Introduction
Environmental and Plant Biotechnology (EPB) is a unique Master's Degree program offered in English for students from around the world who wish to be at the forefront of biotechnological developments.
EPB gives the opportunity to get the knowledge and skills in modern methods and techniques of environment preservation, reclamation, and use in a sustainable manner for human benefits.
Biotechnology, combining the newest scientific achievements, technological advancements, and the application of living organisms like microbes and plants, gives invaluable and unlimited possibilities to interact with the environment in a responsible manner, the environment we all live in and benefit from.
EPB students get interdisciplinary knowledge and skills based on proficiency in biological, agricultural, and technical sciences extended to advanced levels in the fields related to the use of biotechnology in solving environmental problems, in particular, they learn:
genomics, proteomics, and regulation of gene expression,
physiology of plants and microorganisms exposed to stress,
effect of natural and anthropogenic compounds on organisms' development and degradation of the natural environment,
techniques of microorganism, plant cell and tissue cultures in vitro,
analytical methods and biotechnologies useful in study plant and microorganism metabolic processes and in environmental protection,
bioremediation, phytoremediation and physico-chemical methods for environmental decontamination,
biotechnology of water, sewage and activated sludge, waste management,
reclamation of post-industrial lands,
biotechnology in crop improvement,
environmental protection policy,
protection and management of intellectual property rights.
During lectures, laboratories, training, and trips, students are acknowledged with processes ongoing in microorganisms and plants at molecular, cell and system levels. They gain the experience and skills in analytical and biotechnological ways to monitor environmental changes, to protect biodiversity, and to act for bioremediation of polluted water and reclamation of contaminated and degraded post-industrial lands, including biotechnological ways of sewage utilization and waste management. Biotechnological and conventional approaches to crop improvement for sustainable agriculture will be also addressed. Students also develop teamwork and social skills while learning in international and multicultural communities.
Courses
Specialization courses
Core courses
General education courses
Bioremediation and soil reclamation
Biotechnology of water, sewage, and activated sludge
Crop improvement
Ecotoxicology
Instrumental analysis
Introduction to geomatics
Restoration ecology of post-industrial sites
Soil chemistry and microbiology
Waste management
Genetic engineering
Molecular biology
Physiology of stress in plants
Plant and microbial proteomics
Biostatistics
Environmental protection policy and intellectual property
Ethics in biotechnology
Polish language
Foreign language
Physical education
Facultative courses
Students can choose facultative courses that enable them to tailor the program of their study to the areas, which they are most interested in.
Biochemistry
Anatomical features of micropropagated plants
Antioxidant activity mechanisms in plants
Bioinformatics
Biological and biotechnical methods of plant protection
Cytogenetics
Diversity of plant anatomy as habitat adaptation
Embryology of flowering plants
Flora of brownfields
GMO development and assessment techniques
Isotopes and antibodies in diagnostics
Laboratory practice
Manipulations on plant protoplasts and cells
Molecular phylogenetics
Molecular techniques in mycological research
Natural resources of chemically degraded areas
Phylogenetics and phylogeography in mycology
Phytochemicals and microorganisms for biotechnology
Plant cell biology
Plant genetic transformation
Plant genomics
Plant virology
Sustainable horticulture systems
Systematic botany in phytotechnologies
Systematics and characteristics of crop plants
Tissue cultures for crop improvement
Tissue cultures for fruit crops
Graduate profile
After completing the EPB study program, graduates have comprehensive, theoretical knowledge, skills, and competence distinguishing them as competitive candidates in the European labor market. Graduates understand in-depth issues related to the application of modern biotechnological approaches in the protection and sustainable use of environmental resources. They have the skills to use a range of state-of-the-art analytical and biotechnological methods to monitor and rationally manage environmental quality. In particular, they can be involved in projects concerning environmental protection, biological remediation of polluted water and land, reclamation of degraded areas, sewage treatment, waste management, and plant cultivation and improvement.
Graduates have sufficient professional competence to start-up a business as an independent entrepreneur, or to be recruited as an employee of administrative units and local governments, workplaces, and other entities. They are prepared to work in industrial laboratories and research institutions utilizing biotechnological approaches. They are also well qualified to continue their education and solve scientific problems within the framework of doctoral studies at universities worldwide.
Graduates of the EPB program are also well qualified to:
consult industry, farmers, extension specialists, investors, and policy-makers in formulating appropriate Environmental Protection packages based on biotechnological methods as elements of the environment-friendly agricultural policy,
play a leading role in integrating multidisciplinary knowledge and skills in the process of enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security at a local, national and global scales,
be engaged in teaching and training activities at various levels of environmental protection and related issues.
Who can study EPB?
Undergraduates with BA, BSc., Eng. or equivalent Diploma in life science
The most welcome are undergraduates possessing a Bachelor (BA or BSc.) degree, Engineer (Eng.) or equivalent Diploma in biotechnology, biology, agricultural sciences, or environmental protection.
Candidates with a Diploma in other related studies are also strongly encouraged to apply if possess most of the following competencies:
knowledge in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and a basic understanding of maths, physics, biophysics, physiology, etc,
skills on principle methods, techniques, and tools used in biotechnology.
Application process
Fill in the application form
Send by e-mail
signed and scanned application form
documents listed in the section below
Preliminary qualification results - to facilitate the visa application process (if required)
Pay the enrollment fee (20 Euro)
Final confirmation (if all documents are correct)
Come to Krakow and start EPB studies
Documents required
Diploma Copy of the Diploma with Apostille (more) or other documents confirming possessed education
English translated Diploma (if not issued in Polish)English translation of the Diploma (or other documents confirming possessed education) provided by a sworn translator
Certificate in EnglishDocument assessing the English skills of the candidate
Medical certificateThe document stating that there are no contraindications to undertake education in a chosen field of study and form of education
Passport or ID card copyCopy of the first page of the passport containing a photo and personal information or the copy of both sides of the ID card
Enrollment fee Confirmation of the enrollment fee payment
Additional requirements for candidates after the receipt of the final acceptance letter
(before they start EPB studies)
Insurance A document that certifies the candidate's possession of health insurance or casualty insurance for the period of studying in Poland
Photograph Four photographs (35 mm x 45 mm) taken according to the guidelines for issuing visa
Payment Candidates who are to pay a tuition fee must send the payment confirmation
