Programme description

Due to the development of science, the explanation of various processes occurring in animate nature requires a multidisciplinary approach, including, among other things, reaching for the concepts, tools, and methods previously used in physics. Biophysics deals with physical phenomena occurring in organisms at various levels of biological organization – from atomic, through molecular, cellular, tissue, to entire organisms and even populations.

Research in biophysics covers a wide range of issues: mechanisms of transmission, interpretation, and coordination of nerve impulses, how plant cells capture sunlight and use that energy to create organic compounds, muscle contraction process, the course of intracellular transport, the impact of X-rays, gamma rays and elementary particles on tissues.

Molecular and cell biophysics (acronym BIOMiK) is a modern, interdisciplinary study that provides advanced methods of studying biological objects, data interpretation and analysis, bioinformatics, programming, computer simulations, and modeling of biological processes. It is the perfect choice for people who like biology and science - mathematics and physics, who ask how and why, and are not afraid to experiment.

Information regarding Faculty

Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology is Poland's best research and didactic unit. Research conducted at the Faculty of Biological Sciences and Humanities focused on the processes taking place at the cellular, molecular and atomic levels in plants, animals, and microorganisms. As part of its activities, the department cooperates with several dozen centers in Poland and worldwide. Also, it carries out research projects with companies from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

The Faculty building is located on the Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the JU Revival in the southwest of Kraków and other natural and science faculties of the Jagiellonian University. There are perfectly equipped laboratories and computer rooms that allow students to know specialized and advanced research techniques. Students may use the Natural Science Library that contains a multidisciplinary collection of books and magazines regarding biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, biology, zoology, geography, and related sciences.

The study programmes implemented at the Faculty received several awards from national institutions dealing with assessing the quality of education.

👉  Learn more about the Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology

Rankings, distinctions, accreditations

• Status of the Leading National Research Centre (KNOW) between 2014 and 2018
• Category A+ granted to the Faculty by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education

Curriculum overview

Programme curriculum consists of information regarding classes in which you will take part while studying at this field of study. The programme provides data on classes in particular semesters, which of them are compulsory or optional, which of them end with an exam, and which do not. Each class has its own syllabus – a description of contents of the class.

Student’s life

Time spent at the university is not all about education and class participation; it is also an excellent opportunity to develop hobbies and interests. Many research societies and student organizations work at the Jagiellonian University, including faculty- and university-wide ones. These societies allow students to spend their free time actively, gain knowledge, develop their talents, participate in engaging, unconventional projects, go on research and team-building trips, participate in conferences and meet fellow students outside the lecture halls. There are four student research groups at the Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, f. e. Student Research Group 'Nobel'.

Students interested in the international dimension of studying can participate in a wide variety of exchange programmes such as Erasmus+, CEEPUS, Utrecht Network, exchange programmes within Bilateral Agreements or European university Una Europa, or participate in a domestic mobility programme called MOST. At the second-cycle programme, students may also apply for an 11-month scientific internship under the BioLab–The Visiting Research Graduate Traineeship programme offered by four USA universities.

More than just studies

• International student exchange
• Student Government of the Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology

From our students

Aleksandra
I recommend molecular and cell biophysics to all those who do not want to be limited to one specialty but want to broaden their knowledge in various areas. In my opinion, the most valuable thing about these studies is that we have the opportunity to come across multiple issues, work methods, research techniques and, based on this broad picture, decide what interests us the most and what we want to deal with ultimately. The attitude of the majority of lecturers and teachers, their openness and willingness to help, is also noteworthy. It probably never happened that someone refused to provide us with additional explanations when something was incomprehensible to us.

From our lecturers

Dr hab. Martyna Elas
Biophysicist, head of molecular and cell biophysics, studies the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapies in experimental animal models and emphasises phototherapy, radiotherapy, and combined treatments.
Time of study is crucial - not so much knowledge acquisition - because it can be acquired in many ways, at various courses, or independently. Studying at the university is instead shaping the way of thinking, broadening horizons, developing the skills of verifying information, conducting discussions, asking questions, and solving problems. It is a meeting place for people and ideas. Time to gain intellectual independence, thanks to which, after graduation, the graduate can find himself in various professional situations.

