Specializations in Ph.D. study programme Ecology

Faculty of Science - Ph.D. study programmes accredited in English

Programme Ecology

Specialization Ecology

Programme Director:
Prof. Hana Šantrůčková, PhD.
Contact phone: ++420-387772361; e-mail: hana.santruckova@bf.jcu.cz

Co-operating institutions:
Biological Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic: Institute of Entomology; Institute of Soil Biology

Characteristics:
The programme is focused on the principles and methods of contemporary ecology, with special attention paid to the mechanisms of ecosystem functions. The interactions among plants and animals, in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are considered, with emphasis on the evolutionary consequences of ecological phenomena. Experimental approaches are emphasised, with courses on the design of ecological experiments and analysis of ecological data. Ecological theory is treated in several courses.

The degree Doctor of Philosophy ensures that the students are equipped with the necessary skills and methodological knowledge to undertake original research in their chosen field of study. They have all the necessary pre-requisites for leading positions in a broad array of biologically oriented fields of research and management. Graduates are expected to launch their professional career at research and education institutions including universities, at institutes of applied research and management, in landscape ecology, nature protection and conservation, as well as in museums.

Areas of Ph.D. research:
Population ecology of selected species. Community ecology of plants and animals. Theoretical ecology and mathematical modelling of ecological systems. Mechanisms of species coexistence. Plant roots and their symbionts. Community ecology of soil organisms. Carbon and nitrogen cycling in soil and ecosystem. Greenhouse gas production in and emissions from soil. Soil biological processes and their impact on soil fertility/quality.

Recently defended Ph.D. theses – Ecology