Applied and Landscape Ecology

The Applied Zoology programme enables students to develop interest at all levels of zoological research (taxonomy, ethology, animal ecology, biodiversity, conservation genetics, etc.) in conjunction with a number of practical branches of human activity (agriculture, the food industry, forestry, environmental protection, etc.) Students gain knowledge of the methodological procedures used in the monitoring and research of animals both in the wild and in laboratories.

Aim of the programme is to develop theoretical knowledge and acquire practical skills for scientific work in the field of special plant production, deepen the knowledge of crop science, breeding, plant protection and processing of field and garden production, detailed understanding of the principles of conventional, integrated, ecological and precision farming and cultivation practices, including their modifications. The graduates can analyse field farming, its efficiency, and relevant contexts.

The main goal of the study is to acquire knowledge and competence to carry out independent scientific creative work in the soil-plant-atmosphere system with an emphasis on the energy and water balance (with and without climate change impacts), which fundamentally affect the functions of ecosystems. As the main research methods, we use mostly process-based modeling, agricultural and forest field experiments, remote sensing and phenological observation.

The program is intended for degree candidates who want to acquire the theoretical knowledge and experimental skills necessary for deciphering the essence of shaping the structures of plant bodies and plant functions, the genetic bases underlying these processes and the possibilities (including genome editing) of their targeted modifications leading to the acquisition of novel beneficial properties that can subsequently be used in biotechnological applications.

The main objective of the degree programme is to develop the skills of students so that they are capable of conducting independent creative work in research, development and innovation in the below areas of zootechnics: - the development of scientific knowledge pertaining to the farming and breeding of cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and goats, poultry, rabbits, fur animals, fish and bees - the development of scientific knowledge pertaining to the keeping of farm animals, animals cared for by humans and animals kept for companionship - and others.

The unique combination of purely chemical disciplines with biological disciplines in this program creates prerequisites for successful scientific work in the field of research and production, biotechnology and applied related scientific fields. As part of the program, we work with CRISPR technology, which literally changes people's lives. In the laboratory, we are not only investigating tumor processes and looking for effective treatment, but we are also developing nanomaterials and micromaterials that can replace existing antibiotics.

The aim of the study program is to educate competent, reliable, and independent experts focused on the field of molecular biology, genetics, physiology and cytology of animals with an emphasis on farm, pet and model animals. The basis is experimental research activity using the most modern laboratory and instrumental methods.