Passing the study plan

Graduates of the specialization “APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY” are top scientists and specialists with good orientation in the broader theme of the program (Geology) and, at the same time, demonstrate profound knowledge within their specialization, i.e. current state of knowledge and modern methodology of research in Applied and Environmental Geology.

STATE DOCTORAL EXAMINATION (SDE)
During the first stage (I.) of doctoral studies, the student will fulfill the conditions for admission to the SDE:
- each semester, the student reports about the work progress on the dissertation thesis at the Doctoral Study Program (DSP) seminar.
- in the second (not later than in the third) semester, the student submits a research review for the topic of his/her dissertation work.
- in the third (not later than in the fourth) semester, the student presents a professional publication in the peer-reviewed journal.
- in the fifth (not later than sixth) semester, the student fulfills the requirement of oral presentation of his/her scientific result in English at an international conference.
- in the sixth semester, the student proves the fulfillment of SDE admission requirements and applies for the SDE. The conditions are as follows: submission of a dissertation thesis, at least 4x presentations at the DSP seminar, completion of at least 4 semesters of the Geological Seminar, at least 6 semesters of pedagogical experience, demonstration of language skills, lecture in English at an international conference.

The first stage of the study is completed by the SDE in two specialized areas. A broader overview in the field and a good orientation of the student in the specialization of Applied and Environmental Geology is required for the SDE. The SDE consists of two specialized areas, one of which is chosen by the student from the areas of his/her specialization in agreement with his/her supervisor, and the second one is chosen at student’s own discretion. DSP Geology offers the following specialized subject areas for state doctoral examinations: Environmental Geology, Earth Physics, Geochemistry, Historical and Stratigraphic Geology, Hydrogeology, Engineering Geology, Quaternary Geology, Bearing Geology, Magmatic and Metamorphic Petrology, Mineralogy, Paleontology, Regional Geology, Sedimentology and Sedimentary Petrology, Structural Geology and Geotectonics.

During Phase II of the Ph.D study, the student meets the conditions for admission to the Ph.D thesis defense. At the latest by the end of the standard study period, student:
- fulfills the requirement of publication of the dissertation thesis results in an peer-reviewed international journal with impact factor, in accord with the requirements set by the Program Board,
- demonstrates compliance with the requirement of involvement in international scientific cooperation,
- Submits a dissertation thesis according to the requirements set by the Program Board and submits an application for its defense.

DISSERTATION WORK AND DEFENSE
In the dissertation thesis the student demonstrates the ability to solve independently a specialized problem using novel methodological approach, at internationally recognized quality level. Dissertation thesis in DSP Geology can be presented in Czech, Slovak or English, in two forms: a) monographic work with recommended text length up to 100 pages, b) a set of at least three published papers in journals with IF, supplemented with an introductory summarizing text; the text must meet the publishing requirements below. The form of the introductory part of the dissertation thesis follows the recommendations of the Program Board: a range of ca. 30 pages without references, an introduction with description of thesis goals; short problem review and description of methodology; summary of the main dissertation thesis results; the list of references used in the introductory part of the dissertation. The dissertation defense is conducted in Czech or English.

Student's obligations are defined in the Individual Study Plan (ISP), which includes: (A) theoretical preparation, (B) own scientific work on the topic of dissertation (acquisition of scientific research competencies), (C) acquiring additional skills, especially pedagogical.
The total prescribed doctoral workload corresponds to approximately 60 ECTS credits per year (one EC is about 25 hours, i.e. a total of 1500 hours of study and research duties). The following indicative load data are specified in the ISP, which the student prepares with the supervisor and is subject to approval by the Program Board. Students have study and research responsibilities (activities 1-9) that increase their competence in three areas (A-C).

A. Theoretical preparation (approx. 20%)
1. Doctoral subjects and self-study – Ph.D students deepen their theoretical knowledge and skills in the broader scientific field of study and in the specialization of Applied and Environmental Geology, they enroll to lectures from foreign specialists and optional specialized courses. The student selects the courses based on the topic of his/her dissertation and according to his/her choice of specialized areas for the state doctoral examination.
Examples of optional courses:
GB471 Stability and dynamics of natural systems
GC351 Geochemistry of water-rock-atmosphere interactions
GD251 Advances in economic geology
GD281 News in regional geology of the Czech Republic
2. Specialized seminars – PhD. student enrolls for at least 4 semesters the Geological Seminar where lecturers are leading geological community experts, and the DSP seminar of their specialization. Besides these, advanced specialized seminars can be enrolled.
3. Language competences – Ph.D. student demonstrates his/her development of language competences by providing lectures in English at DSP seminars, and at specialized international expert forum (conference) including discussion, and by writing a publication in English for an international peer-reviewed journal.
4. Involvement in international scientific cooperation - Doctoral students gain experience in international cooperation (compulsory completion of an internship abroad in length at least 1 month). An alternative form is collaboration on an international creative project or publication.

B. Scientific research (about 70%)
5. Dissertation preparation - includes scientific research on the topic of the dissertation thesis (including compilation of the review on the current state of the topic), as well as continuous acquisition of practical experience in methodology during fieldwork, in laboratories, or specialized classrooms.
6. Presentation of the dissertation results – Ph.D student presents his/her results every semester at the DSP seminars, from the 3rd semester the presentation in exclusively in English (the seminar can be replaced by a lecture in English at an international conference). Active participation of doctoral students on scientific conferences is required, as well as presentation of their dissertation thesis results in English at an international conference.
7. Writing and Publishing Dissertation Text – Ph.D students are obliged to publish their results in English-written papers in peer-reviewed journals with the IF.

C. Supplementary skills (approx. 10%)
8. Acquisition of pedagogical experience - direct teaching in bachelor and master's program courses, or help with their preparation, service as reviewers of bachelor's theses, or supervision of SOČ-works. The total workload for the doctoral student in the area of pedagogical experience development is set on a maximum of 150 hours during the whole study period.
9. Acquisition of additional academic skills – Ph.D students engage in project preparation, grant application preparation, gain experience with independent planning of scientific work, including communication skills.

Geochemistry of contaminants spreading in real rock environment
Archiv: http://is.muni.cz/th/sp86w/

Mineralization and transformation processes of dump material of waste pile Kukla in Oslavany
Archiv: http://is.muni.cz/th/jzzah/

Key processes of long-term bentonite-water interaction at 90 oC: Mineralogical and chemical transformations
Archiv: http://is.muni.cz/th/cc57j/

Production of soil CO2 at selected sites of the Moravian Karst
Archiv: http://is.muni.cz/th/tfqp0/

Geochemistry of bentonite interactions in high level waste repository conditions
Archiv: http://is.muni.cz/th/jcbuj/