Study programmes

Zoology is a substantial field of biology focused to knowledge and research of animals. Metazoa constitute significant portion of diversity of multicellular organisms and represent a key component of global ecosystem. Recently, zoology is going through a period of renaissance connected with rise of novel approaches and technologies, which often reveal fundamental gaps in knowledge of these organisms. Thus the aim of modern zoology does not lie in memorizing of systematic parts. Basic reflection of animal diversity, based on outcomes of modern phylogenetics and phylogenomics, represent rather starting point enabling understanding processes playing role in their evolutionary history, insight into their anatomy, physiology, embryology, distribution, behaviour and other aspect of their biology including their role in ecological networks. Thus the leitmotif of the field is rooted in evolutionary disciplines.
The field of zoology involves all hierarchical levels of living matter organization ranging from molecular to ecosystemic. The discipline utilizes particular approaches as for example genetics, physiology, histology, morphology, developmental biology, ethology or ecology. Methodical approaches range from traditional ones (observation) to hi-tech technologies developing in recent “omics” era, as for example genomics, proteomics, remote sensing etc. Animals are studied in recent time horizon within neontological disciplines and in the past horizons within paleontology. Many approaches in zoology are typical by interdisciplinary attributes, as for example in molecular ecology, immunogenetics, evo-devo, bioacoustics, biogeography, paleobiology, behavioral ecology or evolutionary psychology. Recently an emphasis is given to biostatistical result processing, necessary for analysis of large and complex datasets. Zoological research can also provide basis for applied disciplines, as for example conservation biology or restoration ecology.
Within master degree, students can elaborate diploma theses under supervision of experienced researchers with international credit. Considering differentiation of zoology, the study programme is divided into specializations including zoology of invertebrates, entomology, zoology of vertebrates, animal evolutionary genetics and ethology and ecology. Studies are graduated by state exam and master thesis defence. In the course of master degree study, participants attend obligatory, obligatory optional and optional subjects from the offer of the Department of Zoology and potentially also other departments to acquire necessary amount of credits.