Teaching

General information

Studies in the Faculty of Physics

Specializations

System of studies

ECTS credits

Schedule of studies

Graduate studies leading to the Ph.D. degree



General information

The academic staff of the Faculty conduct teaching physics in the Faculty of Physics as well as in the other faculties of the Warsaw University of Technology.

The courses offered outside the Faculty of Physics are generally aimed at the first-year students and are mainly concentrated on the fundamentals of physics. They have the form of lectures, classes and laboratory exercises. The programs are consulted with each faculty individually in order to meet their specific needs. At some faculties monographic lectures are given for graduate students.

At the home Faculty, where the field of study is Applied Physics, students of the third year choose one of three specializations: Computer Physics, Optoelectronics or Solid State Physics. Usually, a five-year course leads to the M.Sc. degree in Applied Physics. Since the academic year 2000/2001 the Faculty has been offering a three-year undergraduate course leading to the Engineer (B.Sc.) degree in Applied Physics. The total number of students of the Faculty is 448. A four-year postgraduate course leading to the Ph.D. degree in Physics is also available. Currently, there are 75 Ph.D. students in the Faculty.


Studies in the Faculty of Physics

The Faculty of Physics offers studies in Applied Physics . Currently, teaching is conducted only in Polish. However, the Faculty prepares to teach selected topics also in English, and in the future full Engineer (B.Sc.) and M.Sc. courses will be offered to those interested in studying Applied Physics in English.

The studies in the Faculty of Physics prepare physicists with deep fundamental knowledge and good command of technical issues and computer science. The graduates from our Faculty are able to apply both experimental and theoretical methods of physics to solve problems arising in modern technology as well as in medicine, economy and sociology. The versatile education which they have obtained enables them to develop and acquire new abilities on their own, and to adjust easily to the rapid changes on today's job market.



Specializations

The studies in the Faculty of Physics are organized into following specializations:

  • Computer Physics
  • Optoelectronics
  • Solid State Physics
  • Within each specialization various research areas exist, which can be chosen by the students depending on their interests. Two new specializations: Nuclear Physics & Technology and Medical Physics are going to be organized at the Faculty in the nearest future.

    The existing specializations involve the following subjects:


    Computer Physics

  • computer simulations of physical, biological and economic processes
  • nonlinear dynamics of complex systems and its applications in technology, medicine, economy and sociology, neural networks, genetic algorithms
  • computer systems for measurement control, data acquisition and analysis
  • telemetry (measurement of physical parameters and monitoring via the computer network)
  • computer methods in selected areas of nuclear physics (participation in experiments conducted in foreign research centers)

  • Graduate profile: The graduates completing the Master's degree programme of Applied Physics with specialization in Computer Physics have thorough knowledge in general physics. They are able to use experimental and theoretical methods of physics to solve problems raised both by modern technologies and by applied sciences (e.g., medicine, economy or sociology). They are able to apply in practice a wide range of measurement and control methods and equipment. They have deep knowledge of nuclear physics, optical information processing and physics of complex systems. Their capabilities include computer-aided control and data acquisition, using and creation of specialized software, processes simulation and modelling, designing of computer science dedicated systems. They are familiar with many operating systems, programming languages, interfaces and computer networks.


    Optoelectronics

  • photonics and photonic engineering
  • optical information processing
  • holography
  • optoelectronic systems and elements: fiber sensors, switching elements based on liquid crystals, fiber structures
  • photonic waveguides
  • nonlinear optics, physics of lasers
  • integrated optics


  • Solid State Physics

  • semiconductors, e.g., photovoltaic materials used in solar cells, MIS structures, nanostructures (quantum wells, quantum wires and quantum dots)
  • superionic conductors used as solid electrolytes in energy storage and conversion systems as well as in electrochemical sensors
  • metallic glasses, nanocrystalline materials, amorphous alloys
  • magnetic materials, thin magnetic layers, magnetic superstructures
  • liquid crystals and their applications
  • high-pressure techniques


