The Doctoral School of Biology founded in 2001 is the largest postgraduate biology program in the country, offering research-oriented training in a wide range of areas of modern biology. The main topics include theoretical and evolutionary biology, ethology, ecology, and conservation biology, molecular neurobiology, physiology, human biology, immunology, experimental plant science, cell biology, microbiology, molecular genetics and cell biology, structural biochemistry, taxonomy. The selection of courses covers both theoretical background and lab or field skills and experience. The training emphasizes practical skills: the majority of credits are earned with supervised research work under personal tutoring by leading researchers. Students are involved in collaborative research taking advantage of the collaboration networks within the institute and with international partner institutions. The aim of the training is to fully prepare students for a successful career in the life sciences: either in basic research or in the industry.The programs are strongly research-oriented: apart from attending specialized courses, the students start their research work well before the end of the first year. At the end of each year the students report about their research progress. Students are expected to publish at least two papers in peer-reviewed internationally renowned journals of their field.
A Master’s degree in Biology or a related field is a requirement.
Entrance examination:
Yes
Entrance type:
Both
Minimum level of language proficiency (oral):
C1
Minimum level of language proficiency (written):
C1
Place of examination:
Online
The application starts at the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents and follow the instructions during the application process.Before applying, students should select a suitable research topic and should draw an outline for their research work with the guidance of their to-be supervisor. Important note: It is the student’s responsibility to find a qualified professor at the institute who is willing to act as a supervisor and they write together the research plan which is submitted along the application.Procedure of the entrance examination:The Program leader contacts the student by email and they set a date for the oral interview by Skype. The interview consists of two parts. On the interview, the applicant will be asked about her/his prior studies, research experience, thesis work, motivation and theoretical knowledge. In the first part the admission committee check the scientific knowledge of the student about the specific field of the program, in the second part they discuss the research plan submitted by the student. The interview lasts about 20-30 minutes.After the interview the student is informed whether he/she is accepted as a student in the PhD Program via email. The central administration of the faculty informs the student about the administrative and financial condition of the admission and sends the document ‘Letter of acceptance’.
