Agh University of Science and Technology

Agh University of Science and Technology

3 Dear Readers, The handbook you are reading has been designed to provide information about the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow. I hope that it will explain the main activity areas of the university, which I have an honour to lead. It is a unique place where students gain knowledge and skills thanks to which they can actively and successfully begin their professional careers. It is also a place where employees develop their scientific and research passions, which can be shared with young people who are open to new challenges. Conducting research at a high, world level makes the education received at AGH UST unique. We believe in innovativeness and the development of modern technologies which can be applied to many branches of industry, as well as in everyday life. Modern educational facilities and laboratories, safe university campus located in close proximity to student halls of residence, and an exceptional city all these create conditions where everyone can find a place for their time of study, as well as for the rest of their life. Repeatedly high positions in the rankings of universities organised by the Academic Foundation of Perspektywy and the daily Rzeczpospolita, as well as top scores awarded to university faculties and departments in the parametric evaluation of research units run by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education attest to our potential. It is worthwhile to emphasize the fact that according to a recent survey 80% of the university graduates find employment immediately after leaving university, and what is more important, this employment is in line with received education. It is a great success, especially in the times of economic crisis. Enjoy the reading! I hope the information you will find in this handbook will be helpful, and it will bring us closer to a meeting at our university. Professor Tadeusz Słomka Rector of the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow

4 Table of contents Authorities of Agh University of Science and Technology in the years 2012 2016...6 Mission of the university...7 History of the university...8 About the university...10 AGH UST graduates...13 AGH UST graduates on labour market...15 Studies at AGH UST...19 Research...29 National and international collaboration...33 Achievements...35 Investments...39 AGH UST campus...42 AGH UST is committed to sport...45 AGH UST university friendly to disabled students...47 AGH UST supports young researchers and entrepreneurs...48 Student life...50 Faculty of Mining and Geoengineering...53 Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science...54 Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering...55 Faculty of Computer Science, Electronics and Telecommunications...56 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics...57 Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection...58 Faculty of Mining Surveying and Environmental Engineering...59 Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics...60 Faculty of Foundry Engineering...61 Faculty of Non-Ferrous Metals...62 Faculty of Drilling, Oil and Gas...63 Faculty of Management...64 Faculty of Energy and Fuels...65 Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science...66 Faculty of Applied Mathematics...67 Faculty of Humanities...68 Contact information...72

6 Authorities of Agh University of Science and Technology in the years 2012 2016 Rector Professor Tadeusz Słomka Vice-Rector for Science Professor Zbigniew Kąkol Vice-Rector for Cooperation Professor Tomasz Szmuc Vice-Rector for Student Affairs Professor Anna Siwik Vice-Rector for Education Professor Andrzej Tytko Vice-Rector for General Affairs Professor Mirosław Karbowniczek

Mission of the university The AGH University of Science and Technology, established on 20 th October, 1919, until 1949 known as the Academy of Mining, founded after long-lasting endeavours which had started in 1782, the date when the Ore Commission was established, has been continuing the traditions of the Academy of Mining in Kielce (1816 1827), inaugurated by Stanisław Staszic. The university, being a technical school, serves science and industry through educating students, the development of academic staff, as well as research and development. The university cherishes its traditions and educates students to be honest and responsible people both at work and as the members of the society, according to its motto: Labore creata, labori et scientiae servio. From the Statute of AGH UST