  • System of studies


      Since the academic year 2000/2001 studies in the Faculty of Physics have been organized in three degrees:
  • Undergraduate studies leading to the Engineer (equivalent to B.Sc.) degree
  • Graduate studies leading to the Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree
  • Graduate studies leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree
  • The system of studies is as follows:

  • 5 semesters of general studies for all students
  • 2 semesters of the Engineer (B.Sc.) course
  • 5 semesters of the M.Sc. course (for the unified Engineer (B.Sc.) + M.Sc. course) or 3-5 semesters of the M.Sc. course (for graduates from the Engineer (B.Sc.) course)
  • After 5 semesters of the general studies students are qualified for either the M.Sc. course or the Engineer (B.Sc.) course. The qualification is usually based on the individual choice of the students. However, their exam results are also taken into account.

    At present, the basic path of studies is the unified Engineer (B.Sc.) + Master (M.Sc.) course. The studies last 10 semesters and the graduates receive the M.Sc. degree in Applied Physics. After 5 semesters of the general studies the students can choose one of the specializations (Computer Physics, Optoelectronics, Solid State Physics) offered by the Faculty.

    Alternatively, the path consisting of the Engineer (B.Sc.) course, possibly followed by the M.Sc. course, is also offered. In this case, the general course is followed by 2 semesters of the Engineer (B.Sc.) course at the end of which graduates receive the Engineer (B.Sc.) degree in Applied Physics. The graduates can then continue their education to obtain the M.Sc. degree, which usually takes 3-5 semesters. The exact period of the M.Sc. course is determined by the students' individual rate of completing successively the required subjects.

    In accordance with the new regulations introduced in Poland in the academic year 2006/2007 the unified Engineer (B.Sc.) + M.Sc. course will be abandoned. This means that all students who start their education in the academic year 2006/2007 will first obtain the Engineer (B.Sc.) degree and then will be able to continue their studies to receive the M.Sc. degree in Applied Physics.



    ECTS credits

    Documentation of learning results, registration for consecutive semesters as well as rules of migration of students between different faculties and universities are based on the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). A fixed number of ECTS credits, which is allocated to each course, reflects it relative importance and the student workload required to complete it. The ECTS credits corresponding to a given course are awarded to the student provided that he/she completes it successfully passing the required exam or other kind of evaluation, independently of the final grade itself.

    According to ECTS, 30 credits are equivalent to the workload of each semester, and 60 credits - of each academic year. The ECTS credits are in principle associated with the whole courses rather than with different forms of teaching (lectures, classes, laboratory exercises, projects) within one course. However, the credits can also be allocated to a part of a course, if the complete course lasts longer than one semester, or if its part is a separate teaching unit.

    The ECTS greatly facilitates studying in other faculties in Poland or abroad (e.g. within the framework of the Socrates/Erasmus program) and guarantees full recognition for the courses completed there. Due to its flexibility, individual learning programs for students can be easily created and adapted to their interests.

    The learning results are usually verified at the end of each academic year (2 semesters), apart from the first year of studies when the verification takes place after the first semester. In order to receive registration for the consecutive semester (year) of studies, it is compulsory to collect a given number of the ECTS credits (in accordance with the regulations established by the Dean of the Faculty) and to obtain positive grades in all courses with a delay no longer than one academic year.



    Schedule of studies

    The tables below show the schedule of studies as approved by the Faculty Council (teaching hours per week, in the scheme lectures/ classes/ laboratory exercises). The schedule encompasses 5 semesters of the general studies, 2 semesters of the Engineer (B.Sc.) course (semesters 6 & 7), and 5 semesters of the M.Sc. course (semesters 6-10). The ECTS credits allocated to each subject in the schedule are also shown. In accordance with the teaching standards established by the Commission for Teaching of the Senate of the Warsaw University of Technology the schedule includes 210 hours of teaching of foreign languages, 180 hours of Sport and 150 hours of courses on the Arts, social or economic subjects.

