Chair of Biosystematics

Chair of Biosystematics conducts research in zoology, botany, paleobiology and ecology. Its world research successes are possible thanks to a lively cooperation with many scientific institutions resulting in numerous publications, scientific promotions, grants, participation in conferences and organising them, placements abroad, and scientific expeditions. Staff members conduct, among others, research excavations in Krasiejów, one of the most important paleontological excavation sites in the world. The Chair is participating in the establishing of the Agro-Training and Research Centre of Opole University in Prószków. Its scientists continue to describe newly discovered breeds of insects and plants, develop new research methods, which are used all over the world.

Research areas:

systematics and phylogenesis of Heterotera;
review of chosen genera of Ephydridae (Diptera) family;
avifauna and chiropterofauna;
flora of anthropogenic habitats;
mechanisms of restructuring of vascular cambium cell system;
ecological research on pine forest lichen;
the size and accessibility of nest sites as reason for polydomy of Temnothorax ants;
flora of fish breeding ponds and their role in preserving biodiversity;
biodiversity and morphological changeability of invertebrates and vertebrates from the Triassic and Cretaceous periods;
biodiversity and history of flora and lichen of Eurasia;
relationship of chosen insect groups with the use of molecular phylogenetics;

Study programmes:

Biology was founded at the University of Opole in 1997. Since then this field of studies has been developing intensely giving students enormous possibilities to pursue their interests in natural science. We conduct studies on all three levels. Modern research base and young scientists guarantee good atmosphere for studying and possibilities for gaining practical skills. One of the great opportunities for obtaining knowledge is to take part in scientific camps organised annually by the Chair of Biosystematics. We organise summer entomological and excavation camps in Krasiejów, one of the most precious paleontological sites in the world. Students regularly participate in scientific conferences and seminars, both national and international.

Future Careers

Graduates have broad knowledge of biology and environmental protection. They can conduct field research and work in their speciality working in laboratories and research institutes.

The study syllabus includes courses from the field of biology, such as: botany, zoology, ecology of plants and animals, microbiology, human anatomy, genetics, physiology of plants, evolutionism, cell biology, interdisciplinary like biotechnology; chemistry, e.g. chemistry and biochemistry; environmental protection, mathematical and physical sciences like mathematics, statistics, modelling of natural phenomena and physics.

Graduates can work in: