PhD study

The Department Biology of Ecosystems/Faculty of Science at the University of South Bohemia/ is responsible for a doctoral programme Ecosystem Biology. This programme provides students with a thorough overview of modern methodology in current ecology, focused particularly on mechanisms determining behavior of ecological networks. State-art-methods, such as next generation sequencing, stable isotopes, stoichiometry, mesocosm experiments and many others are accessible to any applicant. The programme is highly interdisciplinary, linking plant and animal ecology in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. A great deal of emphasis is placed on experimental approach, ability of students to design, analyze and evaluate experiments. The research of doctoral theses is often conducted in close cooperation with institutions of Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, namely Biology Centre and Institute of Botany.

Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in academia as well as the public and private sectors. The acquired skills qualify our absolvents for research and education institutions, institutions for applied research in agriculture, forestry and nature conservation, museums, public or commercial administrations, and non-governmental organizations.

Unlike other Czech universities, we offer full graduate education in the doctoral programme in Limnology, owing to scientific backgroung, research infractructue and close cooperation with the Institute of Hydrobiology and Centre Algatech in Třeboň.

Our study programme covers graduate education in all fields and methods of current limnology and hydrobiology, primarily oriented on research of lakes, fishponds and reservoirs, hydrochemistry and nutrient transformation, production and microbial processes in freshwaters. Topics of dissertation theses are focused on both specific issues of particular research of aquatic ecosystems and holistic approach to the entire ecosystems including their catchments, as well as on results applicable in water quality management. To solve specific questions, we employ simple model cultivations of organisms under controlled conditions or conduct long-term ecological research of freshwaters. We focus on monitoring and experimental skills, proper planning of sampling or experimental design, and accurate statistical evaluation. Our research is based on application of current methods and advanced instrumentation in a close cooperation with the above institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The acquired skills qualify our absolvents for freshwater sciences, research and development, as well as for water management in state and public enterprises, non-governmental organizations or private companies.

When applying for financial support for a trip abroad (internship, conference), please carefully double-check that the application meets all the below-listed criteria to avoid delays in processing:

• all relevant information was given (i.e. all relevant fields were filled)
• the application for a long-term internship (one month and longer) grant must include your own contribution (per diem) in the amount of 5000 CZK/month
• please fill in the information about the application for other types of support (Erasmus+, financial support from the Vice Dean for PhD studies etc.), their amount and the approximate date of the decision to grant this support

Travel Grant Request Guidelines
When applying for a travel grant, please follow these basic rules to ensure your request can be approved smoothly:

1. Keep costs reasonable
   All requested expenses must be appropriate and reflect typical local prices at your destination. Excessive or luxury spending will not be reimbursed.
2. Use standard accommodation platforms
   Accommodation should be booked primarily directly or through commonly used platforms such as Booking.com or Airbnb. Choose reasonably priced options that match the purpose of your trip. Please keep in mind that our budget is limited and that we are trying to satisfy also your colleagues.
3. Respect per diem limits
   Daily subsistence (per diem) costs must not exceed the official limits defined by Czech regulations for foreign business travel. Please check the current rates for your destination country before submitting your request. Typically, an equivalent of 40 € per day in cheaper countries, while 50–60 € in more expensive countries. Kindly ask your supervisor for advice and guidance on the table with actual values for countries worldwide.
   If accommodation includes meals, the request must be adjusted accordingly.
   Make sure all estimated costs are clearly itemized and supported by price checks (e.g., screenshots or links where appropriate).