    General studies

    The schedule below encompasses 5 semesters of the general studies for all students and 1 semester (semester 6) of the M.Sc. course. Students of the M.Sc. course at semester 6 are already divided into specializations. Within 5 semesters of the general studies, approximately 44% of time is devoted to classes or laboratory exercises, and 25% of time is devoted to various technical subjects (Electrical Engineering, Computer Science etc.).

    1st YEAR

    SUBJECT

    Sem.1 Sem.2
    hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS

    Physical Education and Sport

    - / 2 / -

    0

    - / 2 / -

    0

    Foreign Language

       

    - / 2 / -

    2

    The Arts etc.

    2 / - / -

    2

    2 / - / -

    2

    Mathematical Analysis

    4 / 4 / -

    10

    3 / 3 / -

    7

    Linear Algebra & Geometry

    2 / 1 / -

    4

       

    Basics of Computer Science

    - / - / 2

    2

       

    Programming Languages

       

    2 / 1 / 1

    3

    Fundamentals of Physics

    4 / 3 / -

    11

    4 / 3 / -

    11
    Analysis of Experimental Data 1 / - / - 1    

    Laboratory of Physics

       

    - / - / 3

    5
    Total 25 30 26 30

    2nd year

    SUBJECT

    Sem.3 Sem.4
    hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS

    Physical Education and Sport

    - / 2 / -

    0

    - / 2 / -

    0

    Foreign Language

    - / 4 / -

    4

    - / 4 / -

    4

    Selected Topics of Mathematics

    2 / 2 /

    4

       

    Programming Languages

    2 / - / 2

    4

       

    Mathematical Methods of Physics

    2 / 2 / -

    6

    2 / 2 / -

    4

    Theoretical Mechanics

    2 / 2 / -

    7

       

    Electrodynamics

       

    2 / 2 / -

    6

    Electronics in Physical Experiment

    2 / - / 2

    5

    1 / - / 2

    3

    Quantum Mechanics I

       

    2 / 2 / -

    7

    Object-oriented Programming

       

    1 / - / 2

    3

    Computer Networks

       

    - / - / 2

    3
    Total 26 30 26 30

    3rd YEAR

    SUBJECT

    Sem.5 Sem.6
    hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS

    Physical Education and Sport

    - / 2 / -

    0   0

    Foreign Language

    - / 2 / -

    2

     - / 2 / -  2

    Quantum Mechanics II

       

    2 / 2 / -

    8

    Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics

    3 / 2 / -

    8

       

    Chemistry

    2 / - / 2

    4
       

    Laboratory of Physics II

    - / - / 3   5

    - / - / 3

    5

    Computer Networks

         - / - / 2  2

    Introduction to Nuclear Physics

     2 / 1 / -  4    

    Numerical Methods

       

    2 / - / 2

    4

    Virtual Devices Design

    1 / - / 3

    3

       

    Computer-aided Analysis of Experimental Data

       

    1 / - / 2

    3

    Physical Experiment Control

         1 / - / 3  

    Fundamentals of Optics

    2 / 1 / -   4    
    Statistical Physics of Non-Equilibrium Systems (CP)     2 / - / - 3
    Fourier Optics (Opt)     2 / - / - 3

    Physics of Semiconductors (SSP)

       

    2 / - / -

    3
    Total 26 30 24 30


    Studies leading to the Engineer (B.Sc.) degree

    The studies leading to the Engineer (B.Sc.) degree last 7 semesters and are aimed at developing skills in application of physical methods in industrial and scientific laboratories. The students gain more practical knowledge, enriched with elements of economy and law. After receiving the Engineer (B.Sc.) degree in Applied Physics, graduates from this course can continue their education to obtain the M.Sc. degree. In the framework of the Engineer (B.Sc.) course the students are expected to participate in three-week summer training in the industry.

    SUBJECT

    Sem.6 Sem.7
    hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS

    The Arts etc.