8 History of the university The history of AGH UST began in 1912, when a group of eminent mining engineers and activists, led by Jan Zarański, started an initiative to establish the Academy of Mining in Krakow. The endeavours were successful, and in 1913 the Ministry of Public Work in Vienna appointed the Organizing Committee, chaired by Professor Józef Morozewicz. By force of the Supreme Order issued by Emperor Francis Joseph on 31 st May, 1913, the Academy of Mining was established in Krakow. World War I prevented the Academy from beginning its activity in 1914. But as soon as the war was over and Poland regained its independence in 1918, the Committee recommenced its work, and on 8 th April, 1919, the Polish Government brought the Academy of Mining into being. The Head of the State, Józef Piłsudski, nominated its first professors on 1 st May, 1919, and on 20 th October, 1919, he inaugurated the Academy of Mining in the hall of the Jagiellonian University. On 15 th June, 1923, the cornerstone for the future university building was laid. Two years later, the project of the Academy emblem (to be seen in the AGH UST History Museum) signed B.T. Bogdan Treter was created. It is believed that the emblem was approved by the General Assembly of Professors. Soon the school reached a very high educational standard, becoming one of the best European mining schools. Some of the Academy professors achieved results of great importance for science. Since the beginning, the Academy collaborated closely with the Polish industry and economy. The outbreak of World War II stopped the Academy s activity. Between 1939 1945 the main building was occupied by the German General Government. The Academy s buildings were devastated and plundered. Thanks to the staff, a part of the library was saved. The Academy acted in conspiracy and the authorities were trying to create a provisional underground teaching base. At the beginning of 1945, the Academy was the only technical school in Poland which was able to operate. It actively supported the post-war development of Polish technical universities. The Academy played a major role in establishing the Technical University in Kraków (the main part was the Polytechnic Faculty of the Academy of Mining until 1954), the Silesian Polytechnic, (23 Academy graduates were professors there), and the Technical University of Częstochowa. The Academy supported the reconstruction of the Technical University in Warsaw, and the organisation of the Technical Universities in Wrocław and Gdańsk. In 1947, the authorities decided to rename the Academy (it was officially approved two years later), and henceforth it has been known as the Academy of Mining and Metallurgy. In 1969, the year of the jubilee, the university, having ten faculties at the time, was given its colours and the name the Stanisław Staszic University of Mining and Metallurgy. Also, the structure based on institutes was created.

Many generations of miners endeavoured to establish a mining university in Poland. Yet their efforts continued without success until almost 100 years ago, when the Mining Academy was established in Krakow. The new university continued the traditions of the Academy of Mining in Kielce (the Mining Academic School), established by Stanisław Staszic in 1816, whose programme was partly modelled after the Freiberg Mining Academy.

10 About the university AGH UST is one of the best and most renowned modern Polish universities. For many years it has been ranked at the top of the list of institutions of higher education. AGH UST is a leading Polish university in modern technologies, and belongs to a group of prestigious international educational centres. Our long and rich traditions the university is almost 100 years old also influence our popularity. Throughout the years, the university has educated engineers needed by the Polish industry. Our school has other advantages, too, namely, an ideal location in the most beautiful Polish city Krakow, its own campus with excellent facilities for 9,000 students, conveniently located for the university buildings, modern research base with laboratories and the latest equipment, collaboration with other universities in Poland and abroad, facilities for people with disabilities, and an excellent atmosphere of study, which cannot be found anywhere else. Students receive education in 54 disciplines and more than 200 specializations. The variety of disciplines offered is worth noting. Apart from the traditional faculties, closely connected with mining and metallurgy, there are faculties dealing with computer science, telecommunications, automatics, robotics, new materials, technical physics, applied mathematics, as well as management and social sciences. New disciplines include Culture Studies, Geophysics, Oil and Gas Engineering, Medical Physics, Acoustic Engineering. New specializations are offered within the domain of traditional disciplines, for example, Mathematics for Finance at the Faculty of Applied Mathematics. Presently, the university employs more than 2,000 research workers, of which about 550 have the status of independent researchers. More than 2,500 research projects (both domestic and foreign) are currently being conducted. AGH UST also participates in many educational projects. We have signed 200 general agreements with foreign partners in Europe, both Americas, and Asia. Every year, 1,400 foreign educational trips take place. At home, we have signed collaboration agreements with about 300 industrial companies, including large multinational corporations. The agreements concern scientific, research and educational collaboration. Our diploma really opens the doors of the best firms and companies, both in Poland and abroad. Our graduates fully deserve the good opinion of their employers. At 16 faculties there are over 35,500 students at fulltime and part-time courses. The university also runs doctoral studies (nearly 900 students) and postgraduate programmes (nearly 3,000 students).

The AGH University of Science and Technology is a special place of unique atmosphere and 100 years of colourful history; it is a place of ideas, successes and friendships for life.

