Biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics

Degree programme objectives

The study program Biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics includes knowledge about the structure of biologically important bio(macro)molecules (proteins nucleic acids, oligosaccharides, etc.), and the relation between their structure and biological function. Students are trained in methods of carrying out and applying research on the 3-D structure and function of bio(macro)molecules. The technical facilities allow students regular use of the most modern methods, both experimental (nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray diffraction, cryo-electron microscopy, methods in biomolecular interactions studies , methods of molecular biology) and computational (quantum chemistry, molecular mechanics and dynamics). Emphasis is placed on independent work by students in the context of implementing research projects, including the ability to communicate and present results in the English language. Students also learn to make use of information available in literature and electronic databases. The range of specialized lectures allows students to deepen their theoretical knowledge.

Study covers the following research areas:

Computational chemistry and chemoinformatics

Structural bioinformatics

Structural analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray difraction and cryo-electron microscopy

Glycobiochemistry

Interaction of proteins with cell membrane

Structural virology

Structure and dynamics of nucleic acids

Structural biology of gene regulation

Non-coding genome

RNA quality control

Recombination and DNA repair

DNA sequence analysis

Next-generation sequencing

The program of studies is designed to be interdisciplinary, helping students learn to combine knowledge from various fields.

Study plans

Biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics

full-time, single-subject

Biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics

combined, single-subject

Admission Procedures
International applicants for doctoral study (Czech and Slovak Republics applicants NOT included)
Submission deadline until midnight 15/12/2024

Information on entrance examinations designed for this degree programme
Admission procedure
The candidate should demonstrate the prerequisites for creative work in the field on the basis of the thesis or own publications. In addition, they should have a basic knowledge of biochemistry and structural biochemistry. The ability to communicate in English at the level of understanding a popular science article, writing a short English summary and general discussion on topics related mainly to one's own CV, universities and research activities is required. The admissions procedure assesses professional knowledge (max. 100 points) and language skills (max. 100 points)
More information about admission process for international applicants in general can be found in the section Admission Process.
Date of the entrance exam
The applicants will receive information about the entrance exam by e-mail usually at least 10 days before the exam.
Please, always check your e-mails, including spam folders.
Conditions of admission
To be admitted, the candidate must obtain at least 160 points.
Successful applicants are informed of their acceptance by e-mail and subsequently receive an invitation to the enrolment.
Programme capacity
The capacity of a given programme is not fixed; students are admitted based on a decision by the Doctoral Board after assessing their aptitude for study and motivation.

Studies

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Objectives
The study program Biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics includes knowledge about the structure of biologically important bio(macro)molecules (proteins nucleic acids, oligosaccharides, etc.), and the relation between their structure and biological function. Students are trained in methods of carrying out and applying research on the 3-D structure and function of bio(macro)molecules. The technical facilities allow students regular use of the most modern methods, both experimental (nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray diffraction, cryo-electron microscopy, methods in biomolecular interactions studies , methods of molecular biology) and computational (quantum chemistry, molecular mechanics and dynamics). Emphasis is placed on independent work by students in the context of implementing research projects, including the ability to communicate and present results in the English language. Students also learn to make use of information available in literature and electronic databases. The range of specialized lectures allows students to deepen their theoretical knowledge.

Study covers the following research areas:
Computational chemistry and chemoinformatics
Structural bioinformatics
Structural analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray difraction and cryo-electron microscopy
Glycobiochemistry
Interaction of proteins with cell membrane
Structural virology
Structure and dynamics of nucleic acids
Structural biology of gene regulation
Non-coding genome
RNA quality control
Recombination and DNA repair
DNA sequence analysis
Next-generation sequencing

The program of studies is designed to be interdisciplinary, helping students learn to combine knowledge from various fields.
Learning Outcomes
After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:
- independently and creatively design and conduct research activities and use methods and models in the field of biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics
- prepare scientific articles and publish them in international scientific journals in the field of biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics
- present research outcomes at international conferences in the field of biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics
- understand and use theories and concepts in the field of biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics
- understand and critically evaluate current research trends and development in the field of biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics
- communicate scientific topics in English language
- use international cooperation experience
- provide students with expert guidance and supervision
- prepare competitive grant applications and conduct team research
Occupational Profiles of Graduates
The goal of the doctoral study programme is to prepare specialists at the highest level who will be not only specialists with detailed knowledge of certain techniques, but creative thinkers with a broad overview of the field of biomolecular chemistry and bioinformatics with good foundations in theory. Although the graduate will be qualified mainly for an academic career, he will also be a specialist capable of serving in the commercial sphere, especially in biochemical and pharmaceutical research, working with biologically-oriented databases, and in fields using advanced methods of computational chemistry and bioinformatics. As the experience of the past few years has shown, foreign contacts and study stays can help the graduate to find work at the top institutes abroad. Foreign contacts and study stays can help the graduate to find work at the top institutes abroad.
Goals of Theses
The dissertation must contain the results published or accepted for publication. At least one publication in peer-reviewed journal with impact factor (IF) above median in journal category where the student is the first author is required or at least 2 first authorship publications in journals with IF below median. The preferred form of dissertation is a set of publications or manuscripts accepted for publication dealing with the subject of dissertation, accompanied by a comprehensive introduction and commentary (section 31, paragraph 2 of MU Study and examination regulations). Formal requirements for dissertation are specified in Opatřením děkana Přírodovědecké fakulty č. 5/2012.