The programme integrates PhD topics of environmental chemistry, toxicology and risk assessment with related problems of analysis and modelling of big data produced in current research of environmental factors affecting health. The objective is to support the independent development of young researchers that contribute to the understanding of fundamental processes of chemical effects on health and ecosystems, considering the context of other external "exposome" factors. The programme aims to prepare interdisciplinary independent personalities that are able – in addition to excellent knowledge in the specific research topic – to understand the practical use of their own research outputs. The programme will prepare graduates with outstanding profiles for both the national and international labour market. The graduates have broad experience with active communication in English (that is practised during all of the studies), carry other transferable skills and competencies learned through practical addressing of specific problems, as well as own preparation and running of small projects.

Programme structure
The programme is being prepared in both Czech and English versions. The Czech programme is being administered in the Czech language but even within this version, one of the objectives is strengthening international competitiveness, which is supported by education and lectures in English. Studies are organized in two specialisations, where the differences are defined in requirements for theoretical State Doctoral Exam. Studies are available in presence form (which is the preferred variant) or combined form (offered to students that continue towards the defence of PhD after standard 4 years of studies, or – exceptionally – to external students). The combined form differs mainly in requirements on periodic weekly duties (such as seminars) and duties related to pedagogical competencies (contributions to education).

Practical training
Within dissertation projects, students practically work on their own research projects and use various approaches depending on the focus of their works (laboratory experiments, field studies, analyses of samples and data from cohort environmental epidemiology studies, programming, and development of techniques of data modelling). A part of the study duties is the practical stay abroad or other forms of international practical training.

More information