Analytical Geochemist

The aim of the interdisciplinary doctoral study program Analytical Geochemist is to prepare highly qualified specialists with knowledge and skills in the fields of Analytical Chemistry and Geology. The PhD students are prepared at two institutes of the Faculty of Science, the Institute of Chemistry and the Institute of Geological Sciences. The study is based on independent creative activity and research of experimental character under the guidance of a supervisor. The theoretical knowledge of analytical chemistry and geology, which the student acquires by completing courses with a deepening and broadening focus, is complemented by practical experience with modern techniques of instrumental analysis. Students will learn to critically evaluate the knowledge gained by studying literature and independently create publications and research reports in English. During their studies, they will acquire the pedagogical experience and the ability of management in helping with the teaching of students of bachelor or master studies. The student publishes the achieved scientific knowledge in reputable professional journals and summarizes it in the form of a doctoral dissertation. The aim of the study is also to gain a broader scientific insight, international experience and language skills, which is made possible by stays at partner workplaces at home and abroad and by active participation in national and especially international scientific conferences.

The study is designed so that the graduate is prepared not only for scientific research activities, but also for the fulfillment of tasks of geological practice and generally for employment in industry. At present, the geological activities place a strong emphasis on economic indicators of preparatory, monitoring and implementation work, which requires a multidisciplinary knowledge of the properties and behavior of a diverse rock environment, the design of a targeted analytical procedure and the selection of a suitable methodology. Assessment of already implemented projects and their practical impacts also requires knowledge of the rock environment and analytical methods. The graduate preparedness to solve these tasks will be ensured in this doctoral study by linking basic geological disciplines with modern instrumental analytical chemistry. The graduate will master modern methods of spectrometric analysis, principles of good laboratory practice, computer processing of results and chemometry and metrology for correct evaluation of analysis results and method validation. They will realize the links between geosciences and analytical chemistry. He / she is able to apply the acquired knowledge and skills from both scientific disciplines to the solution of assigned tasks in the academic environment and in the industrial sphere.

By increasing the proportion of experimentally oriented courses and introducing practice, new studies strengthen the practical competencies of graduates in accordance with labor market requirements. In addition to the student's own experimental work in the implementation of research related to the dissertation topic and beyond the practice at another workplace, the current curriculum design includes approximately 30% of experimental teaching in the form of laboratory exercises. The graduate is therefore flexible; is able to adapt to the requirements of workplaces with analytical and geological focus when solving complex tasks.

Practical training

According to the Government Order, students are obliged to complete an internship abroad for at least one month. As part of the Analytical Geochemist program, a semester internship is recommended.

Further information

The Office for Doctoral Studies, Quality, Academic Affairs and Internationalization takes care of doctoral students SCI MU

https://www.sci.muni.cz/en/students/phd

On the department's website, you can find the following information:

• Forms (application forms for state examinations and defences, various applications, etc. )
• Legislation (links to: MU Study and Examination Regulations, Scholarship Regulations of MU, Terms of Scholarship Programmes of the Faculty of Science)
• Dissertations (Guidelines for dissertations, templates)
• Manuals (guidelines for Individual Study Plans, study and research obligations in DSP, etc.)
• Doctoral study programmes (recommended study plans, examination committees, overview of accredited programmes)
• Deadlines for the doctoral state examinations and defences
• Enrolment (information needed for the enrolment to the next semester)
• Graduation

but also office hours, contacts, news, information on skills development and scholarships.

Detailed information on stays abroad can be found on this website:

https://www.sci.muni.cz/en/students/phd/develop-your-skills/stay-abroad

Thanks to the interconnection of analytical chemistry and geology, graduates of the Analytical Geochemical Doctoral program will find employment in scientific and research institutions such as the Academy of Sciences, universities, Czech Geological Survey, Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, but also in technologically oriented jobs: the collection and treatment of waste, eventually waste water treatment, in state administration, especially the environmental protection departments. Graduates will be prepared to work in the mining and energy industries, such as companies engaged in mining, geological exploration and projection, as well as in industrial companies focusing on metallurgical, engineering, glass and ceramic production.

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 via 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, a candidate must obtain a total of at least 120 points out of 200, with at least 60 points in both parts.
Successful applicants are informed of their acceptance via 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.