    2 / - / -

    2

    2 / - / -

    2

    Economy

       

    2 / - / -

    2

    Laboratory (projects)

    - / - / 8

    13    

    Design (CAD/CAM)

    1 / - / 2

    4    

    Fundamentals of Nuclear Technology*

    2 / 1/ -

    4

       

    Fundamentals of Material Science

    2 / 1/ -

    4    

    Applied Optics *

    2 / 1/ -

    4    

    Seminar

       

    - /2/ -

    5

    Optional Subject

    2 /- / -

    3

    2 /- / -

    3

    Preparation of the Thesis for the Engineer (B.Sc.) degree

          18
    Total 21 30 8 30

    *) the student should select between the two subjects


    Studies leading to the M.Sc. degree

    The semesters 6th -9th are devoted to specialized teaching. The courses can be divided into compulsory, specialized (chosen from a strictly defined list for each specialization) and optional (freely chosen from an additional offer prepared each year for the students). The decision about the choice of the latter kind of courses is made under the supervision of a student's tutor. The 10th semester is devoted to preparation of the M.Sc. thesis. As a part of the M.Sc. course the students are expected to participate in two different summer trainings, after the semesters 6th & 8th.

    COMPULSORY SUBJECTS FOR COMPUTER PHYSICS

    4th & 5th YEARS

    SUBJECT

    Sem. 7 Sem. 8 Sem. 9 Sem. 10
    hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS

    The Arts etc.

    2 / - / -

    2

    2 / - / -

    2        

    Nuclear and Elementary Particles Physics

        3 / - / - 3        
    Statistical Physics of Non-Equilibrium Systems 2 / - / - 3            
    Engineering Graphics - / - / 2 3            

    Software for Physical Experiment

        1 / - / 3 5        
    Computer-aided Methods of Simulation 2 / - / 2 5 2 / - / 2 5        

    Computer-aided Methods of Optics


      2 / - / 2 5        
    Computer-aided Measurement Systems 1 / - / 3  5            

    Specialization seminar

       

    - / 2 / -

    4        

    Master's Degree Seminar

           

    - / 2 / -

    4

    - / 2 / -

    4

    Pre-Diploma Laboratory

     

         

    - / - / 8

    15  

     

    Selected Topics of Modern Physics         2 / - / - 3    

    Specialization lecture

    4 / - / -

    8
       

    2 / - / -

    4

       

    Optional lectures

    4 / - / -

    4

    6 / - / -

    6

    2 / - / -

    4    

    Preparation of the Thesis for the M.Sc. degree

                  26
    Total 22 30 25 30 16 30 2 30

     

    COMPULSORY SUBJECTS FOR SOLID STATE PHYSICS

    4th & 5th YEARS

    SUBJECT

    Sem.7 Sem.8 Sem.9 Sem.10
    hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS

    The Arts etc.

    2 / - / -

    2

    2 / - / -

    2        

    Theory of the Solid State

    2 / - / -

    4            
    Modern Methods of Material Research and Technology

    2 / - / -

    3

               
    Computer-aided Methods of Simulation 2 / - / 2 5            
    Optics of the Solid State 2 / - / - 3            
    Engineering Graphics - / - / 2 3            

    Laboratory of Solid State Physics

       

    - / - / 6

    12

           
    Physics of Ionic Processes in the Solid State    

    2 / - / -

    3

           

    Physics of Magnetic Materials

         2 / - / -        

    Specialization seminar

       

    - / 2 / -

    4

           

    Pre-Diploma Laboratory

           

    - / - / 8

    15

       

    Master's Degree Seminar

           

    - / 2 / -

    4

    - / 2 / -

    4

    Selected Topics of Modern Physics         2 / - / - 3    

    Specialization lecture

    2 / - / -

    4

       

    2 / - / -

    4

       

    Optional lectures

    6 / - / - 6 6 / - / - 6 2 / - / - 4    

    Preparation of the Thesis for the M.Sc. degree

                  26
    Total 22 30 20 30 16 30 2 30


    COMPULSORY SUBJECTS FOR OPTOELECTRONICS

    4th & 5th YEARS

    SUBJECT

    Sem. 7 Sem. 8 Sem. 9 Sem. 10
    hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS

    The Arts etc.

