The University of Silesia in Katowice has received zl.4 million in European Union funding to launch undergraduate and graduate studies in biotechnology.

To begin with, 132 first-year students will be enrolled for the bachelor’s program and 114 for the master’s program, the university said, adding that 40 percent of the best performing students will receive a special scholarship of zl.1,000 per month.

The Department of Biology and Environmental Protection will run both programs.

The biotechnology courses comprise 11 new specialized subjects complete with laboratory work using the latest technology, the university said.

According to the university, students will acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills in areas such as functional genomics, plant cell cultures, and fluorescent visualization of genes and gene expression products. Another group of students will be taught how to use biotechnology methods to reclaim contaminated land and treat soil contaminated with chemicals and heavy metals.

Students will be able to gain work experience in biotechnology companies as well as laboratories operated by food processing plants, breweries, sewage treatment plants, and cosmetic producers, the university said.

The courses will be co-financed under the European Commission’s Human Capital Operational Program.
Ewa Dereń