Divisions
Department
Department of Human Biology
Research focuses on the adaptive significance of morphological, physiological, and behavioural traits in humans, including physical attractiveness as a signal of biological condition assessed through physiological markers of health and fertility. It also encompasses the analysis of characteristics and living conditions of past human populations based on bones and teeth, as well as studies on the influence of socioeconomic and biological factors on growth, development, and involutional processes such as menopause. A crucial area includes clinical anthropology and the application of anthropology in forensic science. Additionally, research addresses evolutionary aspects of health and disease.
Students can participate in research projects related to the analysis of bones and teeth, contemporary health issues, studies of body structure traits and physiological parameters, as well as projects examining the impact of various environmental factors on individual development and ageing processes.
Department of Evolutionary Biology and Conservation of Vertebrates
Research focuses on the biology, evolution, and conservation of vertebrates. Particular attention is devoted to anatomy, developmental biology, phylogeography, ecology, neurobiology, and the protection of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Students have the opportunity to explore modern methods of evolutionary biology and nature conservation through participation in interdisciplinary scientific projects.
Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology
Research topics include the biology and genetics of bacterial pathogens and bacteriophages, bacteriophage–bacterium–host interactions, and alternative antibacterial therapies. Studies also focus on the organism’s immune response to infections. Students can participate in projects employing modern molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques, gaining experience in addressing current public health challenges.
Department of Plant Development Biology
Research in the Department focuses on the mechanisms underlying various patterns of plant development, including their evolutionary–developmental (evo-devo) context. Particular attention is given to the functioning of primary and secondary meristems, organ vascularization, and secondary wood formation, with particular emphasis on underlying genetic and hormonal regulation, as well as the intercellular communication. Students have the opportunity to participate in ongoing research, gaining knowledge in plant cell biology, tissue structure and function, and the endogenous mechanisms that regulate plant development, also in the context of environmental stress response.
Department of Animal DevelopmentAL Biology
Research focuses on the development of skeletal muscles and the structure and function of the reproductive system in various animal groups. Models such as zebrafish and fruit flies are used. Students can participate in projects related to muscle diseases and traits useful for phylogenetic studies, gaining practical skills in developmental biology and genetics.
Department of Invertebrate Biology, Evolution and Conservation
Leading research topics include the analysis of global invertebrate diversity and threats to their survival. Research focuses on integrative taxonomy, insect biology, and the evolution of eukaryotic cells in the context of endosymbiosis theory. An important area of activity also includes forensic science, particularly forensic entomology, carried out in collaboration with forensic medical experts. Students have the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary projects in forensic biology, ecology, and nature conservation, gaining practical experience working with diverse insect groups and analysing evidence.
Students can further develop their interests in one of four laboratories: Forensic Biology and Entomology, Conservation Biology and Invertebrate Protection, Biology and Systematics of Microarthropods, and Evolutionary Protistology.
Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Taxonomy
Leading research topics include the systematics, taxonomy, phylogeny, and biogeography of beetles, ants, and spiders. The department also conducts studies on the biodiversity of invertebrates in global biodiversity hotspots. One of the goals of the research projects carried out in the unit is to document and describe arthropod diversity during the global biodiversity crisis. Students can participate in field and laboratory projects, gaining knowledge in arthropod biology and biodiversity, evolutionary biology, and nature conservation.
Department of Botany
Leading research topics include the biology, ecology, and genetic diversity of plant populations as well as lichen biota. Research also addresses changes in vegetation under the influence of anthropogenic pressure and global environmental changes. Students have the opportunity to participate in international research projects and work with regional databases, gaining knowledge in botany and plant ecology.
Department of Behavioural Ecology
The research focuses on the adaptive significance of behaviours exhibited by wild birds and mammals in their natural environments, as well as under the influence of human activities. Current projects examine reproductive ecology, migration, behavioural evolution, and animal communication. We conduct field studies on local fauna and utilise molecular tools to assess genetic variation within populations and describe biodiversity. Students have the opportunity to participate in both field and laboratory projects, gaining hands-on experience in behavioural and evolutionary ecology.
Department of Microbial Ecology and Acaroentomology
The research focuses on the biology and ecology of hematophagous arthropods, such as mosquitoes and ticks, which act as vectors of pathogens, molecular detection of tick-borne disease pathogens, as well as cultivation and identification of mold fungi, and assessment of their cytotoxicity. Students have the opportunity to actively participate in projects in environmental microbiology and acaroentomology actively, gaining practical experience in both field and laboratory research.
Department of Ecology, Biogeochemistry and Environmental Protection
The Department’s leading research topics include the analysis of ecological phenomena involving plants and the study of the biogeochemical foundations of these processes. Particular attention is devoted to the factors influencing ecological processes, the bioindication methods and ecotoxicological models. Research topics also cover the ecology of alpine, Arctic, and Antarctic tundra and geothermal habitats, as well as the impact of microplastics on macrophytes. The Department also conducts ecophysiological studies, focusing on the physiological responses of plants to environmental disturbances associated with anthropogenic impacts and climate change. Students have the opportunity to participate in projects related to environmental protection and biogeochemistry, gaining knowledge of modern methods for assessing environmental quality.
Department of Bird Ecology
Leading research topics include the analysis of mechanisms and spatiotemporal patterns in birds’ responses to changing environmental conditions, including climate change. Particular attention is devoted to the reproductive biology of wetland and forest birds, anti-predator behaviours, migration, ecophysiology, and fundamental studies of forest and reedbed biology (research on the ecology, behaviour, and evolution of organisms inhabiting these environments). Research also has a molecular dimension. Students can participate in field and laboratory projects, gaining knowledge in ornithology, behavioural ecology, and evolutionary biology.
Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology
Leading research topics focus on the role of multifunctional proteins in ageing processes, with particular emphasis on the brain and heart. Research also includes mechanisms regulating memory and the destruction of cancer cells by interfering with the stability and activity of complexes composed of energy metabolism proteins. Students can participate in projects related to neurobiology and molecular physiology, gaining practical skills in working with cells and proteins.
Department of Plant Molecular Physiology
The leading research topics concern the roles of membrane transporters and proteins involved in nitrogen assimilation in plant adaptation to abiotic stresses. The studies focus on signalling pathways and defence mechanisms activated in plant cells in response to adverse environmental conditions, including observed climate changes. Students have the opportunity to participate in projects related to the regulation of plant physiological processes, gaining knowledge and skills in the molecular basis of metabolic changes determining tolerance to stress factors.
Department of Microbial Physicochemistry
Leading research topics include the analysis of the biological activity of quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) against microorganisms, including their biocidal, anti-adhesive, and anti-biofilm properties. Research focuses on QAS interactions with DNA, mechanisms of yeast resistance, the impact of QAS on cell membrane composition, and metabolic processes. Students have the opportunity to participate in projects aimed at identifying effective disinfectants, fungicides, and gene carriers, gaining knowledge in applied microbiology and bioorganic chemistry.
Department of Genetics and Cell Physiology
Leading research topics include studying cellular responses to arsenic and antimony stress, the function of arsenic transporters, and the mechanisms of sorting and endocytosis of membrane proteins. Research also addresses the regulation of gene expression and the cell cycle under stress conditions. Students can participate in molecular biology and genetics projects, gaining experience working with model organisms.
Department of Microbiology
Leading research topics include studies on the role of bacterial surface structures—particularly lipopolysaccharides, outer membrane proteins, capsules, and flagella—in determining virulence. Research focuses on biofilms, bacterial virulence genes, and the impact of various biological and chemical factors, including nanomaterials and biocides, on bacteria. Students have the opportunity to participate in microbiological projects, gaining knowledge about mechanisms of bacterial resistance to different compounds, methods for identifying bacteria isolated from various sources, and studies of the proteome and genome.
Department of Mycology and Genetics
Leading research topics include mycology of various environments, including extreme habitats, with particular emphasis on speleomycology. Research is also conducted in forensic mycology, phytopathology, and molecular biology and genetics, and is carried out both on model strains and cancer cells. An essential part of the activity also involves studies on opportunistic fungi associated with humans, including analyses of virulence factors and the search for effective therapeutic strategies to treat fungal infections. Students can actively participate in projects in mycology, molecular biology, and genetics, gaining practical skills in fungal analysis and in assessing their environmental and human health impacts.
Department of Paleozoology
Leading research topics include the evolution, anatomy, and biogeography of Cenozoic and modern vertebrates, as well as the application of morphometrics and microtomography in paleoecological studies. Research focuses on paleoclimate reconstructions, archaeozoology, and the analysis of fossil DNA. The Department collects and preserves extensive fossil fauna collections and conducts broad environmental education activities. Students can participate in paleozoological projects, gaining knowledge about the history of life and the impact of humans on the environment. They can also engage in systematic research and museum projects, acquiring experience in museum techniques and in documenting and analysing biological diversity.
Department of Parasitology
Leading research topics include the ecology of parasites and their zoonotic potential, particularly in invasive mammal species. Research focuses on the role of these species in the spread of pathogens and on the taxonomy and molecular phylogenetics of flukes. Students can participate in parasitology projects, gaining knowledge about health risks and methods of their identification.
Academic Excellence Incubator – Research Centre for DNA Repair and Replication
Leading research topics include the molecular mechanisms underlying eukaryotic cell responses to replication stress, DNA repair, and homologous recombination. Particular attention is devoted to post-translational protein modifications by SUMO molecules. Research is conducted using model organisms such as the yeasts Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Students have the opportunity to participate in advanced molecular biology projects, gaining knowledge of the mechanisms of genome stability and DNA replication.
Museum of Natural History
Leading research topics include the systematics, biogeography, and phylogeny of plants, animals, and fungi, as well as species conservation and reintroduction. Research also focuses on changes in vegetation in the context of global processes such as eutrophication, climate change, and the spread of invasive alien species. The Museum collects and preserves extensive scientific collections (approximately 3 million specimens) and makes them available in digital form. Students can participate in museum projects and systematic research, gaining experience in working with collections and in documenting and analysing biological diversity.
Botanical Garden
Leading research topics include seed and plant exchanges with scientific institutions worldwide, studies on the biogas potential of semi-natural grasslands, and the conservation of plant genetic resources, including succulents. Particular attention is also devoted to propagating species using in vitro methods and to maintaining a vegetation data repository within the Polish Vegetation Database. Students can participate in scientific and conservation projects, gaining knowledge in applied botany, nature conservation, and plant biotechnology.
Centre for Biological Education
Leading research topics include didactics of biology and environmental education. The unit undertakes activities related to teacher training, the implementation of modern teaching methods, and collaboration with schools and educational institutions. Students have the opportunity to participate in academic projects, gaining competencies in teaching biology.
Laboratory of Microscopic Techniques
The laboratory offers services in transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal microscopy. Students have the opportunity to acquire practical skills in microscopy techniques and the analysis of biological images.
