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

• use the knowledge of broad chemistry fields for the solutions of problems in environmental and human health
• independently perform research within toxicology and ecotoxicology areas
• plan, conduct and interpret results and data from individual studies
• describe principles of methods in the research field and know their applications

Graduates can further build their careers in the research of environmental contamination and its impacts, ecotoxicology, environmental quality control or industrial laboratories. Graduates find positions at universities, research institutions, including Academy of Sciences and other scientific laboratories. Graduates are flexible to adapt to the needs of other chemistry positions and to fulfil their requirements of problem solutions.

1. Students must obtain the value of credits equal to thirty times the number of semesters throughout the length of studies. It means 240 credits for the standard 4 years' length of studies.

2. Students work primarily on a doctoral thesis (XD100). The credit value increases during the studies in accordance with the time spent on preparinf the thesis. The credit value should range from one half to two thirds of the minimum credit value (120 – 160 credits for 4 years' studies).

3. In the first year of studies, students study relevant literature and enrol on the course XD101. They compile the material into a literature search (XD104) in Czech or English.

4. Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in English. The competency can be obtained in relevant courses (English for Specific Purposes for biologists, Academic English etc.), i.e. fulfilling the requirements of the course XD106 (next point).

5. During the course of studies, obligatorily before submitting an application for the theoretical part of the doctoral state examination (DSE), students must gain a credit for giving a lecture in a foreign (English) language at a specialized technical forum (XD106).

6. During the course of studies (not obligatorily before applying for the theoretical part of DSE), students gain a credit for a publication in a foreign language submitted to a journal or proceedings (XD105).

7. Students are obliged to assist with instructions (teaching) in Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes (XD102). The assistance includes actual lecturing and help with practical exercises and other activities at Masaryk University or RECETOX. The credit value registered for fulfilling XD102 is 6 credits per semester.

8. During the standard 4 years of studies (eight semesters), students enrol in and attend specialised seminars relevant to the field of their study - mandatory: advanced seminar (CD101-CD801) and DSP seminar in chemistry (XD107)

9. For a combined form of studies seminars and assistance in lecturing (XD102) are an obligation. At the beginning of every semester (or possibly at the beginning of a school year), the supervisor assigns students with obligations/tasks replacing the mandatory attendance at seminar(s). At the end of a school year, the supervisor evaluates the fulfilment of these preassigned tasks to give credits.

10. Specialized courses (a) broaden and enhance the student's knowledge in the field and (b) refine specialized knowledge. It is recommended to attend these advancing courses during first four semesters of the studies. The minimum amount of courses is 4 courses enhancing knowledge in a broader field and 4 courses refining specialized knowledge.

11. Foreign Fellowship (XD103) or Placement Abroad (XD110) is a possible alternative in any semester. The content of a fellowship or placement should relate to the topic of the doctoral thesis. Suggested credit values: 1 week = 5 credits, 1 month = 10 credits, 1 semester = 30 credits.

Doctoral studies automatically integrate with practical trainings. This includes specifically work on a dissertation project. In addition, students are motivated to participate in international research stays and internships, as described in the section on Rules and Conditions for Creation of Study Plans.

Requirements for a doctoral state examination

Students must complete at least 5 semesters before applying for a doctoral state examination and must fulfil above-mentioned requirements, i.e.:

> obtain credits for XD100 for every semester

> finish courses enhancing knowledge in broader field and courses refining specialized knowledge (according to the requirements of the study programme)

> at least once obtain credits for XD101

> at least 4 times obtain credits for XD102

> at least once obtain credits for XD106

> earn credits for specialized seminars

> at least once obtain credits for XD104

If the theoretical examination is taken separately from the doctoral thesis defence, students elaborate on the "doctoral thesis topic"

For the theoretical doctoral state examination broad understanding and orientation in fields of DSE and detailed deep knowledge in domains directly linked to the doctoral project are required.

Fields of doctoral state examination: (i) environmental chemistry, (ii) ecotoxicology and human toxicology, (iii) risk assessment

Requirements for a doctoral thesis

In accordance with international standards, the preferred form of the doctoral thesis is a commented set of published, accepted or prepared to be published articles or manuscripts. The most appropriate form of presentation is the submission of the whole thesis in English.

The doctoral thesis is based on 3 publications and/or manuscripts with defined minimum requirements. In case the articles and manuscripts in the doctoral thesis or submitted to defence are written with other co-authors, students must clearly indicate their part of work on every one of them.

The doctoral thesis contains a theoretical introduction into the problem (a total of about 10-20 pages without references) and the part about student's own results (10-20 pages without references), which logically links individual pieces of work (subprojects, articles, manuscripts) and puts gained results into the context of current knowledge. Students must demonstrate their scientific overview and wider orientation in the field than in the specialized themes of individual articles.

Doctoral study in Environmental Chemistry is the highest stage of the studies.