Major: General physics

Characteristics of the programme:

The Institute of Physics has modern research equipment, well-equipped laboratories and laboratories for students with modern (computer) equipment. Each student has the opportunity to use the Institute’s Internet café. Studying at the Institute of Physics takes place in accordance with the European ECTS System, which allows students to complete part of their studies at foreign universities. Full-time first-cycle studies in physics last 6 semesters and finish with the completion of a diploma thesis and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in physics.

Students have classes in subjects related to the programme and major in various fields of physics and mathematics, astronomy, electronics, and computer science. They learn to apply an analytical approach when solving problems and know the essential mathematical apparatus. They are able to use the acquired knowledge in practice, as well as modern multimedia tools. They know the techniques of collecting, processing and transmitting information. They have the skills of life-long learning and effective use of their knowledge.

Graduates are prepared to continue their education at the second-cycle studies in physics, as well as in related programmes, e.g. econophysics, medical physics or geophysics.

Career prospects:

Studies in physics prepare qualified specialists for the needs of various sections of economy and its scientific facilities. They will be prepared to work in innovative enterprises, as well as in environmental protection, and in the energy or financial sector. In addition, graduates have sufficient preparation to work in computer companies and institutions requiring practical knowledge of computer equipment. The knowledge and practical skills gained during IT classes can be used in the implementation, operation and modernization of computer software. The characteristics of the graduate related to the ability of life-long learning and effective use of their knowledge and analytical approach to problems allow students to adapt easily to work in various sectors (IT, commercial, media, production, educational or financial).

Graduates have a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to undertake education at the second-cycle studies in physics, which will prepare them for work in scientific laboratories of universities or institutions of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

For candidates with NEW MATURA EXAM

Admission to studies is based on secondary school-leaving grades – the results of the below-indicated subjects taken in the written part of Matura exam are taken into consideration:

Method of calculating points (candidate’s result):

WK = a x M + b x F + c x N

where:

WK — candidate’s result,

M – result in mathematics at the basic or advanced level,

F – result in physics and astronomy at the basic or advanced level (F=0 when the candidate did not take an exam in physics or astronomy),

N – result in a modern foreign language at the basic or advanced level.

Comments:    

• Admission to studies is decided by means of the place on the ranking list, created on the basis of the candidate’s result (WK).
• If the number of candidates does not exceed the determined limit of places, all candidates with a result higher than 0 will be admitted.
• If the candidate took a specific subject in Matura exam at both levels, the result in the level which will be more favourable for the candidate after multiplying by the relevant weight and conversion rate will be taken into account.
• The result of the bilingual exam in a modern foreign language will be converted to a result at the advanced level by multiplying by 4/3; if the number achieved in this way is higher than 100, then the result in this language is determined as 100.
• If the candidate did not take a specific subject in Matura exam, they will receive zero points in this subject, but they can still join the admission process, as long as their result in at least one subject (mathematics, physics and astronomy, modern foreign language) on the secondary school-leaving certificate is higher than 0%.

A study candidate is obliged to submit a relevant medical certificate confirming the lack of medical contraindications to take up studies in this degree programme.

For candidates with OLD MATURA EXAM (taken until 2004 inclusive):

The grades (results) on the Matura exam achieved by the candidates who took Matura exam until 2004 (the so-called old Matura exam) are converted proportionally into the new Matura exam grade scale in the following way:

Points in the following subjects are taken into account: mathematics, physics or physics and astronomy and modern foreign language taken by the candidate in writing (if the exam was written) or orally (no written exam) on the secondary school-leaving certificate and in the certificate issued by OKE (Regional Examinations Board).

After converting grades into points, the candidate’s result (WK) will be calculated as described in the point concerning the new Matura exam.

Note:

• If the exam level (basic or advanced) was not specified on the secondary school-leaving certificate for a selected subject, the default level is basic. 

A study candidate is obliged to submit a relevant medical certificate confirming the lack of medical contraindications to take up studies in this degree programme.

• The candidate who obtained the International Baccalaureate diploma, issued by the International Baccalaureat Organization based in Geneva, are subject to the same admission rules as holders of “new” Polish maturity exam. The results on the diploma of International Baccalaureate are calculated according to the following indicators:

In case the candidate does not submit the International Baccalaureate diploma, for the sake of qualification, the candidate is obliged to submit the certificate about the IB result issued by the appropriate institution and present the IB diploma immediately after its reception.

NOTE: If the admissions criteria for the programme assume additional entrance exams for the holders of “new” Polish maturity exams, the following factors are concerned during the qualification: result from IB diploma calculated according to the scale above and the results of the additional entrance exam.

The candidate who obtained the European Baccalaureate diploma, issued by European Schools in accordance to the Luxemburg Convention of 21 June 1994 about the European School status, are subject to the same admission rules as holders of “new” Polish maturity exam. The results on the diploma of European Baccalaureate are treated as results of the extended “new” Polish maturity exams and are calculated according to the following indicators:

In case the candidate does not submit the European Baccalaureate diploma, for the sake of qualification, the candidate is obliged to submit the certificate about the EB result issued by the appropriate institution and present the EB diploma immediately after its reception.

NOTE: If the admissions criteria for the programme assume additional entrance exams for the holders of “new” Polish maturity exams, the following factors are concerned during the qualification: result from EB diploma calculated according to the scale above and the results of the additional entrance exam.

The candidate who has obtained the secondary school graduation certificate (or another document) issued outside Poland may apply for studies. The document has to entitle the holder to undertaking Bachelor studies in the country in which the document was issued.

For candidates which are Polish citizens or apply for studies on the same rules as Polish citizens, the admission procedures defined in the programme’s description apply.

Foreign candidates applying for studies on other basis (tuition-paying, tuition-free, scholarships) are accepted for studies under regulations other than noted in the admission criteria. 

If programme’s admission criteria require mark in Polish language :
The candidates applying as Polish citizens or on the same rules as Polish, which finished secondary education outside Poland, will have the mark of that country’s language taken into account instead of Polish language mark.

In the case of candidates who have a secondary school-leaving certificate or other document authorising them to take up 1st cycle studies or long-cycle studies issued abroad, the grades in the document authorising them to take up studies in the country of document issue are taken into consideration. Additionally, WKR may take into consideration the grades in external exams in the countries where such exams are conducted, e.g.: result of CT exam in the case of Belarus, result of EGE exam in the case of Russia, and result of ZNO exam in the case of Ukraine. The results of these exams shall be regarded as equivalent to Polish advanced Matura exam.

Note: If programme’s admission criteria under “new” Polish maturity exam include additional entrance exams the results of BOTH entrance exam and secondary school graduation certificate are considered.