organisms; the diversity and evolution of organisms; molecular biology and the basics of biotechnology, environmental biology in the context of sustainable development and the ethics of environmental protection. This knowledge refers to the information gained during courses in mathematics, physics and chemistry, including general and organic chemistry. In addition to the basic studies, many courses that allow the individualisation of the studies according to student’s own interests are offered. The learning program also includes foreign languages, information technology and physical education. An important element of the studies is to acquire the ability to use databases, audiovisual resources, computer programs and other tools, which form the basis of the modern work of biologists, further self- education and social communication. The proposed forms of education include lectures, seminars, Bachelor workshops, laboratories, auditorium exercises, as well as fieldwork. The programme of studies, in line with the objectives of the National Qualifications Framework, is carried out under the ECTS point system, which - - allows students to participate in international trade and, consequently, to seek employment abroad during their studies. Notably gifted students are allowed to study an individual course of training under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the dean. Students can also deepen their knowledge by participating in the work of students’ research circles. Over the course of the studies, professional practice is scheduled in selected individual workplaces. During the third year of degree studies, students have the opportunity to choose a department, in which they can perform research for their bachelor thesis. Graduates are instructed on how to perform basic analytics and research using biological material, handle research and / or technological equipment, as well as to independently develop their own professional skills while maintaining legal and ethical principles and active participation in teamwork. The bachelor’s degree is the first step in achieving a qualification to work in research, inspection and diagnostic laboratories, healthcare institutions, industry, government, and institutions of conservation/ environmental protection. At the same time, first-cycle studies prepare students to study for a second degree in biology, as well as related fields.

At the end of the fourth semester, students select a department in which they will attend bachelor’s seminars and prepare their thesis for the third year. The number of graduates in the department will be dependent on the number of employees with a PhD, employees with habilitation and professors. Students will enroll as candidates for acceptance to the department in the dean's office. In the event that the list of applicants exceeds the limit set for the unit, the director of the department will qualify graduates based on their grades in courses related to the scientific profile of the department. Students of Biology will write their diploma theses in one of the following departments: Department of Plant Anatomy and Cytology, Department of Biophysics and Plant Morphogenesis, Department of Cell Biology, Department of Botany and Nature Protection, Department of Ecology, Department of Plant Physiology, Department of Animal Histology and Embryology, Department of Animal Physiology and Ecotoxicology, Department of Hydrobiology and Department of Zoology. The choice of a supervisor and the decision on the topic of the Bachelor’s thesis will occur during the 1st month of the 5th semester. The diploma thesis will be theoretical and will concern the latest scientific problems of the studied area and the research interests of the department. The student will submit the thesis to the Dean's Office. If the supervisor only has a doctorate degree, the thesis is reviewed by a designated employee that has habilitation or is professor. The diploma exam is carried out in front of a three-person examination board, which includes at least one employee with habilitation or a professor. During the exam, at least three questions from the studied field are asked by the reviewer and supervisor. The final grade to be put on diploma is calculated according to the rules adopted in the STUDY REGULATIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SILESIA (annex to the Rector of the University of Silesia announcement of 2 September 2011).

1. Professional Practice is a compulsory element to be completed during the first cycle of the studies (Ust. z dnia 27 lipca 2005 r. Prawo o szkolnictwie wyższym, Dz. U. Nr 164, poz. 1365, z późn. zm. Art. 166. 1. 2). 2. At the University of Silesia, the principles of professional practice are regulated by the directive of Rector: no. 41/2007, 93/2009 and 71/2010. 3. The internship will last four weeks (which is 20 working days). These can be carried out in one or two institutions so that their total time shall reach four weeks. 4. The main term of apprenticeship is during the summer holiday months after the end of the second year (fourth semester). In justified cases, the student may, with the written consent of the Dean of the Faculty, serve the practice in other terms provided that this will not interfere with teaching activities. 5. Students can take professional practice in public and private institutions whose activity is related to a broad range of biological issues. 6. It is recommended that apprenticeships are implemented in units such as: - various levels of the public administration and local government, for example, respective units in the municipal offices of cities, municipalities, counties, marshal’s offices, regional councils of local government, environmental management agencies - academic and research institutions, including institutes and universities - herbaria, natural history museums, botanical and zoological gardens - greenhouses, egzotaria, institutions for arranging green spaces - national, landscaping and forestry parks - biological laboratories operating at health care units, waterworks, industrial facilities - environmental education centres, NGOs and foundations that work for the protection and improvement of the natural environment. 7. Students are responsible for finding the institution where they will do their practice and organising it themselves, i.e. agree on individual responsibilities and tasks with the institution. 8. The main purpose of professional practice is to familiarise students with the functioning of the institutions in which the work is performed in accordance with the education of the biology student as well as to be practical preparation for searching for a position after graduation. Professional practice not only allows students to supplement their theoretical knowledge, but also shows them how to use this knowledge in practice. During the practice, the student is required to take an active part in the tasks that are performed in the place of the practice and to familiarise themselves with the issues concerning the organisation and functioning of the facility where the practice takes place. 9. Students who can document their careers or activities compatible with the education profile for Biology can have it counted as professional practice. 10. Before starting their professional practice, the student is required to submit information about the location of the planned practice for its acceptance and to submit a signed statement of their commitment to comply with their applicable regulations in the workplace arising from the work regulations, health and safety regulations, protection of confidential information and personal data and due diligence in the performance of their tasks entrusted to him to the supervisor. 11. The direct superior of the student in the course of practice is: - from the Academy –practice supervisor - from the unit where the practice takes place – facility supervisor or a person designated by him. 12. In the workplace, the student is subject to the rules in force at the facility. 13. At the end of the practice, a student is required to provide full documentation of the practice to the supervisor (report on the course of the professional practice, evaluation questionnaire form) 14. The tutor enters the practice credit to the index. The deadline for credits for practice is the closing date for the summer semester of the academic year. Failure in to obtain the credit for professional practice will require that it be repeated.

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Education within a specialisation is convergent with the operational aims, which are outlined in the strategy of the development of the University of Silesia for 2012- 2020, especially those referring to the operational aim – innovative education and modern teaching through: - elaboration of organisational and curricular principles for the first level of academic study; - expansion of the offer of educational programmes in foreign languages, in particular in English; - enabling the realisation of a part of the study programmes at foreign universities, mainly due to the LPP Erasmus programme / Erasmus + beginning in the academic year 2014/15; - adaptation of the educational programme to the needs of the labour market; - implementation of more practical classes into the programme of studies, as well as internships in institutions and organisations; - implementation of content associated with innovation and entrepreneurship, intellectual property and the labour market into the programme of study; - use of e-learning courses in the educational process; - implementation of internal systems to ensure a high-quality of education; - development of the didactic competences of the academic teachers.