Program Overview

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Bioinformatics Program at Jagiellonian University

The Bioinformatics program at Jagiellonian University is a forward-looking, interdisciplinary study created in response to the growing demand for specialists who can translate selected issues related to biology and medicine into a programming language. This program is aimed at people interested in the mechanisms of action of living organisms and the latest techniques for collecting and processing information.

Program Description

Bioinformatics is a scientific discipline born due to the development of molecular biology and the invention of new research techniques. The amount and variety of biological data obtained at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries increased to such an extent that it was necessary to use complex computer computational methods for their analysis. At the same time, the problem of storing and searching enormous amounts of information emerged, and concepts of computer simulation and modeling of biological processes emerged.

Available Programs

• First-cycle program:
  • Study mode: full-time program
  • Language of instruction: Polish
  • Profile: general academic
  • Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
  • Title: Licencjat (equivalent of Bachelor's degree)
  • Main discipline: Biological Sciences
• Second-cycle program:
  • Study mode: full-time program
  • Language of instruction: Polish
  • Profile: general academic
  • Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
  • Title: Magister (equivalent of Master’s degree)
  • Main discipline: Biological Sciences

Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology

The 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.

Curriculum Overview

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.

Student 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.

Admission to Studies

Admission to study programs at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System. If you have any questions related to admission, please contact the Admissions Office directly. Detailed information about admission to this study program, 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.

Graduates

Completing studies in bioinformatics gives graduates proficiency in programming, creating and operating databases, knowledge of algorithms and data structures, and well-established expertise in the field of life sciences, particularly biochemistry, cell biology, and genomics. This unique set of skills makes them candidates more and more often sought after by research teams at universities and research and development institutions and companies from the life science industry (pharmaceutical, bioinformatics, biotechnology, etc.). Bioinformatics can also find a job in the IT sector.

Further Education Possibilities

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

Offer for School

The 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 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.