Decontamination technologies
Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague
semestrial lecture (bachelor and master students)
This lecture series focuses on decontamination technologies that employ living organisms to remove contaminants from soil, water, and air. It will explore the mechanisms of contaminant uptake, their metabolism within organisms, and the effects of contaminants on living systems. Finally, the potential for applying these biological processes in practical remediation of real contaminated sites will be discussed.
Xenobiotics biotransformation in plants
Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Hradec Králové
2 lectures (bachelor students)
The lecture examines how plants metabolize and eliminate foreign substances from the environment. It focuses on mechanisms of xenobiotic uptake, transformation, and detoxification, as well as the enzymes involved. Attention is given to the use of these processes in pharmaceutical production and in phytoremediation of contaminated soils and waters, including the treatment of heavy metals, radionuclides, and organic pollutants.
Advanced methods of agricultural products analysis
Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague
semestrial lecture (bachelor and master students)
It contains theoretical lectures and practical training. The mission of the course is to acquaint students with the basic concepts, methodology and instrumentation used in advanced chemical analysis of food. In this course, students will encounter important topics not only in the field of food quality analysis, but also related fields such as toxicology or pharmacology. The lectures reflect a real approach to the analysis of different types of samples and the performance of experiments, including the evaluation and interpretation of data. Special attention is paid to chromatographic and spectrometric methods, especially mass and NMR spectrometry.
Toxicology and ecotoxicology II.
Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Environmental Technology, The University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague
semestrial lecture (bachelor students)
The aim of the course is to demonstrate the principles of toxicological work, primarily as a tool for assessing the effects of substances present in the environment on various biological species and on the balance of ecosystems. In addition to chemical analysis, the assessment of the ecotoxicity of substances is an important part of environmental monitoring. The course will provide an overview of a wide range of toxicity tests and their application in waste management and environmental protection. Students will be familiarized with the entire toxicity testing process, from sampling and experiment planning to the interpretation of the data obtained.
Methods of genetic engineering
Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Ecology, Oles Honchar Dnipro University, Dnipro, Ukraine
2 semestrial lectures (bachelor students)
The course provides students with comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills in modern genetic engineering techniques aimed at modifying the genomes of organisms to enhance their economically valuable traits. The course covers donor and vector DNA selection and isolation, recombinant DNA construction and amplification as well as the identification of specific clones of recombinant DNA. The attention is paid to gene transfer methods for bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals, genome editing technologies such as gene knockout and CRISPR-Cas9. Current achievements, future prospects, and the legal framework governing the application of genetic engineering in science and economy are also devoted.
Biodefence and Biosafety
Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Ecology, Oles Honchar Dnipro University, Dnipro, Ukraine
semestrial lecture + seminar (master students)
The course aims to develop contemporary understanding of biodefense and biosafety to prevent bioterrorism and biological warfare as well as ensuring the safe production and application of biotechnology products. Lectures and seminars address topics such as the social, ethical, and legal responsibilities of scientists in the biological fields, the dual-use dilemma of biological materials, risks associated with advanced biological and biomedical technologies and managing outbreaks of socially significant infectious diseases. Particular attention is given to methods of protecting humans and the environment from biologically hazardous factors, scientific and technological progress and the production of biological weapons, and the relevance of the Convention on the Prohibition of Biological, Toxin and Chemical Weapons. The course also separately examines biorisks and strategies for preventing biological contamination during the production of biotechnological products.