Experimental and Molecular Biology

The study of this programme is aimed at an acquirement of knowledge and skills necessary for laboratory practice in various fields of modern experimental biology and/or for the further education in the selected specialization. Alumni of this Bachelor's degree programme obtain both the basics in main disciplines of the modern experimental biology (cell and molecular biology, genetics, anatomy and histology, physiology, microbiology, anthropology) and more detailed knowledge in the selected study specialization (Cell Biology, Experimental Plant Biology, Experimental Animal Biology and Immunology, MIcrobiology, Human Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics). Other relevant biology disciplines (evolutionary biology, virology, biostatistics) and the main chemistry disciplines (anorganic and organic chemistry, biochemistry) including laboratory practicals represent also an integral part of this education.

Upon successful completion of the programme, the graduate is able to:

• Be well informed about the structure and functions of various types of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, tissues and organs and to observe independently these structures in the light microscope.
• Understand the structure and functioning of the genes and genomes in viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants and animals including humans.
• Understand the molecular level of main life processes in viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants and animals including humans.
• Understand the principles and the nature of changes in genetic information of the organisms including possible phenotype effects
• Be well informed about phylogeny and diversity of all living forms and to understand the principles of evolution at various levels including the molecular one.
• Use the correct methods of statistical analysis during the planning and evaluation of the biological experiments and apply appropriate bioinformatics approaches in the analysis of biological data.
• Orient in detail in the basic areas of experimental plant biology, including the correct use of the most important methodological approaches for laboratory work.
• Orient in detail in the basic areas of experimental animal biology, including the correct use of the most important methodological approaches for laboratory work.
• Orient in detail in the basic areas of microbiology, including the correct use of the most important methodological approaches for laboratory work.
• Orient in detail in the basic areas of human biology, including the correct use of the most important methodological approaches for laboratory work.
• Orient in detail in the basic areas of molecular biology and genetics, including the correct use of the most important methodological approaches for laboratory work.
• Orient in detail in the basic areas of cell biology, including the correct use of the most important methodological approaches for laboratory work.
• Independently obtain up-to-date scientific information from relevant sources, critically evaluate it and process it into comprehensive communications.
• Work with professional literature and information sources in English, use professional terminology correctly when communicating in English.

Although the continuation in Master's degree programmes with direct access is expected for the majority of students, the alumni come in useful especially in the fields of biomedicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture and food industry, both in the research and practical applications. Their qualification allows them to participate in research projects as well as in laboratory practice, especially in the field of introduction, innovations and routine use of molecular biology and other experimental approaches and methods.

This is an academic study program in which no mandatory practical training is required.

Bachelor's theses are assigned as either experimental work or a literature review. Both forms are of equal significance to the study program. Students choose the form of their thesis in consultation with their supervisor to ensure it contributes to their scientific training and education in the given field. The choice of topic depends on the student's interests, prerequisites, skills, experience, and the supervisor's and workplace's capabilities. In an experimental thesis, students present the comprehensive research activities they carried out during their studies, including experiments. By writing a literature review, students demonstrate their ability to navigate specialized issues and produce a comprehensive overview of a given topic.

After completion of the Bachelor's studies, it is possible to continue further studies in any Master's degree programme (after satisfying the admission requirements). The Faculty of Science of the Masaryk University offers these study programmes with direct access:

Cell Biology

Experimental Plant Biology

Experimental Animal Biology and Immunology

MIcrobiology

Human Biology

Molecular Biology and Genetics