Experimental Plant Biology

The aim of study in this programme is to deepen the knowledge in plant biology acquired in the bachelor's degree. In particular, emphasis is placed on practical knowledge and skills in experimental work. These acquired skills increase the attractiveness of graduates' employment, especially in research and control organisations, and private companies focused on research and development.

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

• be well oriented in the structure of various types of plant cells, tissues and organs, and is able to independently observe structures in a light microscope.
• understand transport, metabolic and regulatory processes in plants, and understand their interrelationships.
• orientate himself/herself in the reactions of plants to environmental conditions and understand the mechanisms of these reactions.
• independently obtain up-to-date scientific information from relevant sources, critically evaluate it, and process it into comprehensive reports.
• creatively and independently carry out research and development activities in various areas of experimental biology, including leading research project teams.
• process his/her own results, integrate them into the current state of knowledge, present, discuss, and defend them.
• communicate the results of his/her work and in general in the field of natural sciences in both Czech and English.

Due to the scope of the courses, the graduates are guaranteed to be highly adaptable and competitive, with the possibility of employment in basic or applied biological research, as well as in fields related to environmental chemistry, applied ecology or environmental protection. Some of the graduates also find employment in control organisations and some other branches of the state administration.

Practical experience of graduates is not strictly required. However, work placements at research institutions at home and abroad are recommended and practically encouraged during the studies.

The thesis has the character of an independent experimental scientific work including a brief overview of the current knowledge on the topic, objectives and hypotheses, methodology, results, discussion of the results and an overview of the information sources used. The author has to demonstrate the ability to test the experimental hypotheses, to evaluate the results statistically, to present them in an appropriate way in tables and graphs, and then to interpret them in the context of current knowledge in the field.

Students pursuing a master's degree may apply to study in the graduate programme in Plant Anatomy and Physiology at a given faculty.