Biotechnology Programme code: 01-S2BTA14.2019

During the second cycle-studies of biotechnology, completed by the defense of master thesis, students learns, under the supervision of their professors, how to pose and solve problems concerning plant and environmental biotechnology and actively take part in scientific researches. Within the frame of chosen department students realize specialization and MSc laboratories as well as specialization seminar. A 2-year lasting master research project is the first that students conduct, to great extent, by themselves and it is closely related to the research profile of the department. Specialization laboratories which take place in modern, fully equipped departmental laboratories are crucial in this process. Specialization and master seminar provide theoretical support, necessary for a proper realization of the master project. The aim of these seminars is to teach students how to plan scientific experiments as well as to prepare, discuss and present the results of their master thesis. Apart from these, each student acquires advanced knowledge on such disciplines as bioinformatics, bioethics, plant and microbial biotechnology. An important and obligatory element of the education is also the introduction to modern information technologies and statistical methods in natural sciences. Apart from the modules that guarantee the basic knowledge, number of facultative modules enable students to individualize the course of their studies according to their personal interests and selected specialization. This offer is complemented by a wide range of modules from beyond the main specialization. Qualifications acquired at this study are the basis for applying for mid-level managerial posts in laboratories and institutions connected with food and pharmaceutical industry, as well as in the area of health care, environmental protection, plant breeding, pest control and in similar branches of science and economy. The second-cycle studies also prepare the graduates to continue their education at the next level of education i.e. PhD studies in the same or similar area.

After admission to the field of study, the student chooses the Promoter, under the supervision of which he will carry out seminars, workshops and diploma thesis. Possible interviews for candidates for admission to work take place in the second half of July. The topic of the diploma thesis is set in the first month of the first semester of study. The diploma thesis is of research nature and is related to the chosen field of study and specialty. The student submits a diploma dissertation in an electronic version in the Diploma Works Archive and in a paper version in the dean's office. An independent employee is appointed to the work reviewer. The diploma exam is submitted to a three-person examination board consisting of a supervisor, a reviewer and a chairman of the commission. At least three questions from the area of ​​the studied field of study are asked by a reviewer and supervisor. The final mark to be entered on the diploma is calculated according to the rules adopted in the REGULATIONS OF STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SILESIA (Annex 3 to Resolution No. 91 of the Senate of the University of Silesia of April 25, 2017).

The education within the specialization is convergent with the operational aims, outlined in the strategy of development of the University of Silesia for 2012-2020, especially those referring to the operational aim: innovative education and modern teaching offer. The internationalization and mobility in the educational process, realized mainly due to LPP Erasmus program, cover both the scientific and educational trips of Polish students and academic teachers to numerous universities in Europe and increasing mobility in the opposite direction. Incessant increase in the quality of education is achieved, among others, by the development of didactic competences of the academic teachers and internal system of ensuring high-quality education. Valuable contribution to the increase in education quality is also realized by effective support of a standard didactic offer by projects financed by European Social Fund, e.g. projects for commissioned specialties. The offer of educational program of this specialization is constantly modified and updated to follow, to the greatest extent, the expectations of a local and global labor markets. This is possible, mainly, thanks to an activation of the cooperation with the local environment, especially with employers from biotechnological sector . The educational program of this specialization is regularly consulted with the employers. Our high-quality education is supported by a close connections with researches conducted by the scientists of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection. Most of them reach an international level. According to the mission of the University of Silesia, the education process is oriented to the most complete development of each student and its aimed at opening cognitive perspectives to the students who want to enter them as independent, thinking person, taking part in their everyday life.