Admission to studies

Admission at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System (IRK): irk.uj.edu.pl. Admissions Office is responsible for the admission process at the Jagiellonian University. In case of questions regarding admission, contact the Office directly or visit websites: welcome.uj.edu.pl and irk.uj.edu.pl.

Information regarding admission to this study programme, including qualification rules, admission and tuition fee, schedule, required documents and information on final result calculation, are available on the Online Application System (IRK): irk.uj.edu.pl

Transfer from other university or study programme

Transfer from other university or other study programme is possible, with the consent of the dean: after finishing a first year of studies and fulfilling additional conditions described by the Faculty Council. In case of questions regarding a transfer, contact the unit in charge of study programme directly.

Graduates

Completing the studies in molecular and cell biophysics gives graduates extensive knowledge in selected areas of biology and physics and a unique set of professional competencies, thanks to which, after graduation, they have great flexibility in choosing a different career path.

Regardless of the workplace - whether it is a university, a research institution, a company from the life science sector, a company producing specialized equipment, creating new technologies, or a government agency - the type of position usually depends on the professional title or academic degree obtained.

A bachelor's degree is usually associated with technical positions and the performance of standardized measurements and analyzes. A more independent and creative activity requires a master's degree. A doctorate is necessary for a research career and increases the chances of taking leadership and senior management positions in private companies and government agencies.

Further education possibilities

• Doctoral School, f.e. Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences
• Second-cycle programmes
• Post diploma programmes

What alumni say about us

Alumni Stories: Joanna Kwiatek
For me, the Jagiellonian University is, above all, Alma Mater, which I always have fond memories of, because that's where I met fantastic people, wonderful scientists. I met a group of friends with whom I have contact till this day, even though we have scattered all over the world.

Alumni Stories: Agnieszka Pierzyńska-Mach
It gives me great satisfaction when I have to introduce myself, to say that I am a biophysicist. And it’s a very nice feeling to see that, thanks to my background, I can actually participate in scientific discussions and research that hooks into both fields. Interdisciplinarity in research is absolutely unavoidable at some stage, and it has been very helpful in my professional development that I have grown up with this interdisciplinarity since my early years at university. This worked well both in preparing for various exams and in working on my own grant.

Offer for school

The following events are conducted in Polish – to find out about the offer for English-speaking audience, please get in touch with the organizer directly. Additionally, due to the current pandemic, some faculty and university events may be canceled or conducted in a form other than that described below.

Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology offers the following events:

• “Meetings at noon with biochemistry, biophysics, and biotechnology,” a series of autumn lectures and mini-workshops focused on various issues conducted by employees of the Faculty
• Lectures “Meetings on the verge of biology, chemistry, and physics” taking place on the turn of winter and spring, organised together with Youth Society of Friends of Sciences and Arts (Młodzieżowym Towarzystwem Przyjaciół Nauk i Sztuk) and devoted to topics that can be heard in the media and socially important
• The plant event is organized every two years in May under the international campaign called “Fascinating World of Plants.”
• “BIO is cool” event is organized every two years in May. During this event, employees of the Faculty are trying to explain what modern biochemistry, biotechnology, and biophysics are focused on.

Complete offer, additional information regarding particular events, and contact details for people interested in participating are available on the Faculty’s website.

We invite all schools to a series of meetings, "University Closer to you – trips to the Jagiellonian University." The purpose of the sessions as part of the tours is to familiarize students with our university's history through a broad educational offer (lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, etc.). The current program of the event is available on the organizer's website - Centre for Communications and Marketing.

The Jagiellonian Library allows you to visit the old and new parts of the building. The tour program includes presentations of information about the history of the Library and the building itself and a tour of the Warehouse Department. The offer of Collegium Maius consists of the "Traces of science" and "Traces of history and art" lessons as well as interactive online classes. We also invite you to familiarize yourself with the educational offer of: the Botanic Garden, the Nature Education Center, the Confucius Institute, and the Museum of the Department of Anatomy UJ CM.

Contact

The study programme is conducted at the Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology located in the Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the JU Revival, so-called the Third Campus, in Kraków’s district – Ruczaj. For more information, please contact:

sekretariat.wbbib@uj.edu.pl

ul. Gronostajowa 7
30-387 Kraków, Poland
Phone: (+48) 12 664 54 51, 664 60 00

wbbib.uj.edu.pl

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