Master Degree Study

Master Degree Programmes

Automation and Information Engineering in Chemistry and Food Industry

Study programme annotation: Engineering study programme Automation and Information Engineering in Chemical and Food Industries is focused on education in field of general analytical methods, design and implementation automation control systems, analyses technological devices and processes, information technologies, design of technical and programmes tools and its implementation in chemical, biochemical and food industries. Education is oriented on process control, identification and modelling of systems, adaptive control, construction and testing of measuring devices and equipment, and on development of software packages for intelligent control systems. Second branch is devoted to information technologies, data management, and Internet programming.
Study program provides education in implementation and exploitation of automation in chemical, biochemical, and food industries, in the field of information technologies in chemical, biochemical, and food industries, in the field of process control and management with basic knowledge of chemical, biochemical and food industries. Graduates understand technical language, technical documents, communicate at least in one major world language. They can lead a team and present their results.

Careers of graduates: Graduates can continue at PhD level in the same or similar study programs. Multidisciplinarity of this study program makes possible for the graduate to be employed in all countries of the European Union in chemical, biochemical, and food industries at positions requiring completed education of the second degree. The graduate is acquainted with process modelling methods, process control, optimization, instrumentation and regulation techniques, industrial control systems, design of management information system, computer operation systems, programming languages, database systems, web technologies. The graduate can implement this knowledge in chemical, biochemical, and food industries.

Biotechnology

Study programme annotation: The second degree of this study program provides advanced knowledge in the field of biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, gene engineering, biosyntheses and transformation of microorganisms, biocatalysis, enzymology and enzyme engineering, bioengineering, bioanalytical methods, as well as fermentation technology – beer, wine, alcohol and bio-ethanol production, environmental and pharmaceutical biotechnology. An important part of the study program is focused on individual laboratory research practice in particular area like fermentative production of organic acids, lipids, pigments, beer, wine or bio-ethanol fermentation, bioconversion and transformation of metabolites, environmental or pharmaceutical biotechnology, production of metabolites for pharmaceutical, medical or food purposes, as well as genetic manipulations. This master's degree program enables to the graduate to be adaptable when employed either in research, development, marketing, industrial and laboratory practice or to continue in the next study.
Graduate has complex knowledge of the key disciplines of natural sciences and a technical view on the gathered skills when applied in industry or research laboratory practice. Graduate is able to analyze physical and chemical phenomena; interpret the principles of processes applied in various branches of food processing, pharmaceutical and other biotechnological industries; masters the methods for cultivation of microorganisms, preparation, isolation and analyse of metabolites, methods and techniques for producer genome modification, and the principles, methods and working techniques employed in various types of chemical, microbiological, biochemical, genetic, environmental, and bioanalytical laboratories, and in industry. Graduate is able to manage the working teams, is able to understand at least one world language, has skills to operate basic PC applications and the practical aspects of information technologies, with main scientific, social, economic, commercial and ethical issues associated with development and expansion of the biotechnology, principal knowledge of management, law and economy.

Careers of graduates: Graduate from this master study program has an appropriate qualification for further PhD studies in successive or related study programs, or may be employed in the fields of the industry, science and marketing areas. The versatility of this master degree provides the graduate student the opportunity to be employed in all countries of the European Union in research institutions, in biotechnology factories focused on fermentation technologies, drug development, human and animal nutrition, or environmental protection. Graduate may be employed also in the fields of development, production, analysis, storage and sale of various chemical products and materials, food, beverages and bio-fuels. The understanding of the physical principles of various analytical and diagnostic techniques enables the graduate to work as the operator of clinical equipments in hospitals. The skills in technical terminology and the language training enable the graduate to find an application in the sectors dealing with product certification, environmental monitoring, hygiene, metrology, or technical translation.

Biochemistry and Biomedical Technology

Study programme annotation: Study program Biochemistry and Biomedical Technologies provides graduates besides the extensive knowledge in biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, immunology, immunochemistry, physiology and human nutrition also knowledge in the field of bioengineering, bioanalytical methods, cell culturing and materials biocompatibility. An important part of study program is focused on individual laboratory research practice in various research fields as molecular medicine, biocompatibility of new materials, effects of natural or synthetic compounds in treatment and prevention of several diseases, programmed cell death or searching of microbial producers of metabolites potentially utilizable pharmaco-medical applications. This master's degree study program enables the graduate to be adaptable when employed either in research, development, marketing, industrial and laboratory practice or to continue in the next study.
Graduate has complex knowledge of the key disciplines of natural sciences and a technical view on the gathered skills when applied in research, clinical or industrial laboratory practice. Graduate is able to analyze reasons and implications of physical, chemical and biological processes, interpret the principles of processes applied in various branches of pharmaceutical and biomedical technologies. Graduate is skilled in the methods of: microorganisms and animal cells culturing; metabolites production, isolation and analysing; induction and utilization of genome modification of microorganisms, animals and plants. Graduate is also skilled in the principles, methods and working techniques employed in various types of chemical, microbiological, biochemical, genetic, and bioanalytical laboratories, and in industry. Graduate is able to: manage the working teams; at least to communicate in one world language; to operate basically with PC applications including practical aspects of information technologies. The graduate is educated in main scientific, social, economic, commercial and ethical issues associated with development and expansion of the biotechnologies applied not only in industry but also in medicine. Graduate has principal knowledge of management, law and economy.

