Degree programme specification

The study program Biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics includes knowledge about the structure of biologically important bio(macro)molecules (proteins nucleic acids, oligosaccharides, etc.), and the relation between their structure and biological function. Students are trained in methods of carrying out and applying research on the 3-D structure and function of bio(macro)molecules. The technical facilities allow students regular use of the most modern methods, both experimental (nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray diffraction, cryo-electron microscopy, methods in biomolecular interactions studies, methods of molecular biology) and computational (quantum chemistry, molecular mechanics and dynamics). Emphasis is placed on independent work by students in the context of implementing research projects, including the ability to communicate and present results in the English language. Students also learn to make use of information available in literature and electronic databases. The range of specialized lectures allows students to deepen their theoretical knowledge.

The study covers the following research areas:

Computational chemistry and chemoinformatics

Structural bioinformatics

Structural analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray diffraction and cryo-electron microscopy

Glycobiochemistry

Interaction of proteins with cell membrane

Structural virology

Structure and dynamics of nucleic acids

Structural biology of gene regulation

Non-coding genome

RNA quality control

Recombination and DNA repair

DNA sequence analysis

Next-generation sequencing

The program of studies is designed to be interdisciplinary, helping students learn to combine knowledge from various fields.

Study plans

Admission Procedures
International applicants for doctoral study (Czech and Slovak Republics applicants NOT included)
Submission deadline until midnight 15/12/2024

  • Information on entrance examinations designed for this degree programme
    Admission procedure
    The candidate should demonstrate the prerequisites for creative work in the field on the basis of the thesis or own publications. In addition, they should have a basic knowledge of biochemistry and structural biochemistry. The ability to communicate in English at the level of understanding a popular science article, writing a short English summary and general discussion on topics related mainly to one's own CV, universities and research activities is required. The admissions procedure assesses professional knowledge (max. 100 points) and language skills (max. 100 points)

    More information about admission process for international applicants in general can be found here.

    Date of the entrance exam
    The applicants will receive information about the entrance exam by e-mail usually at least 10 days before the exam.
    Please, always check your e-mails, including spam folders.

    Conditions of admission
    To be admitted, the candidate must obtain at least 160 points.
    Successful applicants are informed of their acceptance by e-mail and subsequently receive an invitation to the enrolment.

    Programme capacity
    The capacity of a given programme is not fixed; students are admitted based on a decision by the Doctoral Board after assessing their aptitude for study and motivation.

Studies

  • Objectives

    The study program Biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics includes knowledge about the structure of biologically important bio(macro)molecules (proteins nucleic acids, oligosaccharides, etc.), and the relation between their structure and biological function. Students are trained in methods of carrying out and applying research on the 3-D structure and function of bio(macro)molecules. The technical facilities allow students regular use of the most modern methods, both experimental (nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray diffraction, cryo-electron microscopy, methods in biomolecular interactions studies , methods of molecular biology) and computational (quantum chemistry, molecular mechanics and dynamics). Emphasis is placed on independent work by students in the context of implementing research projects, including the ability to communicate and present results in the English language. Students also learn to make use of information available in literature and electronic databases. The range of specialized lectures allows students to deepen their theoretical knowledge.

    Study covers the following research areas:

    Computational chemistry and chemoinformatics

    Structural bioinformatics

    Structural analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray difraction and cryo-electron microscopy

    Glycobiochemistry

    Interaction of proteins with cell membrane

    Structural virology

    Structure and dynamics of nucleic acids

    Structural biology of gene regulation

    Non-coding genome

    RNA quality control

    Recombination and DNA repair

    DNA sequence analysis

    Next-generation sequencing

    The program of studies is designed to be interdisciplinary, helping students learn to combine knowledge from various fields.

  • Learning Outcomes

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

    • independently and creatively design and conduct research activities and use methods and models in the field of biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics
    • prepare scientific articles and publish them in international scientific journals in the field of biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics
    • present research outcomes at international conferences in the field of biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics
    • understand and use theories and concepts in the field of biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics
    • understand and critically evaluate current research trends and development in the field of biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics
    • communicate scientific topics in English language
    • use international cooperation experience
    • provide students with expert guidance and supervision
    • prepare competitive grant applications and conduct team research

  • Occupational Profiles of Graduates

    The goal of the doctoral study programme is to prepare specialists at the highest level who will be not only specialists with detailed knowledge of certain techniques, but creative thinkers with a broad overview of the field of biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics with good foundations in theory. Although the graduate will be qualified mainly for an academic career, he will also be a specialist capable of serving in the commercial sphere, especially in biochemical and pharmaceutical research, working with biologically-oriented databases, and in fields using advanced methods of computational chemistry and bioinformatics. As the experience of the past few years has shown, foreign contacts and study stays can help the graduate to find work at the top institutes abroad. Foreign contacts and study stays can help the graduate to find work at the top institutes abroad.

  • Goals of Theses

    The dissertation must contain the results published or accepted for publication. At least one publication in peer-reviewed journal with impact factor (IF) above median in journal category where the student is the first author is required or at least 2 first authorship publications in journals with IF below median. The preferred form of dissertation is a set of publications or manuscripts accepted for publication dealing with the subject of dissertation, accompanied by a comprehensive introduction and commentary (section 31, paragraph 2 of MU Study and examination regulations). Formal requirements for dissertation are specified in Opatřením děkana Přírodovědecké fakulty č. 5/2012.

Basic information

Abbreviation
D-BINFOA_
Type
doctoral degree programme
Degree
Ph.D.
Length of studies
4 years
Language of instruction
English English
Annual tuition fee
€3,000

Faculty of Science
Programme guaranteed by
Programme guarantor