The goal of this study is to offer the skilful students a possibility to continue with biophysical studies after their Master's graduation in Biophysics. This study has a very good standard and tradition at the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University and, most importantly, at the co-operating institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences. During the studies, the doctoral student of Biophysics becomes a member of a research team and takes part in projects supported by grants. Under supervision, the students are led to be able to work as independent researchers after graduation. It is necessary to fulfil some conditions: publish in renowned foreign journals, take part in international conferences and have long-term stays abroad. The fulfilment of these conditions also guarantees that the student is able to communicate with foreign scientists at least in English. Thus, the goal of doctoral studies is to educate students capable of independent work in universities and research institutes, home or anywhere else.

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

• work independently in university laboratories or research institutes home or abroad
• complete simple grant applications to get support for basic research
• teach pre-graduate students in his/her branch of science

The graduate of doctoral studies in Biophysics has knowledge chiefly about physical and physico-chemical properties of biologically important molecules, their complexes and interactions with physical and chemical environmental agents. The graduate has also knowledge about physical aspects of mechanisms of basic biological processes, like transfer of genetic information, cell cycle or photosynthesis. Furthermore, the knowledge of some closely related sciences (physics, mathematics, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology etc.) helps to find a job in basic or applied research oriented also to ecology, agriculture, health care or food industry.

The conditions of the doctoral studies are defined by the Study and Examination Regulations of Masaryk University. Mostly, study plans are individually designed and the tutors are responsible for framing them. Planning internships abroad, taking part in conferences and publishing in internationally accepted scientific journals are other activities at the core of the study plans, alongside the scientific research. See also http://www.muni.cz/sci/study/phd/guide

To complete the doctoral studies the student has to pass the doctoral state examination, consisting of the defence of a doctoral thesis and a theoretical exam, which should evaluate the student's knowledge in the broad theoretical background of his/her thesis. The conditions are defined in detail in Part 5 and further sections of the Study and Examination Regulations - see

http://www.muni.cz/general/legal_standards/study_examination_regulations

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