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13 AGH UST graduates The university has so far educated 170,000 engineers and Masters of Engineering, providing our economy with competent staff. Education acquired at our university is highly valued by employers both in Poland and abroad. The brilliant careers of numerous AGH UST graduates who hold all kinds of public positions, including, in many cases, top-level positions constitute a highly visible, practical proof of the quality and usefulness of the knowledge that they acquired at AGH UST. Graduates of the AGH University of Science and Technology possess high qualifications that enable them to take up jobs in many branches of industry, and also to successfully hold positions at any level of central administration. During their studies, they also acquire knowledge and skills that they may later use to establish businesses of their own. Among the alumni of the university there are presidents of large international corporations, individuals holding public positions (ministers, local authorities, mayors), and also some well-known artists, including Wiesław Ochman the most famous Polish tenor. Ochman is proud of his education and knowledge gained at AGH UST which, he says, taught him discipline and helped him to solve technical problems with general household appliances. Many of our graduates fulfil their aims and ambitions in large corporations and companies, both in Poland and around the world. Above all, they value education acquired at the university, and the practical aspects of knowledge taught here. Many university teachers have rich professional experience in industrial plants. Students have an opportunity to serve apprenticeships and internships in a number of recognised companies, which helps them to get a good start to their professional life. Many of them start employment during their studies. Graduates of the university appreciate their time spent here. They stress the open and friendly attitude of the academic and administrative personnel, a very good social life and, above all, the unique atmosphere of study, which is supplemented by various forms of recreation, such as balls, hiking tours, local sports competitions, tournaments, and others. It is here, at our university, where life-long friendships are born. AGH UST graduates are also known for their kindness; they provide support to one another in all sorts of life situations. They also support their former university in various ways, most often by entering into collaboration as representatives of large companies, which mainly consists of the implementation of new technologies, as well as organising student apprenticeships and funding scholarships for the most talented young people.

According to the employers, in the application documents, AGH UST graduates make a fair declaration, though on many occasions they undervalue their qualifications compared to the graduates of other universities; they successfully pass knowledge tests and possess high practical skills; they are flexible and have no difficulty in adjusting to changes; they are highly intelligent, analytical, and learn quickly; they are independent, cope well with stress, and can work well under pressure; they are not excessively demanding, but get involved quickly and appreciate the stability of employment; they are creative and show initiative, and in contact with their colleagues they show really good manners.

15 AGH UST graduates on labour market As soon as in the interwar period, the needs of the labour market had a direct influence on the scope and programme of education. However, in the last twenty years, when studying has changed from an exclusive to a mass activity, the factor of securing employment has started to play an important role, and a university diploma no longer guarantees finding a job. Therefore, the degree of competitiveness of university graduates on the labour market naturally verifies the system of education. An indispensable element of its effectiveness is the forecasting ability and a flexible form of programmes of studies which takes into account three elements: the profile and scope of education, students expectations, and employers requirements. The system which has been worked out and initiated by the AGH University of Science and Technology allows to adjust the educational programme to the actual needs of the economy while maintaining professional standards. It fulfils all the above criteria, and is a resultant of organisational, educational, market, and economic structures. One of the methods encompasses forecasting the demand for particular specialists and professions several years ahead, thanks to which the university can react in a flexible way, and according to the changes of the labour market. The university hosts the Assembly and Community Council composed of the representatives of universities and several dozen key enterprises and business entities. Within the framework of the structures mentioned above, it is planned to create new branches of studies and specializations, as well as to make changes or modifications to the existing programmes of studies. Furthermore, in collaboration with industry, AGH UST has signed nearly 300 agreements with enterprises, which ensures a smooth flow of students and graduates to the labour market (scholarships, internships, professional training, positions in companies). Regular meetings with the representatives of industry have become a tradition; they serve to share experiences and ideas, as well as to verify the current educational process in relation to the contemporary needs of employers. The university also takes soundings, as well as runs quality and quantity checks on employment prospects in the context of the most required professional qualifications, the knowledge of foreign languages, and other skills appearing on the demand list. In the 2010 survey, the questionnaire was answered by 267 employers from all over Poland, and the selection of companies represented all specialization and branches of studies at AGH UST. For employers, the main criterion for accepting graduates of technical and exact sciences specializations is education and training in a particular field (94.8%). In the employers opinion, flexibility and adaptation to changes is more possible if the base of a candidate for a job, i.e. their starting knowledge, is more solid (opinion based on the survey). The second factor is the knowledge of foreign languages (90.6%), and the third indicator is motivation (77.5%). In the recruitment process of graduates of technical universities, the employers broaden their expectations, and the candidate s required profile is a resultant of most of the listed requirements. The survey among employers also took into account the recruitment plans of companies up to the year 2013, which encompass the employment of AGH UST graduates representing all specializations and fields of study. Both for employers (60.7%) and graduates (61.1%), a legitimate quality is the prestige and reputation of the university. Employers appreciate the fact that AGH UST graduates possess knowledge at an adequately high level.

