The faculty was established in 2003, following the division of the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science. It comprises the Astronomical Observatory, the Institute of Physics and two computer science sections.

It offers courses in physics, biophysics, astronomy and applied computer science as well as interdisciplinary studies in mathematics and biology, taught in collaboration with the Faculty of Chemistry and the Faculty of Biology and Earth Science, and in advance materials and nanotechnology, taught in collaboration with the Faculty of Chemistry. Apart from running BA and MA studies, the Faculty runs PhD studies in physics, astronomy and computer science (the latter taught in collaboration with the Institute of Fundamental Technological Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences) and postgraduate studies in science journalism and information society.