(in Polish) Pracownia magisterska: antropologia przyrodnicza WF-OB-LAP
Course Topic/Module: First Year, Semester 2
1/ Introduction to the topic of the master’s thesis; discussion of health and safety guidelines in the anthropology lab. 2 hours
2/ Discussion of the formal and substantive requirements for the master’s thesis. Discussion of the basic principles of thesis structure. 2 hours
3/ Defining the thematic scope of the thesis, selecting/formulating the topic. Defining the objectives, research problem, and selecting research methods. Preparing a thesis work plan. 6 hours
4/ Searching for and selecting the necessary literature related to the thesis topic, particularly in the context of choosing appropriate research methods. 4 hours
5/ Planning and conducting further research (including laboratory and/or fieldwork), collecting and storing the results of observations and experiments, and preliminary analysis of the collected data. 16 hours
Topic/Course Block: 2nd year, 3rd semester
1/ Conducting research, writing individual chapters of the thesis. Individual work with the student. 20 hours
2/ Statistical analysis of research results; principles of preparing and creating graphs, summaries, and tables. 4 hours
3/ Searching for and analyzing primary literature related to the thesis topic in the context of preparing the introduction and discussion. 2 hours
4/ Drafting the chapters: Methodology, Results, Bibliography—substantive and linguistic consultation. Discussion of the student’s progress. 4 hours
Course Topic/Module: 2nd year, 4th semester
1/ Work on the final version of the master’s thesis. Review and revision of individual chapters submitted to the advisor; ongoing consultation on content and language. 26 hours
2/ Presentation of the findings from the final version of the master’s thesis—concluding discussion. Preparation for the thesis defense. 4 hours
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Term 2025/26_L:
During the seminar, students prepare individual theses in the field of anthropology. The topic of the work depends on the student's preference. The works can be both theoretical reflections and based on own research. Topics include the area of primatology (including observations made at the Warsaw Zoo), skeletal and odontological anthropology. The work may relate to the area of health and nutrition of human populations. During the first classes, the general topic (problem area) of the work is established, and during subsequent classes the topic is made more specific. After the first semester, the topic of the work is approved. The student, in consultation with the supervisor, presents the individual chapters or paragraphs of the work. After checking the text, a meeting is scheduled during which the subject matter is discussed. Finally, the work is completed after the third semester. |
Term 2026/27_L:
Course Topic/Module: First Year, Semester 2 Topic/Course Block: 2nd year, 3rd semester Course Topic/Module: 2nd year, 4th semester |
(in Polish) Grupa przedmiotów ogólnouczenianych
Course coordinators
Subject level
Learning outcome code/codes
Type of subject
Preliminary Requirements
Learning outcomes
Learning Outcomes, First Year (2nd semester)
W1 Knows and understands the methodology for preparing a research paper in the natural sciences (OB2_W07). a/ defines and distinguishes between concepts relevant to the master’s thesis; b/ describes the methodology of scientific and research work in the field of biological anthropology (classes 1, 2, 3).
U1 Is able to apply the principles of scientific or project-based work, both independently and in a team (OB2_U02). The student formulates a research problem, selects research methods, and searches for and organizes scientific literature using the principles of scientific work (classes 2, 3, 4).
U2 Is able to use specialized terminology in the field of environmental protection when communicating with diverse audiences (OB2_U11). The student uses specialized terminology relevant to the topic of their master’s thesis and/or terminology in the field of environmental protection when formulating a research problem and presenting its objectives (classes 3, 5).
Learning Outcomes, Second Year (3rd Semester)
W2 Is familiar with advanced research methods in the natural sciences (OB2_W02). The student describes and explains advanced research methods relevant to the topic of their master’s thesis (classes 6, 7).
U1 Is able to apply the principles of scientific or project-based work, both independently and as part of a team (OB2_U02). The student continues the experimental or fieldwork component of the master’s thesis begun in the previous semester, during which: a/ the student conducts laboratory and/or field measurements/experiments in accordance with the established research methodology appropriate for the thesis topic, b/ the student documents the course and results of the research (classes 6, 7, 8, 9).
U3 Is able to select the appropriate methodology to solve a research or practical problem (OB2_U01). The student selects appropriate research methods, techniques, and tools within the scope of their master’s thesis, in particular: a/ selects appropriate research methods (quantitative/qualitative) and data analysis techniques, b/ applies appropriate statistical analysis of research results (classes 6, 7, 8, 9).
U4 Is able to anticipate, analyze, and assess environmental impacts within a socioeconomic context (OB2_U05). The student analyzes and assesses the impact of the studied environmental factors on human functioning and interprets their significance in a broader social and health context based on the results of conducted research (classes 7–9).
U5 Is able to obtain up-to-date and verified information on the state of the environment and to evaluate environmental information thoroughly and critically (OB2_U08). The student searches for, selects, and verifies up-to-date information on the state of the environment and evaluates it in terms of its usefulness for solving a problem in the thesis (class 8).
U6 Is able to apply the methodology for preparing and writing a scientific paper in the natural sciences (OB2_U09). The student: a/ describes and interprets the obtained results and draws conclusions from the conducted research; b/ uses specialized databases to search for scientific information; c/ organizes and documents sources/references in accordance with the rules for scientific papers; d/ edits and formats individual chapters in accordance with editorial requirements (classes 7, 8, 9).
K1 Is ready to expand and improve their professional skills (OB2_K07). The student develops their professional competencies by independently deepening their knowledge and refining their research skills (classes 6, 7, 9).