Careers of graduates: Graduate from this master study program has an appropriate qualification for further PhD studies in successive or related study programs, or may be employed in the laboratories that are oriented in basic or applied research in the fields of general and/or clinical biochemistry and microbiology. The graduate may be employed as well as in the field of biotechnologies focused on pharmacy, biomedicine. Graduate may be employed also in the fields of development, production, analysis, storage and sale of various chemical specialties and materials, for application pharmaceutical and biomedical research and practice. The understanding of the physical principles of various analytical and diagnostic techniques enables the graduate to work as the methodologist in application of modern technologies processed on unique equipments in clinical practice. The skills in technical terminology and the language training enable the graduate to find an application in the sectors dealing with product certification, environmental monitoring, hygiene, metrology, or technical translation.

Chemical Engineering

Study programme annotation: The study program Chemical Engineering provides students with complex knowledge in the field of chemical engineering required in production control, applied and basic research, design and optimization of chemical, biotechnological and food processing industries and environmental technologies. As the only study program in Slovakia, it provides in-depth education in all chemical engineering disciplines as balance theories, transfer phenomena, (bio) chemical reactors, separation processes, and system, safety and costs engineering, combined with selected knowledge on chemistry, biochemistry and mathematics. This general knowledge is developed and extended by specific information and experience with applied processes and equipment in chemical, energy, biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries as well as in environmental protection technologies. Individual and team projects are an important part of the study program; these are oriented on process and equipment design, the solution of engineering problems occurring in the production processes as well as economy and safety analysis. The study program is fully compatible with the study programs in the world.
A graduate of the study program is able to analyze physical and chemical phenomena; interpret the principles of processes applied in various branches of chemical, food processing, pharmaceutical and other industries; formulate and solve mathematical models of unit operations, reactors and bioreactors applying the acquired knowledge on mass, momentum and heat transfer; model processes occurring in simple as well as in complex systems; design and evaluate operation of the equipment or a set of equipments in chemical and biochemical production processes; identify risks in chemical, food processing and pharmaceutical production processes and design a precaution system decreasing the risk as well as the impact of industrial accidents on the environment within the legal framework of the discipline.

Careers of graduates: A graduate of this study program gains the skills to creatively apply the acquired knowledge in applied research and production practice; to implement and use modern methods and tools in the practical problems solution; to apply mathematical modelling results in the determination of the conditions of rational and effective process control and the selection of equipment characteristics; and to carry out independent research and scientific work in the field of chemical, biochemical, environmental and safety engineering. Deep technical knowledge provides graduates with the basis for effective identification of potential of material and energy savings in unit operations and technological complexes as well. The ability to analyze problems is the fundamental assumption for managerial positions in the complex environment of production processes. Graduates of this multidisciplinary study program find jobs not only in Slovakia but also abroad.

Chemical Technology

Study programme annotation: Alumni of Chemical Technology Master of Science Program is a chemical engineer, who is able to analyze technical problems and suggest appropriate solutions, develop new technological processes, to simulate processes in the technological units and optimize them. Graduates are holders of knowledge of manufacturing of chemical compounds and materials, are able to develop and control manufacturing processes and to solve technological, safety and ecological problems. They may find employment in chemical production, petroleum industry, technical sales, environmental protection, commercial and industrial laboratories, R&D of modern environmentally friendly technologies.
Graduates acquire a theoretical and practical knowledge of fundamental inorganic and organic technologies including catalyzed processes, familiarize themselves with the synthesis and manufacture of special chemicals and petroleum products, learn to use advanced monitoring methods of raw materials and to analyse product quality. He is able to control manufacturing processes, to use IT, communicate and present the results of his work for professionals on international level.

