After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• take a job in the fields of experimental plant biology and plant science in general
• pursue their studies in related postdoctoral degree programmes
• be a teacher or specialist in biology/ecology at basic/secondary schools, and universities
• find employment in the biology-related sectors of state administration
• be a member of scientific teams  in experimental plant biology

Graduates have a deep knowledge in the specialized sub-field in which they carry out their doctoral thesis. They also have a good overview of the latest observations in the field of plant anatomy and physiology, as well as in the related fields such as biochemistry, biophysics, and plant molecular biology. They find employment especially in applied research on plants, environmental protection, and applied ecology, and also in general biology research.

Before the final state examination, students must gain a number of credits from required, selective, and elective courses. Required courses are part of their study programme. Selective courses are relevant to their interest and future professional orientation. Additionally, students may enrol in and pass any course from the elective courses of their study programme or other related study programmes.

Practical training is a mandatory part of the study taken during the study period. It comprises at least 300 hours within a single year. The practical training consists of experiments and laboratory-based activities under a supervision of a tutor. External practical training (outside Masaryk University) is also a part of the study. It is taken either at a Czech institution or abroad. This type of practical training might be a short-term (1 week) or a long-term (up to 6 months) study at the host institution. It is arranged upon the agreement between a student and a supervisor.

After fulfilling all the study and research requirements postulated in the customized study plan, students proceed to the final state examination.

The final state examination consists of two parts and takes place before a board for the doctoral state examination composed of Masaryk University experts and external experts. In the first oral part, students demonstrate the knowledge of (1) Plant Cytology and Anatomy, (2) Plant Physiology, and (3) Plant Stress and Ecological Physiology.

In the second part, during the doctoral thesis defence, the student presents an initial hypothesis, methods applied and results of their research in a 30 min. speech. Then the student reacts to the questions and comments raised by reviewers in their reviews of the doctoral thesis. In the following part, the student answers questions raised by the board members and/or public attendants of the doctoral examination.