First cycle studies

Students of first degree studies obtain a breadth of preparation in physics, mathematics and their applications, as well as training in applying this knowledge to search on their own for the solutions of challenging problems in various fields. They are trained in the use of data sources from the web as well as in a variety of IT topics (programming, operating systems, applications). They are well prepared to pursue second cycle studies, and for work in research groups.

In the academic year 2024/2025, the following programmes of full-time studies will be available (for more details of the programmes see directory website - in a language depending on the language of studies):

While studying in this field, you will learn the basics of classical and quantum physics, higher mathematics and mathematical methods as well as information technology and numerical methods used in physics and related sciences. At the beginning, you choose one of four study paths: standard physics, medical physics, neuroinformatics (available to all candidates) or individual physics (available to candidates who have obtained at least 90 recruitment points);

• The individual path is characterized by an advanced level of teaching mathematical and physical subjects and a high individualization of the study plan prepared in accordance with the student's interests under the supervision of a scientific mentor.
• Education on the path of neuroinformatics prepares you to apply physics methods in signal analysis and machine learning; is related to scientific research on the borderline of physics, biology, neurocognitive science and artificial intelligence.
• Education on the path of medical physics prepares you to work with medical diagnostic imaging devices used, among others, in oncology; the medical physics study programme meets the statutory requirements for passing the exam conferring the powers of the Radiological Protection Inspector.

The Faculty of Physics is opening a new field of study in 2024/25 - Nuclear Energy.

The studies last 7 semesters.

The educational process will be conducted by qualified scientific and research staff of the Department of Nuclear Physics of the Faculty of Physics of the University of Warsaw in cooperation with national partners such as the National Centre for Nuclear Research in Świerk and the Institute of Chemistry and Nuclear Techniques in Warsaw. In addition, students will be able to participate in academic exchanges between selected centers and develop their scientific interests at international conferences, training courses, summer schools, and thematic workshops. The studies will be carried out in cooperation with universities with many years of experience in training nuclear power plant personnel. These include KINGS KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (South Korea), Czech Technical University in Prague, and Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava.

Graduates will have specialized knowledge of nuclear reactor technology, identification of problems in power systems, modeling of nuclear power plant operations, safe operation of these facilities and dosimetry. With the skills they have acquired, they will be able to work in the nuclear power sector as well as in the area of safety and radiological protection. Studies in this field will also prepare them to conduct scientific research in academic centers, scientific institutes, and industrial centers and contribute to shaping national energy policy.

For students from the second year onwards, there are scholarships regardless of grade point average and opportunities for paid internships and cooperation with potential employers, including the Polish Nuclear Power Plants.

Studies in the Astronomy programme provide a foundation in general astronomy, observational astrophysics, as well as mathematics, information science and physics.

The studies allow you to gain a solid foundation in physics, mathematics and other fields related to the profession of a teacher of physics and mathematics. After completing the first-cycle studies, we invite you to the second-cycle studies in a dedicated specialty in the field of Physics. In total, after completing the first and second degree studies, the graduate is entitled to teach physics, mathematics and natural sciences in primary schools and to teach physics and mathematics in secondary schools.

By studying this programme, you will gain knowledge in the field of physics and mathematics, biology and chemistry, as well as the basics of computer science. Biophysics is an interdisciplinary science that applies approaches and methods traditionally used in physics to study biological objects and processes at all levels of the organization of living matter, from the molecular level to whole organisms. The goal is primarily to understand how organisms function at each of these levels and constructing physical models that describe this activity quantitatively. In many cases, this allows for the intended and controlled change of the tested objects for their practical application in the field of medicine and biotechnology. The specific purpose of such research may be, for example, the design of new vaccines, drugs and therapies , fight against hunger in the world or search the renewable energy sources.

First-cycle studies in the field of "Biophysics" last three years and can be continued as part of two-year second-cycle studies in the same field, which will be launched in 2 years at the latest.

These are the first undergraduate studies in Poland, designed in accordance with the standards of the European Council of Optometry and Optics, whose graduation leads to the acquisition of full qualifications of both ophthalmic optician and optometrist. Optometrist is a specialist belonging to the group of paramedics, dealing primarily with measurement and correction of vision defects. This course is intended for people interested in the field of science, who have a predisposition for independent work, requiring a lot of responsibility and ease in establishing contacts with patients. The studies last 8 semesters.

First cycle engineering studies in the Nanoengineering programme respond to the challenges faced by modern technology in the field of research and use of new materials and quantum technologies. Graduates will have knowledge of both physics and chemistry and, more importantly, they will understand the quantum mechanics behind the operation of nanodevices. In the 21st century, quantum technologies constitute a challenge not only in science, but also in engineering. What distinguishes our engineers is not only the knowledge of chemistry and physics, but above all the ability to use the phenomena of quantum mechanics to characterize, design and build quantum devices (detectors, sensors, neuromorphic networks, photonic structures, etc.).

The Faculty of Physics runs Nanoengineering studies in cooperation with the Faculty of Chemistry. The studies last 7 semesters. After their completion, the graduates obtain the professional title of engineer. The scope of the studies, corresponding to the scope of the Nanostructure Engineering bachelor's studies conducted for many years, has been enriched with subjects necessary for obtaining engineering competences.

Physics and astronomy can also be studied as part of Interdisciplinary Individual Studies conducted by the College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Warsaw.

The Faculty of Physics also participates in other interesting programmes of the first-cycle studies:

• Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (programme coordinated by the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics UW)