What will you learn?

The goal of studies is to prepare highly-qualified specialists for further working in the field of biochemistry. The student will get necessary theoretical background and skills to realize his/her own research project in a research group under the guidance of a supervisor. Modern instrumentation and experienced personnel at the Department of Biochemistry create unique opportunities for student to be involved in numerous research activities concerning metabolic and regulatory processes in bacteria, fungi and higher plants as well as various biochemical aspects of human pathogenesis. The research covers a wide spectrum of biological levels from whole organisms to tissues, cells and individual proteins. The palette of possibilities is broadened through long-term cooperation with several research institutions at home and abroad. Biochemistry is marked by its open and interdisciplinary character, the classical biochemical approaches being frequently combined with methodology from other disciplines such as microbiology, molecular biology, informatics, and biophysics. This increases graduates’ adaptability and their ability to apply acquired skills in working life.

Career opportunities

Graduates a doctoral degree program may continue their academic career at universities and research institutions both in the Czech Republic and abroad. They will be qualified for team member and leadership positions in scientific research and development at private firms and biochemical laboratories at a broad range of institutions specializing in human or veterinary medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biotechnology. The professional specialization of the graduates is also compatible with further work in the field of environmental protection and with environmental movements and initiatives.

Admission requirements

Admission procedure
Graduates of a master's degree in the same or a related field of study are admitted to the doctoral programme in biochemistry. Previous work experience is not a prerequisite for admission. Applicants should demonstrate the prerequisites for creative work in the field based on their thesis or their own publications. In addition, he/she should have an active knowledge of general biochemistry (structure and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids) and preparative and analytical biochemistry (procedures for the isolation of proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids and low molecular weight substances, basic principles and applications of optical, chromatographic, electromigration, electrochemical and immunochemical methods). The ability to communicate in English at the level of understanding a popular science article, writing a short English summary and general discussion on topics related primarily to one's CV, university and research activities is required. The admission procedure includes the proposal of a supervisor (from a list of experts pre-approved by the Faculty of Science and appointed by the Dean) and a framework study plan. The selection of candidates is carried out by a committee appointed by the Dean of the Faculty.More information about admission process for international applicants in general can be found here.

Date of the entrance exam
The applicants will receive information about the entrance exam by e-mail usually at least 10 days before the exam.
Please, always check your e-mails, including spam folders.

Conditions of admission
Candidates are scored according to their knowledge of biochemistry (maximum 100 points) and English (maximum 100 points). To be accepted, they have to earn at least 50 points in each category.
Successful applicants are informed of their acceptance by e-mail and subsequently receive an invitation to the enrolment.

Programme capacity
The capacity of a given programme is not fixed; students are admitted based on a decision by the Doctoral Board after assessing their aptitude for study and motivation.