Biophysical Chemistry

“Explain in a sophisticated way phenomena in the world of microorganisms, plants and animals!”
Bachelor's degree programme, full-time study mode, single-subject, Czech, 3 years →
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The programme Biophysical Chemistry (under the umbrella of chemistry programmes) is an interdisciplinary branch directed at general preparation of graduates, based on the fundamentals of chemical, physical and biological disciplines. In other words, this specialization helps (a) to develop a physico-chemical approach to the biological sciences, (b) to bring an order into a considerable amount of knowledge of living systems and (c) to rationalize various biological phenomena and processes. It is also intended for the students who are interested in understanding physico-chemical laws of biological phenomena and elucidating their principles. The profit from Biophysical Chemistry study is also the fact that the students are shown the helpfulness and strength of physical chemistry in applied areas which are close to life sciences (medicine, pharmacy, environmental studies, food technology and agriculture). The graduates of this study programme will obtain an overview of basic physico - chemical methodologies and techniques, the basics of bioanalysis, biotechnology, clinical and analytical biochemistry and biophysics. In all these fields the graduate has a great chance to find employment.

The answer to the question how Biophysical Chemistry differs from biophysics or biochemistry is simply that biophysics is mainly directed at the physical properties of living systems, and biochemistry often deals with physical chemistry only marginally.

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

  • understand the physico-chemical nature of biological processes
  • master modern methods of research at the interface of physics, chemistry and biology
  • use new biophysical approaches in practice
  • design new molecules with specific physico-chemical properties
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Biophysical Chemistry programme prepares professionals able to investigate the nature of biological processes by means of physico-chemical methods. If graduates do not want to pursue further study, they can start their career and devote themselves to the fields of chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food research. Their experience will be also beneficial in the research and development of sensors, biosensors and chips as new tools for genomics, proteomics and biomedicine. Due to the theoretical physico-chemical and biochemical education, language skills, and knowledge of bioinformatics and molecular modelling, the graduate is prepared to find employment in other fields generally using creative approaches, unconventional and critical thinking and ultimately self-determination.
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In preparing the study plan, students must comply with the provisions of the Study and Examination Regulations of the faculty, and Rules and Conditions for the Development of the Curriculum in a given programme. As a starting point you can use the Recommended Study Plan, which evenly distributes the Bachelor's degree study in a standard three-year period and ensures that students fulfil prerequisites for graduating from a university in a standard period of time.

The study plan for a Bachelor's degree in Biophysical Chemistry is designed so that each student can also choose, in addition to the statutory basis focusing more on the physical chemistry and biology, courses in physics. The Bachelor's degree graduate will handle chemical, physical and selected biological disciplines (especially physical and organic chemistry, biochemistry and biology).

Mandatory courses taught in chemistry programmes, including biophysical chemistry, are: lectures in general chemistry and five basic disciplines, relevant seminars, laboratory exercises and a course focused on writing a Bachelor's thesis. Elective courses are those which are taught in the Faculty of Science and other faculties of Masaryk University, and the students are permitted to enrol in them. The selection of elective courses is determined by the obligation to earn a minimum of 167 credits for courses in scientific, mathematical or information sciences, including at least 149 credits for courses in the field of chemical sciences. Elective courses particularly suitable for an undergraduate study programme in chemistry are listed in the study plan as recommended optional courses. In developing the study plan, each student must adhere to the following terms and conditions. They have to: 1) enrol in all compulsory courses in the recommended study plan in the first and second semesters. The enrolment in some courses of the second semester, though, can exceptionally be determined by the successful completion of a course in the first semester; 2) each academic year complete a compulsory course without credit rating: C7777, Handling Chemical Substances. In the first year of the study it is also mandatory during the fall semester to complete a single two-hour lecture, in subsequent years it is optional. This course is completed on successfully passing a test. Completing C7777 is a prerequisite for admission to all courses in which handling chemicals (laboratory, a separate project, thesis, etc.)takes place; 3) successfully pass the examination in JA001, English for Specific Purposes at the B1 level according to CEFR, before signing for the Bachelor's final state examination; 4) successfully complete all compulsory and selective courses, respecting the established continuity, before the Bachelor's final state examination; 5) earn for completing all compulsory, elective and selective courses at least 180 credits; 6) write a Bachelor's thesis on a given topic; 7) be successful in all components of the Bachelor's state examination.

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The final state examination (the written exam) consists of 5 parts (general + physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry or molecular biology).

The test verifies knowledge of all these chemical disciplines by means of 8-10 test questions. One part of the final state examination is also the defence of a Bachelor's thesis. The defence board comprises an external examiner, a supervisor and at least three other members, including a chairman.

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After completion of the Bachelor's studies, it is possible to continue further studies in Master's degree programmes in chemistry, biology or biophysics (after satisfying the admission requirements). At the Faculty of Science students can apply for admission to a follow-up Master's degree in Biophysical Chemistry.

The graduates are also prepared to study chemistry at universities abroad.

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Field of study specifications

Field of Study: Biophysical Chemistry
Abbreviation: BFCH
Code: 1407R010
Type: Bachelor's degree programme
Degree: Bc.
Accreditation: to 31/12/2024
Programme: B1407 B-CH Chemistry
Faculty of Science
Field of study guaranteed by:
Faculty of Science
Field guarantor:
prof. RNDr. Libuše Trnková, CSc.

Link to a website: http://www.sci.muni.cz/~labifel/

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Bachelor's degree programme, full-time study mode, single-subject studies