FAQ

We welcome students of both Biology and Biotechnology. It is highly recommended that you complete the “Animal developmental biology” course before joining us. For those pursuing their degree projects, we require that you complete the elective course “Animal embryos and embryonic stem cells” during your first semester in the lab to acquire essential practical skills. We also strongly recommend that our MSc students pass the “Animals in scientific research” course.

“Animal developmental biology” is highly recommended but not mandatory for completing your thesis at the Department of Embryology. We understand that Biotechnology students or those from other universities may not have taken this course, so its absence will not disqualify you.

Both MSc and BSc theses carried out at the Department are typically hands-on, practical projects (though we also offer literature-based BSc projects). Our research focuses on the broad field of reproductive and developmental biology, ranging from gametogenesis to post-implantation embryonic development, and specific topics vary depending on the supervisor. Here you’ll find the currently available Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis topics.

We recruit students planning to do their BSc or MSc thesis in the upcoming academic year during the spring. We typically host an Open Day in May, where our faculty members present their research topics. For MSc students, we usually announce open positions again in September. We highly recommend checking the “Currently Available Bachelor and Master Theses” tab, keeping an eye on our latest news posts, or reaching out directly via email to specific faculty members if needed.

Experiments conducted in the Department usually involve working with laboratory animals. Students will learn how to isolate biological material (oocytes, sperm, embryos) from the mouse reproductive system and manipulate it using a mouth pipette under a stereomicroscope. This mouth pipette is used to transfer oocytes and embryos, for instance, between culture media. Prior to tissue isolation, it is often necessary to administer hormones to the mice at specific times, which requires strict schedule coordination with the supervisor. Depending on the experiment, certain procedures must be carried out early in the morning, in the evening, or on weekends. It is advisable to settle these scheduling details with your supervisor in advance. The range of techniques used varies depending on the project.

Usually from a day or two to a few days – it depends on the developmental stage being studied, the culture duration, and the techniques used. Much of this time is spent waiting, e.g., for an oocyte or embryo to reach the right stage in culture, which doesn’t require being present in the lab. However, every experiment includes periods of intense lab work (usually several hours at a time) where attendance is mandatory. What’s more, you often need to be in the lab at a very specific time to “catch” the embryo or oocyte at a precise stage of development. But don’t worry, with the help of your supervisor, the experiment can be planned around your university schedule and any job you might have.

In our experiments, it is usually necessary to isolate biological material from a euthanized laboratory animal (mouse). Every experiment requires approval from the Local Ethics Committee, and anyone performing experimental procedures, such as administering hormone injections, must undergo training and obtain a special permit. Until a student holds a permit for such work, they deal exclusively with animals that have already been euthanized. Certificates for participating in and performing procedures can be obtained upon completing the “Animals in scientific research” course.

Experimental work with oocytes and embryos requires mastering techniques that are quite manually demanding. Students can learn them during the elective course “Embryos and Embryonic Stem Cells in Animals,” which is held in the winter semester. Participating in this elective provides excellent hands-on training for students – they get to learn a wide range of techniques without the stress of messing up an experiment that is crucial to their project. After such an introduction, they can smoothly transition to their own experiments in the summer semester. The scope of the bachelor’s thesis projects is designed specifically to be completed within a single semester.

The best approach is to contact them directly via e-mail. Even if they are unable to take on the role of supervisor, they will certainly suggest another academic advisor. If you don’t have such specific plans, we invite you to check out the current list of BSc and MSc thesis topics.

By completing a practical thesis in our Department, you will acquire skills that are highly valued by fertility clinics. Working with human embryos is in many ways similar to working with mouse embryos. When applying for a job, be sure to highlight the experience you gained in the Department. Once working at a clinic, you will need to continue your training to obtain the relevant certifications—either European (ESHRE Clinical Embryologist) or Polish (PTMRiE Clinical Embryologist). To earn a certificate, you must pass an exam and have several years of experience working in a lab under the supervision of certified clinical embryologists.