Chemistry

The goal of the study programme Chemistry is to prepare graduates who have good theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained mainly through the completion of a Master's thesis research project in the chosen specialty area. The education in this programme deepens the knowledge and skills gained in the fundamental chemistry courses at the bachelor's level. The Master's programme curriculum contains common courses which provide an overview of separation and spectroscopic methods of chemical research in connection with the electronic structure of matter. Students may choose one of seven specialty areas, which provide them with specific skills through a sequence of mandatory and elective courses. The Master's programme prepares students for independent research work and expert activities in academia and production sectors and quality control units in chemical, pharmaceutical, food and other industries.

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

• work independently and safely in chemical laboratory, identify and evaluate hazards, and supervise less experienced personnel
• conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses for quality or process control
• design and perform advanced syntheses of inorganic and organic compounds and materials
• work with state-of-the-art equipment for chemical analysis and separation
• identify and evaluate problems and propose solutions and improvements in chemical production and technology
• use chemical information sources and structure databases for comparative and statistical purposes
• solve complex interdisciplinary problems related to chemistry, physics, biology

Graduates are ready to work in research and application laboratories engaged in the synthesis and analysis of tailored compounds and materials. The graduates are able to conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses using state-of-the-art equipment for quality or process control and can work in management and control positions in chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. The graduates are also prepared for continuation studies in related doctoral degree programmes at Masaryk University and other universities in the Czech Republic and abroad.

Students gain practical training through an obligatory 3-week internship at a facility outside the university (e.g. research institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences and/or chemical companies). The students also attend several field trips to companies within the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industry sectors.

A standard scope of a Master's thesis ranges from 50 to 70 pages including figures, graphs, content, and list of references. The Master's thesis reports original research work intended to extend the state of the art in the chosen specialty area. The thesis includes a review of relevant literature, the collection and analysis of data, and discussion of experimental results. Instructions for elaboration of the Bachelor's/Diploma thesis are regulated by Directive No. 1/2012 (Instructions for eleboration of the Bachelor's/Diploma thesis at the Faculty of Science, MU).

After completion of the Master's studies and satisfying the admission requirements, it is possible to continue further studies in any doctoral programme at Masaryk university or another university in the Czech Republic and abroad.