PhD in Developmental and Cell Biology Charles University First Faculty of Medicine

Developmental and cell biology are dynamic fields that integrate molecular biology, biochemistry, histology, and functional morphology, in the context of both evolution and ontogenesis, in one unifying view of life on the cellular level.

The study, which typically takes four years to complete, involves intense science training under the guidance of a supervisor and extends the education on M.Sc. level by specialized courses. Courses are guaranteed by specialists from the Faculty of Science and 1st Faculty of Medicine of Charles University as well as experts from the institutes of the Academy of Science (majority of them from IMG). Students can work on their doctoral projects in the above institutions as well as in hospitals, clinical laboratories, institutions of applied research, or, less frequently, in the biotech development segments of private companies. Students discuss the progress of their research at Ph.D. conferences in their oral presentations or posters. Project plans can be also implemented as parts of grant applications. Student mobilities help them to get acquainted with the international dimension of scientific collaboration. The outcome of their scientific work is presented at international conferences and as publications in impacted international journals. Members of the oversight committee and the head of the program supervise students' projects and work with students on an individual basis. Students are encouraged to make independent opinions based on the literature they study.

Successful completion of the study requires that the student takes two courses taught in English, passes the state exam, and publishes two original papers, one of which includes the student as the first author.

According to article 3, paragraph 1, second sentence of the Code of Admission Procedure of Charles University, this program of study is offered without specialization.

Graduate of the Developmental biology study program meets the requirements for a qualified researcher. They possess theoretical and practical knowledge, plus experience in a wide range of biological disciplines (molecular and cellular biology, embryology and developmental biology, reproductive biology). He/she is trained to carry out fundamental and applied research into cell structures, organismal reproduction, and development, morphogenesis, the molecular basis of cellular regulation, proliferation and differentiation, and intercellular relations in multicellular systems throughout the entire life cycle of an organism. Graduates will be useful in basic scientific research, biotechnology, and applied research and practice (health, agriculture, biotechnology), as well as in the training of new generations of researchers.