Study at the Department

Ph.D., master and bachelor programs

Study at the Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry

The Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry is home to five master’s degree programs (Physical Chemistry, Macromolecular Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry and Modeling of Chemical Properties of Nanostructures and Biomolecules) and three doctoral programs (Physical Chemistry, Macromolecular Chemistry, and Modeling of Chemical Properties of Nanostructures and Biomolecules).

In close collaboration with research institutes of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (e.g., the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Institute of Chemical Processes), our department provides graduate (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) students with the opportunity to pursue research across a broad spectrum of topics. These include quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, statistical thermodynamics, computer simulations, electrochemistry, reaction kinetics and catalysis, biophysical and colloidal chemistry, biomacromolecular chemistry, and the physical chemistry of polymers.

Courses taught by the department in the Study Information System (SIS)

List of department Ph.D. programs

Physical Chemistry

A Ph.D. graduate in Physical Chemistry has basic knowledge covering all fields of chemistry, plus advanced knowledge of physical chemistry, computational chemistry, or both, as well as usually having good interdisciplinary knowledge oriented toward the fields of biology, physics, or nanoscience, according to his/her thesis. The graduate is able to present his/her results at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. Experience in teaching undergraduate students, the formulation of grant proposals. The graduate is highly qualified for creative work at any academic, research or technological laboratory dealing with the development, testing and application of new and traditional chemical and physical methods as well as with new materials.

Macromolecular Chemistry

A PhD. graduate has acquired advanced theoretical knowledge, practical skills and experience in the field of Macromolecular Chemistry. The graduate is able to formulate, plan and perform scientific tasks and critically evaluate and present their results. He/she has practical experience in organizing and funding research and teaching students. The graduate manages very well the modern methods of preparation of polymer materials, methods of their characterization and study and has interdisciplinary knowledge in advanced applications of polymer materials and can creatively use this knowledge and experience. The graduate is qualified for work in academic, scientific and scientific-educational institutions as well as research and development centres of companies engaged in the development and production of technologically advanced materials.

Modelling of Chemical Properties on Nano- and Biostructures

This Ph.D. program is an interdisciplinary study combining physical chemistry, biochemistry, and material science with the modern tools of molecular modelling. Graduates are able to solve problems in the structural and dynamical aspects of complex systems using state-of-the-art tools of computational chemistry; they are also capable of writing reports and papers in scientific journals. Graduates have presented their results at international conferences, and have experience with the preparation of grant proposals. They will be useful in various areas of science, including: materials engineering, pharmaceutical research, molecular biology, biotechnology and/or catalysis. Graduates will find positions in applied research both in the private sector and in academia.

MSc study programs

Physical chemistry

The graduate of the Physical Chemistry study program is equipped with theoretical knowledge and experimental skills covering all chemical fields and deep knowledge in the field of physical chemistry. He also has deeper knowledge in the field of physics, mathematics and computing. Because the methods of physical chemistry are an integral part of all chemical and related fields, graduates are offered a wide range of opportunities to work in scientific and working teams of universities, research and development institutes and production entities with chemical, biochemical, physical, biophysical, material, pharmacological and medical focus.

When enrolling in this study program, the applicant chooses one of three specializations: "Biophysical chemistry", "Physical chemistry" or "Modeling of chemical properties of nano- and biostructures".

Specialization "Biophysical Chemistry". This specialization is aimed at educating specialists in an interdisciplinary field on the border of physical chemistry and biochemistry. Graduates will be able to solve problems concerning structural and functional characterization of biological systems using physico-chemical methods.
Specialization "Physical Chemistry". This specialization is aimed at educating specialists with theoretical and practical knowledge of modern instrumental methods of physical chemistry, especially spectroscopic, scattering and microscopic methods. Graduates will acquire the ability to independently solve problems related to structural characterization of substances.
Specialization “Modeling of chemical properties of nanostructures and biostructures”. This specialization is aimed at educating specialists trained in methods of computational chemistry such as quantum-chemical calculations or Monte Carlo methods and molecular dynamics. Graduates will acquire the ability to independently solve problems related to structural and dynamic aspects of nano- and biostructures and their chemical and physical properties.

Macromolecular chemistry

A graduate of the Macromolecular Chemistry field of study is equipped with theoretical knowledge and experimental skills covering all chemical fields and deep knowledge in the field of macromolecular chemistry, physical chemistry and material science. He/she also has deeper knowledge in physics, biophysical chemistry, mathematics and computing. Interdisciplinary education gives graduates a wide range of opportunities in academic teams of universities and work teams of research and development institutes and production entities with a focus on the development, research and application of polymers not only in new materials, but also in electronics, pharmacology, biomedicine and ecology.

StudyScience Bachelor Program

Discover Integrated Science at Charles University

The "StudyScience" bachelor’s program at Charles University offers a unique, interdisciplinary approach by integrating biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics during the first two years. This flexible structure equips students with broad scientific skills and allows them to explore various fields before choosing a specialization in the final year.

The program emphasizes customized study plans, enabling students to tailor their education to align with their interests and prepare for targeted Master’s studies. Taught entirely in English, "StudyScience" promotes autonomy, critical thinking, and internationalization, drawing inspiration from successful global education models.

More about the StudyScience program https://studyscience.eu/