Biochemistry

The institution defines the learning objectives of the study programme such as student’s abilities at the time of completion of the programme and the main learning outcomes.

The graduate of the third degree of the Biochemistry program is able to solve problems in the field of analysis of the structure and function of biological and biologically relevant molecules, as well as processes associated with their transformation in living organisms both independently and as a team member. During his studies, he gained theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field of biochemistry and related scientific disciplines. Given that a key element of education and training at this level of study is students' own scientific research (search and processing of scientific literature, mastery of modern experimental methods and techniques, operation of laboratory instruments and equipment in the biochemical laboratory, independent experimental work, obtaining and analysis of own experimental data, presentation and communication of achieved results), the graduate is able to carry out scientific research, formulate and solve scientific problems, critically evaluate the obtained solutions and present the achieved results. The graduate masters the chemical, biological and biomedical methods of scientific research, ethical and social aspects of scientific work, as well as the principles of scientific and pedagogical activities. Upon completion, this experience allows him to manage teams of workers in this field, lead research projects independently and take responsibility for complex solutions.

The institution indicates the professions for which the graduate is prepared at the time of completion and the potential of the study programme from the point of view of graduate’s employability.

Graduates of the doctoral program Biochemistry are qualified for the profession of biochemist, researcher, teacher and manager in the field of biochemistry, biotechnology and biomedical research in a wide range of positions within the Slovak Academy of Sciences, universities, health institutions, agriculture, forestry, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the environment management agencies, companies trading with chemicals and laboratory supplies and the like. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field and its extensive knowledge, the graduate can easily work as a chemist in other professions and as a biologist where an exact approach and laboratory skills are required.

He is qualified for the direct exercise of the professions such as:

- researcher in biochemistry, biotechnology and biomedical research institutions,
- biochemists in operations and development laboratories in the food, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, in agricultural and veterinary establishments,
- biochemist in companies trading with pharmaceutical, food, agrotechnical and biotechnological products.

According to statistical data of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic on the employment of high school and university graduates from 2019 for graduates of the chemistry and biochemistry study programs at the Faculty of Natural Science, Comenius University in Bratislava, 71% of students are employed in their field, 4% work on agreement and 25% continue their studies. There are 3 top sectors for the employment of graduates: health and social services (44%), professional, scientific and technical activities (25%) and industry (13%). 0% of economically active graduates were unemployed and it took 23 days to find a permanent job. Biochemistry is a modern, constantly evolving interdisciplinary field, the results of which are important not only in the field of chemistry and biology. As biochemistry is the fastest growing part of chemistry and biology today, and the future of technology is generally seen in biotechnology, our economy will be able to absorb an unlimited number of graduates. The development of the field is closely linked to the sectors that are in the primary sphere of interest of scientific and technical development, such as healthcare, nutrition and biotechnology.

For individual study plans, the institution states the requirements for completing the individual parts of the study programme and the student’s progress within the study programme in the given structure:
- Number of credits for compulsory courses: 30
- Number of credits for compulsory elective courses: 6
- Number of credits for elective courses and scientific part: 159
- Number of credits for the dissertation exam: 15
- Number of credits for the defence of the dissertation thesis: 30