    2 / - / -

    2

    2 / - / -

    2        

    Quantum Electrodynamics

    2 / - / -

    3            

    Introduction to Theory of Optical Waveguides

    2 / - / -

    3            
    Engineering Graphics - / - / 2 3            
    Fiber Sensors and Communication     2 / - / - 3        

    Physics of Lasers

    2 / - / -

    3            

    Fundamentals of Optics - laboratory

    - / - / 3

    5            

    Optoelectronic Systems

    2 / - / -

    3

    - / - / 4

    5

           

    Laboratory of Optical Information Processing

       

    - / - / 2

    3

           

    Technology of Lasers

       

    2 / - / 3

    7

           

    Specialization seminar

       

    - / 2 / -

    4

           

    Pre-Diploma Laboratory

           

    - / - / 8

    15

       

    Master's Degree Seminar

           

    - / 2 / -

    4

    - / 2 / -

    4

    Selected Topics of Modern Physics         - / 2 / - 3    

    Specialization lecture

    2 / - / -

    4

       

    2 / - / -

    4

       

    Optional lectures

    4 / - / -

    4 6 / - / - 6 2 / - / - 4    

    Preparation of the Thesis for the M.Sc. degree

                       26
    Total 21 30 23 30 16 30 2 30

    SPECIALIZED LECTURES

    In the academic year 2005/2006 the following specialized lectures are given in the Faculty:

  • Optics of Liquid Crsytals, prof. dr hab. T. Woliński
  • Nuclear Methods & Technologies, prof. dr hab. J. Pluta
  • Microstructures in Solid State Physics, prof. dr hab. R. ¦wirkowicz
  • Dynamics of Nonlinear Systems, prof. dr hab. J. Żebrowski
  • Genetic Algorithms, prof. dr hab. J. Hołyst
  • Nonlinear Optics, prof. dr hab. M. Karpierz
  • Optics of the Solid State, prof. dr hab. R. Bacewicz
  • OPTIONAL LECTURES

    In the academic year 2005/2006 the following optional lectures are given at the Faculty:

  • Great Experiments in History of Physics, prof. dr hab. W. Zych
  • Nonlinear Fiber Optics, prof. dr hab. M. Karpierz
  • Selected Topics of Physics of Complex Systems, prof. dr hab. R. Kosiński
  • Methods of Investigation and Simulation of Semiconductor Structures, dr P. Zabierowski
  • Group Theory, prof. dr hab. M. M±czyński
  • Methods of Molecular Optics in Experimental Physics, prof. dr hab. R. Siegoczyński
  • Optical Information Processing, dr hab. K. Gniadek
  • Evolving Networks: from Science to the Internet, prof. dr hab. J. Hołyst, dr A. Fronczak
  • Physical Methods in Economy and Sociology, prof. dr hab. J. Hołyst
  • Light Beams and Impulses, prof. dr hab. J. Jasiński
  • Superconductivity & Superfluidity, prof. dr hab. T. Sko¶kiewicz
  • Radiation Phenomena in Materials, prof. dr hab. B. Słowiński
  • Deterministic Chaos and Medicine, prof. dr hab. J. Żebrowski
  • Quantum Standards in Metrology, prof. dr hab. R. Bacewicz
  • Databases (SQL), dr P. Duda
  • Evolution of the Universe, dr K. Wosińska


    Graduate studies leading to the Ph.D. degree

    The third degree of studies in the Faculty of Physics are four-year graduate studies leading to the Ph.D. degree in Physics. The applicants for these studies have to possess the M.Sc. degree in Physics or in other discipline which involves equivalent knowledge of physics, and pass the entrance exam. During the studies the participants should attend lectures from the list approved by the Commission for Teaching Programs of the Faculty Council (300 hours in total within four years, including specialization seminars). Ph.D. students also take part in teaching in the Faculty of Physics and in other Faculties of the Warsaw University of Technology (60 or 90 hours of teaching per academic year for students at the Engineer (B.Sc.) and M.Sc. level).