Programme description

The Molecular Biotechnology study programme was created with foreigners in mind. This second-cycle full-time programme is conducted entirely in English. The programme encompasses 4 semesters of compulsory and elective courses and focuses on broadening knowledge of the molecular basis of modern biotechnology with the emphasis on practical uses of this knowledge in, for instance, improving human life and health, in industry or environmental sciences.

The main block of compulsory courses focuses on obtaining broadened theoretical knowledge and practical skills in molecular biotechnology, genetic engineering, biochemistry, cell biology, medical biotechnology, plant biotechnology, the application of biotechnology in the environment protection as well as in bioinformatics. Moreover, they attend a courses: on practical and philosophical problems of science, on protection of industrial property and copyright laws and elective courses that the students may select throughout their studies depending on their own academic interests.

The study programme in Molecular Biotechnology emphasizes developing practical skills. Student who attends a course in Laboratory Practice in the chosen science team of the Faculty and carries out a research project, develops and broadens his/her array of advanced research techniques and tools used in biochemistry, cell biology, genetic engineering and microbiology.

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 vicinity of other natural and science faculties of the Jagiellonian University. There are perfectly equipped laboratories and computer rooms which allow students to get to know with specialized and advanced research techniques. Students may use the Natural Science Library that contains multidisciplinary collection of books and magazines regarding biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, biology, zoology, geography and related sciences.

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

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

Rankings, distinctions, accreditations

• Status of the Leading National Research Centre (KNOW) in 2014-2018
• Scientific category A in the main discipline of Biological Sciences awarded to the Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science

Curriculum overview

In the programme curriculum, you may find information about the subjects you will attend while studying this programme. The programme indicates which subjects are scheduled for each semester of the studies, which are mandatory, which belong to the group of elective subjects (so-called optional subjects), which of them end with an exam, and which do not. Each subject in such a programme curriculum has its syllabus, which is a description of what students learn within the scope of that subject.

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 'Mygen' and Academic Association of Students of Biotechnology.

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. 

More than just studies

• Science club of Students of Biotechnology 'Mygen'
• Students Government of Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology

Admission to studies

Admission to study programmes at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System: irk.uj.edu.pl. If you have any questions related to admission, please contact the Admissions Office directly or visit the websites: welcome.uj.edu.pl and irk.uj.edu.pl.

Detailed information about admission to this study programme, including information on the method of calculating the result, qualification criteria, fees, deadlines, and a list of required documents are available on the Online Application System (IRK): irk.uj.edu.pl

Transfer from other university or study programme

Transfer from another university, including a foreign one, or change of study programme within the University is possible with the dean's consent after completing the first year of studies and fulfilling additional requirements established by the Faculty Council. For inquiries regarding transfer, please contact the unit responsible for the specific study programme directly.

Graduates

Completing the studies in Molecular Biology gives graduates knowledge in biochemistry, molecular biology and selected fields of biotechnology, as well as a unique set of professional skills, enabling them to find jobs in a wide variety of places.

Institutions/companies related to life sciences sector include: institutes of research and research & development, universities, pharmaceutical companies, companies producing specialised equipment and creating new technologies, companies involved in the development of agricultural products, government agencies managing projects related to safety of food, drugs, medical therapies, and environmental protection.

Further education possibilities

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

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:

mol.biotech@uj.edu.pl

ul. Gronostajowa 7
30-387 Kraków, Poland
Phone: (+48) 12 664 60 02, 664 61 31

wbbib.uj.edu.pl

Other programmes that may interest you

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• Ecology and Evolution (Faculty of Biology)
• Environmental Protection and Management (Faculty of Biology)
• Molecular Biotechnology (Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology) – programme in Polish