Material chemistry
Characteristics
The study programme of Material chemistry responds to the growing need for specialists in the field of material research including synthesis, characterization using modern physico-chemical methods, and their application potential. The curriculum of this study programme involves theoretical and practical fundaments from physical and material chemistry, which is necessary for acquiring further knowledge involved in specialized lectures and seminars aimed on modern material technology, especially nanotechnology. Great emphasize is put on physics of solid phase, which is prerequisite for understanding of the interconnection between structure and fundamental properties of the materials used in modern technologies. The curriculum of this study programme corresponds closely with the research interests of the Department of physical chemistry and Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials (RCPTM). Fundamental part of the curriculum of this study programme is represented by lectures devoted to specific properties and applications of nanomaterials. The emphasize is put on the methods of study of solid substances. Students are expected to gain extraordinary theoretical and practical knowledge of microscopic methods (AFM, TEM, SEM), x-ray analysis, modern spectroscopic and spectrometric methods (Rama spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, NMR, neuron diffraction), surface characterization methods and methods of thermal analysis, rheology, magneto-chemical methods etc. Students will be also acquainted with fundaments of industrial production of different materials. The knowledge and skills gained from the laboratory exercises can be further developed during the elaboration of diploma thesis aimed on synthesis, analysis and application possibilities of different materials in the fields of interest of the Department of physical chemistry and RCPTM of the Faculty of Science, Palacky University.
Aim of the Study
This master´s two-year study programme has the aim to prepare specialists with reasonably good knowledge in physics and material chemistry, who are able to use their knowledge and skill in either fundamental or applied research and in selected technological fields of interest. Therefore the study is aimed not only on the theoretical preparation of the graduates for the material research but also on his/her ability to transfer these theoretical skills into practice, which is supported especially by the specialized laboratory exercise, in the course of diploma thesis elaboration and through excurses into industrial companies and to specialized laboratories aimed on material technologies. The graduates of this master´s study programme will be acquainted, aside from necessary knowledge from chemical and physical disciplines, with specialization on nanotechnologies and nanomaterials both in research and industrial practice.
Graduate Profile
The graduate of this master´s study programme is fully qualified in the field of physical and material chemistry; the graduate is therefore fully qualified to work independently in research or in industrial practice or testing lab. Additionally, the graduate is also ready for further higher qualification – to enter the doctoral study programme in Physical chemistry or Material chemistry. The acquired knowledge can be used in a wide variety of professions where university degree, aimed on physico-chemical fundaments of analytical and synthetic processes, is required. The absolvents can find employment in all field where physico-chemical methods of research is used side by side with production of materials in chemical, pharmaceutical and food industry, in testing labs and in medicine or agriculture.
Characteristics and Aim of Diploma Thesis
The aim of the diploma thesis is a research of an independent task from the field of material chemistry under the supervision of a specialist in the field, who actively participates in material research. Students are supposed to work independently and to apply the obtained knowledge and skills. Elaboration of a literary research is considered the first step. It is followed by the necessity to master the research methodology for the analysis of experimental data and by the final presentation of the whole research. The ability to interpret and deliver the results of own research is understood as one of the crucial skills.
Diploma Thesis - Topics
The topic of the diploma theses can be found here. If you are truly interested in elaboration of the diploma thesis at the Department of Physical chemistry, please, do not hesitate to contact the supervisors.
Guarantee: prof. RNDr. Radek Zbořil, Ph.D.
Professor Zbořil is foremost specialist in the field of syntheses, functionalization, characterization and usage of nanomaterials based especially on metals and their oxides and on carbon-based materials. He published over 150 papers in prestigious scientific journals, is a co-author of several patents, principal investigator or co-investigator of numerous national and international grants, received the Award from Ministry of Education. More information can be obtained from prof. Zbořil’s professional Curriculum Vitae either at Department of physical chemistry or at RCPTM.