Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary programme jointly offered by the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science and the Faculty of Chemistry at Jagiellonian University.
The programme combines physics, chemistry and materials science, focusing on the design, characterisation and applications of advanced functional materials. It prepares students for careers in areas related to nanotechnology, biomaterials, photonic materials, and materials used in modern electronics and optoelectronics.
Understanding the properties of advanced materials and the methods used to design and manufacture them requires knowledge of physical and chemical processes occurring at the atomic and quantum levels. Students acquire this knowledge through theoretical courses, laboratory classes and project-based learning conducted at both faculties.
Bachelor's Programme
The Bachelor's programme lasts three years and provides a foundation in physics, chemistry, mathematics and computer science.
Core courses during the first years of study include:
- mechanics,
- thermodynamics,
- electromagnetism,
- optics,
- inorganic chemistry,
- analytical chemistry,
- physical chemistry,
- solid-state chemistry,
- organic chemistry,
- mathematical analysis,
- algebra.
The curriculum is complemented by computer science courses and English language instruction.
In later semesters, students take more advanced courses, including:
- quantum mechanics,
- quantum chemistry,
- fundamentals of condensed matter physics,
- electronics,
- materials characterisation methods,
- polymers,
- biomaterials and nanomaterials,
- photonics,
- nanotechnology,
- silicon photovoltaics.
A significant part of the programme consists of laboratory classes conducted in modern facilities at both faculties, located on the Jagiellonian University Campus.
Between 2025 and 2029, students may also participate in the Key to the Future project, which offers access to commercial training courses, study visits and additional activities organised in cooperation with external companies.
Master's Programme
The Master's programme lasts two years.
The first semester is common to all students and includes courses covering:
- magnetic materials,
- superconducting materials,
- liquid crystals,
- polymers,
- photonic materials,
- biomaterials,
- nanotechnology.
Laboratory courses introduce students to modern materials characterisation techniques, including:
- spectroscopy,
- electron microscopy,
- microanalysis.
Beginning in the second semester, students choose one of two study tracks. Some courses remain common to all students throughout the programme.
Study Track: Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology and Photonics
This track, offered primarily by the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science, includes topics related to:
- plastic electronics,
- surface physics,
- nanostructure physics,
- photonics,
- advanced functional materials.
Particular emphasis is placed on photonics – an interdisciplinary field in which light is used to transmit, process and analyse information. Many of the phenomena discussed within this track are based on concepts derived from quantum mechanics.
Study Track: Biomaterials and Nanomaterials
This track, offered primarily by the Faculty of Chemistry, focuses on interactions between materials and living organisms, as well as the design of advanced nanomaterials with specialised functions.
The curriculum includes topics such as:
- biomaterials,
- functional nanomaterials,
- chemical sensors,
- molecular sieves,
- catalysts,
- molecular tools,
- photomaterials,
- polymer membranes used in fuel cells,
- hydrogels.
Students learn about the relationships between material structure and properties and acquire both theoretical and experimental foundations for designing novel materials with specific functional characteristics.
Research Laboratories and Master's Thesis
An important component of both study tracks is participation in specialised laboratory courses conducted within research laboratories of both faculties.
Students also complete a two-semester Master's research project within a selected research group. The programme is supplemented by seminars and a broad range of elective courses.
Why study Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology at Jagiellonian University?
The programme combines the expertise and research infrastructure of two faculties at Jagiellonian University and provides access to facilities used in modern materials science research.
Students benefit from physical, chemical and computational laboratories, specialised scientific software, advanced data-analysis tools and extensive library resources.
The programme also offers opportunities to participate in research projects, establish contacts with international research institutions and take part in international mobility programmes, including Erasmus+.
Career Opportunities
Graduates acquire interdisciplinary expertise in materials science and the technologies used to develop advanced materials.
They find employment in:
- research and development laboratories,
- scientific institutes,
- companies operating in the advanced technology sector,
- organisations developing and applying functional materials,
- industrial enterprises implementing modern materials technologies,
- centres specialising in materials design and characterisation.
The combination of physics, chemistry, materials science, computer science, economics and management provides graduates with a broad skill set that can also support the development of their own activities within the high-technology sector.
The programme also prepares students for doctoral studies and participation in research projects conducted both in Poland and internationally.