16 For graduates, it is a feeling of security on the labour market, as well as personal satisfaction which follows from the fact of holding an AGH UST diploma. Another method of evaluating and verifying the educational programme with respect to market demands is monitoring the professional careers of university graduates. Monitoring professional careers of the graduates of the AGH University of Science and Technology for many years was very selective. Depending on the faculty, it was conducted at different time intervals, and with the use of different methods. In 2008, the university began standardizing the process of monitoring professional careers of full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students. The AGH University of Science and Technology, as the only university in Poland, has accepted a policy that the time interval counted from the moment of finishing studies to completing the questionnaires by the graduates does not exceed six months (at the other universities, the survey is conducted one year or several years after completing studies). This relatively short time of conducting examination by AGH UST aims at a thorough diagnosis of the graduates employment situation in relation to the education received at the university not long after leaving it. The survey encompassing full-time postgraduate students, class of 2012, was completed by 2,586 respondents, which constituted 82.0% of all AGH UST graduates (3,156). 84.2% of the graduates took up a job or continued to further studies. 73.2% were offered a contract of employment, and 5.4% started their own business activity. The main reason for employing graduates of technical and exact sciences specializations was the completed field of study (63.3%), followed by the ability to use programming tools/programming languages (47.6%), candidates motivation (46.7%), and knowledge gained during the course of studies (46.4%). In the case of the Faculty of Humanities, the decisive factor was interpersonal skills (67.5%). Among the working respondents, 25.6% did not look for a job as employment was offered to them, and 52.2% received more than one offer of employment, which gave them an advantage to choose between the jobs. The analysis shows that while choosing a place of work or a position in a company, the most important aspect for 63.8% of AGH UST graduates is the opportunity for professional development; this marks high ambitions of AGH UST graduates, and additionally, determines them to look for a job in line with received education. The salary came second in this ranking (47.5%), and 7.6% of working respondents were offered salaries of gross income above PLN 5,000 per month. Graduates who completed their studies in 2012 have been employed by over 809 companies located all over Poland, as well as abroad. 67.8% of the respondents took up employment in the Małopolska region, of which 52.3% in Krakow, while 25.4% found employment in all the other regions of Poland. 6.8% of the university graduates obtained employment abroad in line with their education. 6.5% (169) of the graduates have tied their professional careers to scientific research by means of taking up doctoral studies, of which 15 individuals have undertaken doctoral programmes at prestigious universities abroad (for example, in France, Germany, Sweden, England, Austria, the Netherlands, and China). The conducted analysis confirms that the position of an AGH UST graduate on the labour market is stable, and creates a high probability of employment, and in consequence, a good chance for adequate professional development. It is a result of the consistent realization of the university s educational policy and the programme of education based on the actual needs of the economy. Undoubtedly, for an AGH UST graduate the starting capital and the necessary condition for the accomplishment of professional ambitions is knowledge, the completed field of study, as well as the level and scope of education that keeps up with the demands of the labour market, which has been proved by the conducted research and published rankings.

The consistency between employment and education (80%) is a result which clearly shows the educational potential of the university; it is a measurement of the quality of education. First and foremost, it is the employment being in line with the completed specialization which is the most important indicator proving that the educational programme of the university is well adjusted to the demands of the market.

Education at AGH UST is closely connected with research. We actively involve students to take part in current research projects. We believe in innovativeness and cooperation in the area of the exchange of technologies; we collaborate with renowned Polish and international companies, which highly appreciate our graduates.

