Master of Science in Molecular Biotechnology
Kraków, Poland
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
PLN 20,000 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Introduction
The Molecular Biotechnology study program was created with foreigners in mind. This second-cycle full-time program is conducted entirely in English. The program encompasses 4 semesters of compulsory and elective courses and focuses on broadening knowledge of the molecular basis of modern biotechnology with an 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, and the application of biotechnology in environment protection as well as in bioinformatics. Moreover, they attend courses: on practical and philosophical problems of science, 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 program in Molecular Biotechnology emphasizes developing practical skills. A 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.
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 that allow students to get to know specialized and advanced research techniques. Students may use the Natural Science Library which contains a multidisciplinary collection of books and magazines regarding biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, biology, zoology, geography, and related sciences.
The study programs conducted at the Faculty received several awards from national institutions dealing with assessing the quality of education.
Admissions
Curriculum
In the program curriculum, you may find information about the subjects you will attend while studying this program. The program 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 program curriculum has its syllabus, which is a description of what students learn within the scope of that subject.
Semester 1
- Essential Aspects of Cell Biology
- Genetic Engineering – Practicum, Part 1
- Genetic Engineering – Practicum, Part 2
- Intellectual Property
- Milestones in Biotechnology
- Molecular Biotechnology
- Plant Biology
- Practical Biochemistry
- Foreign language
- Safety at Work Training
- Advanced Methods of Biology on the Molecular Level
- Animal Models in Contemporary Biology and Biotechnology
- Contemporary Subjects in Cell Biology – Focus on Regenerative Medicine
- Fluorescence and confocal microscopy
- Mechanisms of Cell Trafficking: from Leukocyte Homing to Metastasis
- Mechanisms of Cell Trafficking-from Leucocyte Homing to Metastasis - Seminar
- Molecular aspects of bacterial pathogenesis
- Phage Displayed Peptide Libraries and Their Application
- Plant Biotechnology II – Advanced Course
- Plant photobiology
- Principles and prospects of gene therapy
- Principles of molecular bioenergetics
- Viral vectors in medical biotechnology
- Types of cell death and their biological significance
Semester 2
- Biotechnology for the Environment - Ecological Aspects
- Essential Bioinformatics
- Laboratory Practice (Part 1)
- Legal Protection of Biotechnological Inventions
- Plant Biotechnology I – Laboratory
- Foreign language
- Analysis and Processing of Microscopy Images
- Biotechnological Methods of Fuels Production
- Biotechnology and Industrial Microbiology – Practical Course
- Cancer – Molecular Aspects of the Disease and its Treatment
- Cell Biomechanics
- Ethical Aspects of Genetic and Cell Manipulations
- Free Radicals, Oxidative Stress, and Us
- Introduction to Medical Biotechnology
- Introduction to Secondary Metabolites – from Identification to Practical Application
- Introduction to Stem Cell Biology
- Molecular Mechanisms of Angiogenesis
- Molecular Principles of the Biology of Plant Development
- Monoclonal Antibodies – Advanced Course
- Nuclear Receptors in Gene Regulation and Diseases
- Phytotechnologies – Biological Mechanisms and Applications
- Plant Experimental Biology
- Practicum in Cell Biology
- Programming Python for Bioinformatics
- Selected Methods of Cell Engineering
- Types of Cell Death and Their Biological Significance
Semester 3
- Introduction to Scientific Writing
- Laboratory Practice (Part 2)
- Practical and Philosophical Problems of Science
- Seminar – Molecular Genetics and Cellular Biochemistry (Part 1)
- Advanced Methods of Biology on the Molecular Level
- Animal Models in Contemporary Biology and Biotechnology
- Contemporary Subjects in Cell Biology – Focus on Regenerative Medicine
- Fluorescence and Confocal Microscopy
- Mechanisms of Cell Trafficking: from Leukocyte Homing to Metastasis
- Mechanisms of Cell Trafficking - from Leukocyte Homing to Metastasis - Seminar
- Molecular Aspects of Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Phage Displayed Peptide Libraries and Their Application
- Plant Biotechnology II – Advanced Course
- Plant Photobiology
- Principles and Prospects of Gene Therapy
- Principles of Molecular Bioenergetics
- Viral Vectors in Medical Biotechnology
- In Vivo Veritas - Practical Course in Animal Research
- Types of Cell Death and Their Biological Significance
Semester 4
- Laboratory Practice (Part 3)
- Seminar – Molecular Genetics and Cellular Biochemistry (Part 2)
- Writing of a Diploma Dissertation - Practicum
- Analysis and Processing of Microscopy Images
- Biotechnological Methods of Fuels Production
- Biotechnology and Industrial Microbiology – Practical Course
- Cancer – Molecular Aspects of the Disease and its Treatment
- Cell Biomechanics
- Ethical Aspects of Genetic and Cell Manipulations
- Free Radicals, Oxidative Stress, and Us
- Introduction to Medical Biotechnology
- Introduction to Secondary Metabolites – from Identification to Practical Application
- Introduction to Stem Cell Biology
- Molecular Mechanisms of Angiogenesis
- Molecular Principles of the Biology of Plant Development
- Monoclonal Antibodies – Advanced Course
- Nuclear Receptors in Gene Regulation and Diseases
- Phytotechnologies – Biological Mechanisms and Applications
- Plant Experimental Biology
- Practicum in Cell Biology
- Programming Python for Bioinformatics
- Selected Methods of Cell Engineering
- Types of Cell Death and Their Biological Significance
Rankings
Rankings, Distinctions, Accreditations
Scientific category A in the main discipline of Biological Sciences was awarded to the Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science
Program Outcome
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 the life sciences sector include institutes of research and research & development, universities, pharmaceutical companies, companies producing specialized equipment and creating new technologies, companies involved in the development of agricultural products, government agencies managing projects related to the safety of food, drugs, medical therapies, and environmental protection.
Gallery
Ideal Students
Studies can be undertaken by people who hold:
- Diploma of higher education (at least Licencjat or equivalent, e.g. bachelor) awarded in any field
An international diploma has to prove the candidate’s eligibility to undertake the second-cycle programs of study in the country of issue.
Qualified candidates need to have graduated from the declared study program by the time of enrolment.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the Molecular Biotechnology program, you will have good knowledge of the basis of sciences and in-depth knowledge regarding biological processes occurring on a molecular level. This knowledge enables describing, explaining, and exploiting various biological processes. You will be prepared to work in the area of:
- Directed genetic modification of microorganisms and cells of higher organisms;
- Directing of processes of biosynthesis and biotransformation;
- Analysis of intracellular processes;
- Isolation and purification of bioproducts;
- Medical diagnostic.
With the title of Magister you will have a chance to work in more independent and creative positions in research and development institutions, and – depending on a chosen specialization – in laboratories focused on medicine, pharmacology, environmental protection, and agriculture.