Branch programme/details

The objective of studies in the study programme of Biochemistry and pathobiochemistry is preparation of the student for autonomous scientific explanation of molecular principles of life processes in the human organism, their direction and molecular mechanisms of their disorders. Biochemistry and pathobiochemistry is concerned with the issues of biomacromolecules, i.e. proteins and enzymes, polysaccharides, lipoproteins and nucleic acids, as well as their component units and other important low molecular weight substances in living systems (amino acids, peptides, saccharides, lipids, steroids). The objective of the field is also explanation of their mutual changes and their role in cell signalling. Another very important sphere is the research into super-molecular cell structures and their function. The programme also focuses on the principles of disorders of the said structures and their functions, i.e. on the molecular nature of the origin, development and course of pathologic states. One important part of the study is the physiological and pathogenetic importance of reactive forms of oxygen and nitrogen; the subject of the study programme is mechanisms of action of the substances that damage the nucleic acids and biomembranes. In the study programme, attention is paid to research into disorders of cell signalling, including cancerogenesis and atherogenesis, molecular nature of hereditary and acquired metabolic disorders, mechanisms of maintenance of stable internal environment (metabolic and ionic balance) and the allied pathologic disturbances. The programme also deals with the development of new laboratory diagnostic methods. Study program without specialization.

The entrance examination takes the form of an oral interview in which the applicant's professional knowledge, language skills and readiness for independent scientific work in the chosen field are examined. The interview includes a debate on the submitted dissertation project.

1. Suitability, quality and success of undergraduate studies or professional work experience of the applicant and his / her publishing activities. Max. 15 points

2. The ability of the applicant to describe the proposed project of his / her work independently in 5 to 10 minutes and then discuss it in English. Max. 15 points

3. Depth of knowledge related to the project theme and readiness to answer general and professional questions in this field (usually 3 to 5 questions raised). Max. 30 points

4. The relation of the topic to the focus of the intended supervisor and his / her research projects. Max. 20 points

5. The supervisor's statement on the equipment of the training workplace and on the financial support of the student's research. Max. 20 points.

Minimum points for successful passing of the entrance interview: 65 points. In order to be admitted to full-time study, an applicant must obtain a minimum number of points for successful completion of the entrance examination and at the same time obtain the minimum number of points required for admission.

Admission to Doctoral studies is conditioned by successful completion of a Master's study programme.

The literature is recommended by the potential supervisors and depends on the planned disertation topic. It is mainly monographies and renowned IF journals. The recommended literature can be found by the supervisors' profiles. See the webpage https://dspb.avcr.cz/en/

A graduate in the study programme of Biochemistry a pathobiochemistry is well-informed of recent research topics, trends and experimental approaches, particularly in the following areas: research into congenital defects and their biochemical consequences, metabolic disorders, topical issues in experimental oncology, research of disorders of cell signalling incl. redox signalling in connection with direction of proliferation, differentiation and programmed death of cells, neurodegeneration. He/she is ready to use this knowledge in development of new laboratory diagnostic methods and therapeutic applications and to discuss the aims of the prospective research with clinical specialists and experts in other biomedical fields.