19 Studies at AGH UST Today, AGH UST educates 39,000 students. Due to our rich educational offer (54 different fields of study, and over 200 specializations) the number of candidates applying to our university increases every year in spite of the current demographic decline. There are, however, many more reasons: huge academic potential, prestige among employers, close relations with the industry and business world, apprenticeship and internship opportunities, a modern educational and academic base, as well as attractive social conditions and opportunities for developing interests (student special interest groups, student organizations, the Academic Sports Association). Apart from the above, one of the fundamental factors encouraging young people to begin studies at AGH UST is the legendary and unique atmosphere of the university campus. Both the university authorities and teachers treat their students as partners, and the AGH UST authorities make multimillion investments in infrastructure (including the construction of a modern swimming pool and sports halls); consequently, students of the largest technical university in Poland constitute an extremely integrated and committed environment. It cannot go unnoticed that, in accordance with its mission, the university places a great emphasis on the quality of education. Educating the elite of our nation s engineers is a great challenge, and can be met only by applying maximum knowledge and a fully professional attitude to the educational process. Thanks to the optimum utilization of subsidies from the EU Structural Funds, and permanent cooperation with global economic giants, we have the necessary funds and the intellectual potential required to improve the quality of education at AGH UST. New branches of studies, such as Computational Engineering, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Chemistry of Building Materials, and Ecological Sources of Energy, in combination with unique faculties (Faculty of Foundry Engineering, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, Faculty of Drilling, Oil and Gas) provide an offer from which every secondary school graduate can choose a prospective field of study for themselves. Whether they decide to study Applied Mathematics, Environmental Engineering, Technical Physics, or Automatics and Robotics, they can be sure of one thing it will be the first-class education. One of the key mottos of our university is: AGH UST the university that gets you a job ; it is clearly illustrated by the contemporary market reality. The fact is that students and graduates of the AGH University of Science of Technology are often competed for by employers who offer them excellent conditions of employment. A number of business giants, such as ArcelorMittal, CEMEX, Cisco, Comarch, Grupa LOTOS, IBM, KGHM, Lafarge, Motorola Solutions, RWE, Siemens, Valeo, very often offer attractive internships to our students in their 3 rd or 4 th year of studies. AGH UST is a strong brand, with which its staff, students and graduates are keen to identify. Our graduates are recognised as professionals both in Poland and around the world. The AGH University of Science and Technology is one of the best technical universities in Poland, educating engineers who are so much in demand on the labour market. The knowledge offered by our academic staff is supported by the latest research, which is subsequently applied in different branches of industry. The specialist knowledge which can be gained during the course of studies requires a solid base, in the first place a good understanding of the so-called fundamental subjects, i.e. mathematics, physics, and chemistry. This is a reason why for many years AGH UST has been undertaking steps aiming at the improvement of the knowledge of these subjects, both by candidates for the university, as well as current university students (for example, the Foundation Year Programme, preparatory courses, remedial courses).

20 Our ambition is to provide attractive and modern education. We have been improving the quality of education for many years. One of the elements of the AGH UST employees appraisal system are anonymous questionnaires completed by students. All activities which aim at maintaining high standards of the educational process at AGH UST are coordinated by the University Board for Quality of Education. A great deal of effort put into the improvement of the University System for Ensuring the Quality of Education, as well as preparing education programmes in respect of the National Qualifications Framework brought success in the form of awards in the 2012 competition organised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education for the subsidisation of the fundamental organisational units of universities within the scope of the implementation of systems for the improvement of the quality of education, as well as the National Qualifications Framework. Four AGH UST faculties were distinguished by the Competition Jury for the development of the best education programmes in line with the National Qualifications Framework, as well as the implementation of the most advanced systems serving the improvement of the quality of education. A high evaluation of the educational activity of the university is reflected in the official reports of the Polish Accreditation Committee. It is worth emphasizing that in the course of the recent years all the fields of studies at AGH UST have received positive evaluation of the Polish Accreditation Committee, and some have also been distinguished. Additionally, all AGH UST faculties were awarded top scores in the parametric evaluation of research units run by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, whose results were published in October 2013. The university enables its students to gain education at the highest level, acknowledged all over the world. This aim is fulfilled by the following steps: intensified learning of foreign languages, integrated studies with a double diploma (of AGH UST and a university abroad), a possibility of taking part in practical training in another country, individual tailoring of syllabuses, and the continuous updating of the contents and methodology of the syllabuses (for instance, virtual education), as well as an improved learning / teaching base and social facilities. Furthermore, during the course of studies at AGH UST students can also obtain teaching qualifications. Caring about the competitiveness of our educational offer on the international educational market we develop teaching in English. In the recent years we have increased the number of courses and fields of study at which education is provided in English. Currently, education in English is offered at 20 fields of study (1 st and 2 nd cycle of studies). Moreover, the university hosts the University Base of Courses in English. The base encompasses several dozen courses which are available to all AGH UST students each semester. The classes are held exclusively in English, and students can agree with the Deans of their faculties to include the courses in their plans of studies. The programme is also intended as an educational offer for all students coming to AGH UST within the framework of various international exchanges programmes. The AGH University of Science and Technology offers studies at three levels (cycles) of education: À À1 st cycle (6-7 semesters) leads to awarding a bachelor s degree, À2 À nd cycle (3-4 semesters) leads to awarding a master s degree, À3 À rd cycle doctoral studies prepares students to teach and conduct independent research, and leads to awarding a doctor s degree.