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

• apply their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in zoology, with an emphasis on ecology, evolution and taxonomy of animals, particularly in invertebrate (including entomology) and vertebrate zoology, hydrobiology, and parasitology
• be well informed about Central European biodiversity, based on their specialization, graduates are able to enlarge their knowledge and to apply methods they have gained in any ecosystem or biome on Earth

The aim of this programme is to prepare graduates for research positions at departments of biological faculties, institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences, state institutes of applied sciences (agriculture and forestry), agencies of nature conservation and environmental management, private companies conducting surveys in nature conservation, natural history museums, zoos, etc.

It is fully optional, but students have to meet the rules and conditions given by the Study and Examination Order of Masaryk University. The recommended plan can be found in the Course Catalogue for a given semester, part Biology.

No practical training is required.

The final state examination includes: A) the defence of the Master's thesis and B) an oral exam that is held before the board of five examiners. Students have to prove their knowledge of zoology and ecology and demonstrate their ability to participate in a scientific discussion. The examination covers three mandatory fields: animal ecology, phylogeny and ecology of invertebrates and vertebrates, and one optional field based on their expertise (i.e. entomology, ethology and behavioural ecology, hydrobiology, parasitology and soil zoology).

This type of education provides suitable conditions for a following postgraduate study in the fields of Ecology, Hydrobiology, Parasitology, and Zoology at the Department of Botany and Zoology at our faculty or in a similar field at other Czech or foreign universities.