K2 Is prepared to ensure the accuracy and reliability of their work (OB2_K09). The student ensures the accuracy and reliability of their work by properly citing sources, avoiding plagiarism, and critically evaluating academic literature (classes 6, 7, 8, 9).
Learning Outcomes, Second Year (4th Semester)
W3 Knows and understands the role and significance of environmental strategies and policies in socio-economic life (OB2_W15). The student relates research findings to a broader environmental and socio-economic context, including—where appropriate—environmental strategies and policies or guidelines regarding health and environmental protection.
W4 Knows and understands the principles of industrial property protection and copyright (OB2_W18). The student applies the principles of industrial property protection and copyright in the preparation of the master’s thesis, particularly with regard to the use of sources, data, and research findings (classes 10, 11).
U7 Is able to prepare a report and guidelines for expert opinions based on collected data (OB2_U03). The student formulates conclusions and recommendations relevant to the topic of the master’s thesis based on the results and collected data (classes 10, 11).
U8 Is able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of standard measures taken to address existing environmental problems (OB2_U07). The student identifies and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of measures taken to address environmental problems in the context of the master’s thesis (classes 10, 11).
K3 Is prepared to critically evaluate their knowledge, including recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of their skills, attitudes, and actions (OB2_K01). The student critically evaluates their own knowledge and recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of their actions during the process of completing their master’s thesis.
K4 Is prepared to recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems and to seek expert advice when encountering difficulties in solving problems independently (OB2_K02). The student applies knowledge to solve problems in the master’s thesis and seeks expert advice (from the advisor) during the completion of the master’s thesis.
K5 Is willing to develop an awareness of the need for environmental safety (OB2_K08). The student takes environmental safety aspects into account when interpreting the results of the master’s thesis.
Assessment criteria
The final grade takes into account the extent to which learning outcomes have been achieved in the areas of: knowledge (methodological accuracy), skills (conducting research, analyzing data, preparing a thesis), and social competencies (independence, integrity, and responsibility for the quality of academic work).
The final grade may be raised if the student presents the prepared material at a conference (e.g., a student conference). It is possible to prepare the master’s thesis as a scientific article—this option is discussed with the interested student during the seminar.
SEMESTER 2
Requirement for passing: development and approval of the master’s thesis concept (outline) and formal approval of the thesis topic.
Grading criteria:
5.0 (very good)
• correctly formulated research problem and objectives (U1)
• appropriate selection of research methods (U1, W1)
• ability to utilize the literature (U1, U2)
• correct use of scientific terminology (U2)
• adherence to the principles of scientific research methodology (W1)
4.0 (good)
• research problem and objectives correctly formulated, but with minor shortcomings
• partially appropriate selection of methods
• correct but unsystematic use of the literature
• minor terminological errors
3.0 (satisfactory)
• vague research problem
• partially inappropriate selection of methods
• limited use of the literature
• numerous terminological errors
2.0 (unsatisfactory)
• lack of a correctly formulated research problem
• lack of an outline or inappropriate selection of methods
• lack of work with the literature
SEMESTER 3
Requirements for passing: the ability to conduct research independently and to prepare the individual chapters of the thesis on time.
Grading criteria:
5.0 (very good)
• independent and proper conduct of research (U1/U2)
• appropriate selection of methods and analytical tools (U3)
• correct analysis and interpretation of results (U4)
• correct drafting of chapters (Methodology, Results) (U6)
• systematic approach and high quality of work (K1)
• scientific integrity (citation, data) (K2)
4.0 (good)
• conducting research with minimal assistance from the advisor
• correct but partially superficial analysis of results
• minor methodological or editorial errors
• moderate consistency
3.0 (satisfactory)
• limited independence in conducting research
• partial errors in the analysis of results
• incomplete chapters
• irregular progress
2.0 (unsatisfactory)
• failure to conduct research or serious methodological errors
• failure to analyze results
• lack of progress
SEMESTER 4
Requirement for passing: submission of a complete master’s thesis prepared for defense
Grading criteria:
5.0 (very good)
• correct and consistent interpretation of results (U7, U8)
• Accurate conclusions and recommendations (U7)
• Critical analysis of the results and literature (K3)
• Formal and editorial correctness of the thesis (U6, W5)
• compliance with copyright laws (W5, K2)
• complete independence and high quality of the thesis
4.0 (good)
• correct conclusions, but less in-depth interpretation
• minor errors in the analysis or structure of the thesis
• correct editing of the thesis
3.0 (satisfactory)
• superficial interpretation of the results
• poorly justified conclusions
• numerous formal or editorial errors
2.0 (unsatisfactory)
• did not submit a complete paper
Bibliography
The recommended reading list depends on the topic of the master’s thesis. The instructor may provide students with a list of recommended readings.
Weiner, J. 2009. Techniques for Writing and Presenting Scientific Papers in the Natural Sciences. PWN, Warsaw.
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Term 2025/26_Z:
Literature is provided depending on the subject of the thesis writing undertaken. |
Term 2025/26_L:
Literature is provided depending on the subject of the thesis writing undertaken. |
Term 2026/27_Z:
Literature is provided depending on the subject of the thesis writing undertaken. |
Term 2026/27_L:
Literature is provided depending on the subject of the thesis writing undertaken. |
Notes
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Term 2025/26_Z:
Students from the specialization “Environmental Monitoring.” |
Term 2025/26_L:
Students from the specialization “Environmental Monitoring.” |
Term 2026/27_Z:
Students from the specialization “Environmental Monitoring.” |
Term 2026/27_L:
Students from the specialization “Environmental Monitoring.” |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: