Genomics and Proteomics

An admission for international applicants to doctoral study at Faculty of Science, Masaryk University.

The aim of the Genomics and Proteomics program is to train top class specialist in these subjects. Students will acquire extensive and in-depth knowledge about the structure and function of the genome at all basic levels of living systems ( i.e., the viral genome, the genome of bacteria, protozoa, fungi and yeasts, algae, higher plants, animals and human genome in more detail). They will deepen their knowledge and skills in basic biological disciplines (especially genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, biostatistics, physiology of organisms), in biochemistry and proteomics (general biochemistry, enzymology, biochemical proteomic methods) and in biophysics (biophysical methods).

In addition to the theoretical principles of the discipline, students are also closely acquainted with performing basic and advanced methods used in various disciplines. Graduates of this field of study will find jobs in various fields: particularly in research focused on the analysis of genomes (basic research as well as applied research), in bioinformatics (including evolutionary aspects), in the field of molecular medicine (cancer, familial and hereditary diseases, gene therapy), in genetic engineering of microorganisms, plants, and animals, in the development of new biotechnologies, in pharmacogenomics, and in analyzing the proteome of individual groups of organisms, including humans.

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

• understand theories, concepts, and methods that represent current trends in Genomics and Proteomics field at the international level
• independently design and conduct research in all its stages
• supervise students, successfully navigate in research ethics and specific ethical issues within their specializations
• interpret research outcomes and present them at international conferences
• write a research paper and publish it in an impacted international scientific journal
• be competitive at job market e.g. as postdoctoral fellow in a foreign laboratory

Graduates of this doctorate program are qualified to run a research activities at research institutions and biotech companies, and teach at universities. They will find jobs in various fields, particularly in research focused on the analysis of genomes (basic research as well as applied research), on bioinformatics, molecular medicine, genetic engineering of microorganisms, plants, and animals, on the development of new biotechnologies, and on the analysis of the proteome of individual groups of organisms. In wider sense, they can conduct research and research-related activities like experimental work, project management, etc.

Students conduct their research activities in the laboratories of their supervisors, where they acquire practical skills essential for their research topics. Further practical skills can be acquired via collaborative frameworks of their labs (either in Czech Republic or abroad).

The dissertation thesis must contain the results published or accepted for publication in impacted international journal indexed in Web of Science (WoS) with impact factor (IF) above the subject median. In this case, student must be the first author on at least one publication or on two publications if the IF is below the median. Students contribution to coauthored papers must be stated. If the student co-authored at least 3 papers, then the preferred thesis form is a set of publications (or manuscripts accepted for publication) dealing with the subject of dissertation, accompanied by a comprehensive introduction and commentary (article 31 of the MU Study and Examination Regulations). If there are less than 3 publications, then the dissertation thesis format must be monography.

In addition, student must pass the Final State Exam. The purpose of the exam is to prove student's professional orientation in the field of genomics and proteomics and other related disciplines, particularly in molecular and cellular biology, structural biology, bioinformatics, and in the experimental approaches used in the field. The student should especially be able to prove sufficient general knowledge in the field studied and in-depth knowledge in areas related to his/her Ph.D. thesis, including being familiar with recent major publications in their field of expertise.