Cell Biology

The study of this programme is aimed at an acquirement of detailed knowledge of basic life processes on cellular level in eukaryotic cells. From the continuation viewpoint, this programme is established for alumni of the Bachelor's degree programme Experimental and Molecular Biology with specialization in Cell Biology. Alumni of this Master's degree programme will be able to understand the important biological phenomenons and processes such as cell architecture, cell-cell interactions, cell cycle, cell division, cell signaling and communication, cell differentiation, cellular pathology, cell death, etc. A complex insight into these processes and phenomenons will be emphasised as well as into their consequences on tissue or organismal levels. The study will encompass the unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms, protozoans, fungi and plant cells, but the animal and human cells will be accented due to the fact that these cell types represent the main biological models in modern cell biology. The area of applied cell biology, i.e. the practical use of the above mentioned knowledge in biotechnologies and in various fields of biomedicine will be also included in the study plans. The students will be also able to use the up-to-date imaging methods as well as the methods of cell and molecular biology including appropriate bioinformatic approaches. The active English language with professional terminology will be also required. The regular seminars, in which the students will acquire the communication skills, the convention of discussions on given scientific topics, the rules of presentation of their own results as well as the ability of critical thinking. Diploma theses will be composed as the individual research projects; thus, the alumni are expected to continue their scientific careers, especially in the doctoral degree programs. They also can work in clinical laboratories, biobanks, biotechnologcal or trade companies.

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

• describe the detailed architecture of various types of eukaryotic cells, and understand the differences in their structure and function
• understand the molecular basis of fundamental cellular processes (cell cycle, cell division, cell signaling, cell movement, cell differentiation) and correctly interpret their course and consequences at the cellular level
• understand the relationships in multicellular eukaryotic organisms at the level of cell-cell interactions and communication
• understand the nature of pathological processes within cells and their consequences at the whole-organism level, as well as the process of transformation, carcinogenesis, and the mechanisms of various types of cell death
• know the application potential of knowledge gained from cell biology in biotechnologies and various areas of biomedicine
• actively use state-of-the-art experimental methods and bioinformatic approaches
• use a creative approach to address a given scientific problem
• critically evaluate their own results, present them to the professional community, and participate in professional discussions about them in both Czech and English

Diploma theses are independent scientific projects through which students demonstrate their skills and capabilities in creative work and problem-solving. Topics for diploma theses are connected to real research questions in cell biology addressed by supervising departments. By completing their diploma theses, students demonstrate their ability to conduct scientific work and think critically, including using professional literature, solving assigned problems, processing and analyzing results, and formally presenting them as a final thesis. An integral part of the process is presenting and defending the research outcomes. The formal requirements for diploma theses are published on the guarantor department's website.