Study programmes

Understanding of the interrelation in today ecosystems needs understanding of the evolution of interactions between geosphere and biosphere in the geological past. Knowledge of the evolution of geosphere-biosphere relations in the past makes possible not only to predict the impact of current climate change on the global ecosystem, but also to propose realistic and sustainable solutions to emerging problems. For this reason, there has been a demand for specialists in both life and Earth sciences. The Faculty of Science of Charles University responded to this demand in the academic year 2006/2007, when the study of the Applied Geobiology was first opened.
The study of the interdisciplinary program Applied Geobiology is guaranteed by both geological and biological sections of the Faculty of Science, Charles University. Individual approach to the student is typical for this study programm, required courses represent only half of the curriculum, the other courses are selected by the student from five modules: two composed of specialized biological courses, two formed by specialized geological courses and one modul of applied courses. The aim of the theoretical part of the study is to acquire knowledge that will enable to understand the evolutionary processes in the geobiosphere at various levels, from the evolution of ecosystems and biodiversity in the geological past and biogeochemical cycles to the evolution at the species level. Applied courses acquire skills for application of this knowledge in the areas of basic and applied research, study and processing of scientific material, popularization of scientific information, and lecturer work. A similar study program is not offered by any university not only in the Czech Republic, but also in the surrounding Central European area.