New specializations have been established at the second-cycle degree studies major of Chemical and Process Engineering. What will the students of these specializations learn? This is the topic of our interview with Prof. Anna Trusek-Hołownia from the Wrocław University of Technology Faculty of Chemistry.
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Are the new specializations at the Faculty of Chemistry a response to the requirements of the market?
In fact, we started our activity to establish the new specializations, attractive for the students and the employees, already in February last year. So far, the Chemical and Process Engineering major offered only one, very general specialization: Chemical Engineering. On the initiative of the Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry, the offer has been significantly extended.
Did you consult it with potential employers?
First, we made surveys among first-cycle degree students to determine their expectations. We also reached future employers with the help of assistant professors and research assistants affiliated to the Chemical and Process Engineering major. We asked them what knowledge and skills they expect from the graduates they are to hire. We analyzed the study programmes at other technical universities in Poland, as well as abroad (in France, England, and Germany). This allowed us to offer students specializations complying with the latest trends in chemical engineering, which uses elements of the classical chemical engineering but also intermingles with materials science, biological engineering, chemical technology, power engineering, environment protection, etc.
Among the novelties there is also a major conducted in English
It has been established mainly with international students in mind. For holders of the Karta Polaka (Polish Charter) the studies are free of charge. This offer should be attractive especially for Poles living in the East. Nonetheless, also Polish students willing to learn technical English may study at this major. Content-wise, it combines the most significant issues of both the Polish language specializations. As in Poland, in many countries first-cycle degree graduates – also at technical universities – receive the Bachelor degree. With such students in mind we will also offer four-semester second-cycle degree studies that will commence on 1 October 2014.
Winter admission has already started. Are there many candidates for the new specializations?
Yes, there is interest. Especially among the graduates of first-cycle degree studies of our major. Nevertheless, I expect that the offer will also attract students of other majors conducted at our Faculty, as well as students of related majors from other faculties or universities. We strive to reach as wide group of candidates as possible with our offer.
Interview by Iwona Szajner, Translation by Dariusz Więcławski
More information about the new specializations at the Faculty of Chemistry [here].
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