Structure of studies

Masters programme courses

The academic year consists of two semesters — the winter semester and the summer semester — each lasting 15 weeks. Most courses are taught in a system consisting of a lecture and a problem solving session, or of a lecture and a computer lab. The courses are set within semester cycles, typically with two academic hours of lectures per week, and the same amount of problem solving sessions. Some of these lectures are a permanent departamental offering, while some are devoted to special topics. This selection changes yearly. Seminars are offered in one year cycles. There is a permanent list of masters seminars and a yearly changing list of seminars devoted to special topics. A special topic course (lecture or seminar) is only initiated if a sufficient number of students register for it. Students of informatics also work on computer projects.

Students are expected to be present at courses in which attendance is obligatory, such as problem solving sessions, laboratories, seminars. Attendance at lectures is not required, but is highly recommended.

Attendance at seminars results only in obtaining ECTS credit points. Courses consisting of lecture and problem solving sessions end with an examination. There are two rounds of examinations. The student that fails the examination during the first round has another chance to pass in the second round. A student has the right to skip the first round, but then he has only one chance at the second round. The student gains points for the course only if he succeeds in passing the examination.

The structure of masters degree programmes at MIM faculty

The Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics of the University of Warsaw (MIM in short) runs masters degree programmes in two fields: Informatics (Computer Science) and Mathematics. It offers curricula leading to a masters degree in Informatics, a master’s degree in general mathematics and masters degrees in financial mathematics, actuarial mathematics, applied mathematics and mathematical instruction. The close affinity between Mathematics and Informatics encourages concurrent studies in these fields. Students willing to face this challenge are offered a special double – degree programme which enables them to work towards two degrees: in Mathematics and in Informatics. Each student designs his/her individual study programme so that it fulfills the necessary conditions for the desired degree. The Faculty presents the students with a choice of courses and provides a set of principles which ensure that a coherent programme is formed. The choice of courses is confirmed in the registration process.

The masters programme is of two years duration. The work is centered around masters seminars — each student chooses a masters seminar and attends it for two years. Faculty members who supervise masters seminars advise students on their choice of courses, offer masters thesis topic suggestions and recommend potential masters thesis advisors. Eventually, the student presents a masters thesis and passes a masters examination. The thesis is then evaluated by the thesis advisor and by another referee. Once the thesis is accepted and evaluated, the student goes on to pass the final masters exam.