Biotechnology

The aim of the new study programme Biotechnology is to prepare graduates sufficiently qualified for the labour market of both biotechnology practice and applied biotechnology research. Currently, biotechnology-related master's programmes accredited at other universities aim at relatively defined areas (fermentation technology at University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, agricultural applications at Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague). Our proposed programme is based on broad and rather non-specific bachelor's programme Biochemistry. Similarly, to bachelor's programmes at other analogous universities, the programme Biochemistry comprises also other “Life sciences” including a broad scale of other branches of biology and chemistry. Thereafter, the master’s programme deepens the knowledge in the fields that are related to modern biotechnology. These fields comprise both knowledge and skills in gene technology, an overview of modern biotechnology processes, and biotechnology and bioengineering methods, processes, and equipment, primarily those realized in bioreactors. The graduate profile may correspond to a term “biochemical biotechnologist”. It is based on knowledge and skills that are necessary for modern biotechnologies, like e.g. gene modification and metabolic use of production strains in bioreactors, irrespective of the concrete bioprocess. Main employer requirements are practical skills and self-reliance of the graduates. Therefore, the aim of the proposed study programme is to prepare experts with high a level of knowledge, interconnecting theoretical knowledge, practical laboratory courses and practical training through compulsory internships, so that the graduate is fully prepared to solve tasks independently.

The study of this programme is directed mainly to complex solving of practical tasks concerning all areas of biotechnology. The graduate will be able to participate in project realization from its preparation and course of action design to its realization and evaluation. The graduates will be able to be employed in a broad spectrum of activities that require biochemical education directed to biotechnology.

The two-year master's study programme is intended especially for the graduates of the bachelor's study programme Biochemistry including all its specializations, i.e. Biochemistry, Applied Biochemistry, and Bioinformatics. However, graduates of other study programmes may also apply for admission to the proposed programme after completing the admission exam.

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

• Have a command of basic biotechnological disciplines (biochemical and biological processes and their applications, gene technology theory and praxis, theoretical and practical fundamentals of bioengineering needed for the work with bioreactors).
• Be knowledgeable in modern biotechnological processes based on utilization of microbes, plant and animal cells and enzymes, and nanobiotechnologies.
• Analytical bioprocess monitoring.
• Solve practical biotechnological problems independently.
• Process data using appropriate computational tools.
• Based on several professional seminars, study technical literature in English and prepare technical text and oral presentation.
• Participate in the implementation of contracts or projects from their preparation through the design of the implementation process to its processing and evaluation.
• Adapt flexibly to the workplace requirements due to deep and general basis of the studies.

The programme graduates will find employment in modern biotechnological companies, oriented e.g. to industrial biotransformation, biomedicine, pharmacy, cosmetics, or environmental protection. Their education will be a key to be applicable also in traditional biotechnologies in food industry and agriculture. In these companies, they may be employed also in applied research. Furthermore, they may be employed in laboratories of Czech Academy of Sciences and other research facilities, including universities. Analogous workplaces abroad will be open for them as well. Potential employers ranked among Czech private companies are e.g. Contipro, Ldt., Lonza Biotec, inc., BioVendor – Laboratory Medicine, Ldt., Bioveta, Ldt., Enantis inc., GeneProof Ldt., LentiKats, Ldt., Protean inc. and others. A deep and general study base enables the graduates to adapt flexibly to the requirements of the respective workplace and to master the methods and procedures used there. After having completed the knowledge in the fields of economics and marketing, the graduate may be employed as a manager or sales representative in biotechnological companies.

Attending a six-week practice in leading modern biotechnological companies like Contipro, Ldt. Lonza Biotec, inc., BioVendor – Laboratory medicine, Ldt., or others, is ranked among the study duties. Ten credits will be granted to the student for completing the practical training. Recognizing the practice from different workplaces will be unified by length and pre-agreed content of the training. The practical training will be completed by drawing up a practice report.

Standard range of the master's thesis is around 60 pages including footnotes, title page, table of contents, index, references, and annotations. The thesis is an independent research project comprised of an introductory literature review of the topic, a methodical part, experimental results, a discussion, and a conclusion. The students should demonstrate their ability to work with scientific texts, process concepts and theories found in the literature, design and perform experiments based on the theories, evaluate them, and find relevant answers to the assigned question. The master's thesis presents the results of the student's experimental work achieved under the tutelage of the thesis supervisor. It is submitted as two hard-bound copies. The detailed instruction are available on the website (http://orion.chemi.muni.cz/pozadavky/zasady_vypracovani_DP.pdf).

The graduate can continue with doctoral studies at MU or other universities in the Czech Republic or abroad.