Education program

Doctoral College of Physics and Astronomy (DCPA) operating as part of the Doctoral School of the University of Wrocław (UWr) offers education in two disciplines: physical sciences and astronomy. The aim of educating doctoral students is to prepare them to write a doctoral dissertation and conduct independent research and teaching work. The education lasts four years (eight semesters) and ends with submitting a doctoral dissertation. Doctoral education is carried out both according to the general curriculum (Resolution of the Senate UWr no. 161/2020 – link below) and individual research project (IRP) carried out in collaboration with the supervisor, achieving learning outcomes for qualifications at PQF level 8. 

The education program includes compulsory general university classes (held for all colleges of the Doctoral School), e. g. legal basis of scientific activity, copyright in scientific work, rules for preparing grant applications, etc., as well as compulsory classes from the Faculty’s of Physics and Astronomy education offer related to the specificity of the college, in the form of seminars, conversations and specialist lectures. Doctoral seminars and institute seminars, during which College participants present the results of their own research, present a special role. Doctoral students may also take part in other optional activities carried out at the University of Wrocław to expand their knowledge and skills. Additionally, doctoral students are obliged to complete professional interships in the form of teaching or co-teaching classes for students.

The basic task of a doctoral student in the College is implementation of a research project, i.e. conducting scientific research to a degree that allows for obtaining a doctoral degree in the discipline of physical sciences or astronomy. The form of project implementation must be consistent with the general principles of operation of the Doctoral School, while the detailed principles of project implementation are agreed and assessed by the doctoral dissertation supervisor.

Graduate profile – knowledge, skills, social competences

Graduate of the Doctoral College of Physics and Astronomy in the discipline of physical sciences or astronomy is prepared to independently conduct creative scientific work in the field of practiced discipline and share the results of this work in accordance with formal and ethical principles applicable in the scientific community. Has knowledge allowing to conduct research, select appropriate methods for the assumed research goals, proper interpretation of research results and their appropriate dissemination. Can use research methods necessary to implement scientific work in practice and is able to present results of research in an appropriate way. Is prepared to independently undertake publishing activity, take part in scientific discussions, apply for funding for research. Gains the social competences necessary to conduct scientific work, including the ability to critically evaluate research results, initiate actions in the public interest and be aware of the ethical principles applicable in science.

Detailed learning outcomes:

Knowledge: knows and understands, to the extent that it allows for a revision of existing paradigms, the world’s achievements encompassing theoretical foundations and general issues as well as selected specific issues for the physical sciences or astronomy, the main development trends of these disciplines, research methodology and principles of disseminating the results of scientific activities, knows fundamental dilemmas of modern civilisation, economical, legal, and other important conditions of scientific work, basic principles of of knowledge transfer to the economic and social sphere and commercialisation of the results of scientific activities and the know-how related to these results.

Skills: can utilise knowledge in the field of physical sciences or astronomy to creatively identify, formulate and innovatively solve complex problems or carry out research tasks, in particular:

• defining the aim and subject of scientific research, formulating research hypothesis
• developing research methods, techniques and tools and utilising them creatively
• concluding based on results of research

Can critically analyse and assess results of research in the discipline of physical sciences or astronomy, as well as expert activity and other creative works and their contribution to the development of knowledge, transfer results of scientific work to the economic and social spherej, communicate on specialised topics to a degree that allows active participation in the international scientific community, disseminate the results of scientific activities also in popular forms, initiate debate and take part in scientific discourse, use a foreign language at the B2 level to a degree that allows participation in the international scientific and professional environment, plan and implement individual and team research projects, also in an international environment, independently plan and work towards own development and inspire the development of others, plan classes or groups of classes and implement them using modern methods and tools.

In terms of social competences, is prepared to: critical evaluation of achievements in the physical sciences or astronomy, critical evaluation of own contribution to the development of chosen discipline, recognizing the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems, fulfilling the social obligations of researchers and creators. Additionally, initiates activities in the public interest, thinks and acts in an entrepreneurial manner, maintains and develops the ethos of research communities, including: – conducts scientific activities independently, – respects the principles of public ownership of the results of scientific activities, taking into account the principles of intellectual property protection.

Additional information

Participants of the Doctoral College of Physics and Astronomy of the Doctoral School of the University of Wrocław will participate in scientific work conducted in the Institute of Theoretical Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics, or the Institute of Astronomy under the care of outstanding specialists and in collaboration with leading domestic and foreign research centres. They will gain the opportunity to participate in international scientific conferences, financed in part by the Doctoral Student Government and the College. They will be involved in the work of the Institute and its subordinate Departments where they will learn many aspects of scientific work, both independent and in a team, in a highly international environment, and will receive all the help needed to implement their own research projects. They will participate in trainings regarding principles and good practices when submitting grant applications, and rules for writing research papers. They will take an active part in the organisational work of the University of Wrocław, Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, and their institutes, including organising conferences of international scope. They will actively participate in institute and department seminars where they will present results of their research and develop the ability to self-present in the scientific community. They will also participate in the preparation of lectures popularizing physical sciences or astronomy and in other events popularizing science, e.g. the Science Festival, the Faculty’s Open Days, the Scientists’ Night, etc.

They will be able to participate in the work of the Doctoral Student Government at the faculty and university level. It will allow them to develop soft skills and become familiar with the University’s administrative structures. Active members of the Government will, in cooperation with the Dean’s and Rector’s authorities, participate in the process of creating research initiatives and administrative procedures.

The University of Wrocław guarantees Participants a monthly scholarship of about 2000 PLN during the first two years of education, subsequently increased by about 1000 PLN after two years, after successfully passing the mid-term evaluation. Participants may also apply for additional internal grants and participate in paid research projects conducted by University employees. Participants, after the second year of studies and after a positive mid-term evaluation, may also be employed, under an employment contract, as academic teachers.