Careers of graduates: Graduates find positions in the European chemical production plants, research institutes or universities. They also take up positions in consulting and design companies, as well as in commercial-technical organizations, both domestic and international. Given their acquired technical synthetic way of thinking, graduates may also find positions in other technical fields after further training. They can also continue in the post-graduate doctoral degree study programmes.

Natural and Synthetic Polymers

Study programme annotation: In the Masters program students acquire necessary qualification for future chemical engineering careers in production of synthetic polymers and products of synthetic or natural polymers. There are four areas of study linked by common subjects of theoretical basis for technological study. The course of Natural and synthetic polymers introduces the complex study of synthesis, production and processing of natural and synthetic polymers based on plastics and rubber used in different industrial areas – e.g. rubber, automotive, textile, electronics, packaging, healthcare etc. Students acquire knowledge about structure and processing of wood material in paper industry; theory of colour and colour perception, colour measurement and reproduction; principles and procedures of professional text-image documents processing for their publication, principles of classical and digital printing techniques used in the printed media, packaging and printed fabrics. They study the relationships between material structure, properties and processing technology. The course combines deep theoretical and practical knowledge of chemical engineering, possible to be applied in chemical technology in the production of materials of natural and synthetic polymers, as well as in research and development.
The graduate of the Natural and synthetic polymers course is an engineer well familiar with the principles of the chemical synthesis reactions and modification of polymers, as well as the structure of polymeric materials, and is able to apply it in optimization and processing modelling using computer technology. The graduate is able to apply new research knowledge in practice and uses modern methods and means for analysing and solving technical and technological problems. He/she acquires the necessary skills for controlling technological processes and development of new processes and technologies, leading teams and projects, formulating research goals and using methods and techniques of process and material quality control. The graduate is also able to continue his further individual education, run their own business independently in the chemical research, polymeric materials processing, distribution, sale and application of polymers, as well as join the state sector or continue to doctoral studies.

Careers of graduates: The graduate of Natural and Synthetic Polymers Master of Science Program is a chemical engineer, who is holder of knowledge of manufacturing, processing, structure, properties and application of natural and synthetic polymer materials. Graduate is able to analyze technical problems, develop new technological processes, to simulate and to optimize processes in the technological units, to develop new polymeric materials, new technical and technological processes in the area of production, processing and applications of polymer materials. The graduate is specialist in the area of production and processing of plastics, rubber, chemical fibres and textile materials and their finishing treatment. The graduate is a specialist on structural and chemical composition, isolation, degradation, synthesis, analysis, production and testing of lignocelluloses biomaterials from plant raw materials. Graduates are prepared for the carrier of technologists and managers in printing and packaging industry, movie and still pictures laboratories, publishing houses and graphic studios and private enterprises.

Chemical Technology - Management of Chemical and Food Technology

Study programme annotation: The master degree study provides the full-value technical and economic education aimed at the control, management and economy of production processes, especially in the chemical and food-processing industry. It is the unique study program in the Slovak Republic integrating the knowledge of all areas of chemistry, processing, chemical and food technologies related to the economic and managerial education. In the concrete it provides knowledge in enterprise economy, human resources management, corporate finances, marketing, management of the production and logistical processes, strategic control in technologies, mathematical models in decision-making, information technologies, labour and industrial law. From technological aspects it enlarges the education about inorganic and organic technologies, bioelectrochemistry, technology of modern materials. For graduates it provides complete expert, technologic, economic and managerial knowledge in correlative relationships which the industry expects and demands on the present day.
The graduates of master degree programme is an engineer with large technological ground, which knows the methods and technologies of inorganic, organic chemistry, separation processes, technology of modern materials and alternative energy sources. The graduate is competent to design the conception of production process, to manage of production technological units and devices movement ecological include. The theoretical knowledge qualifies him to manage economics and managerial processes, technological and production processes as well. The knowledge from areas of marketing, human resources management, financial management, production management and investment development makes him possible the interactive thinking which means to regard not only the technological and economic relationships but its legal, environmental and social aspects also. He is competent to IT application and in-plant information system for correct decision-making and control. The graduate obtained the business and financial planning know-how per quod he gained the knowledge and skills for his business activities starting.

Careers of graduates: The graduate of master degree programme is universal technologically and economic oriented with the wide ability application in many areas of production management, technologic processes, human resource management, the marketing and in other economy spheres. The versatility of education makes possible for the graduate to work as a leader alternatively as an individual worker in the business management, as a controller, project manager etc. Obtained knowledge makes him possible to be of use in the public administration (in tax a financial institutions), in the engineering-investor and consultant organizations as well. He may work as a leader or as an individual worker in the creative teams for the control and production innovation, processes, business managerial systems etc. Theoretical knowledge qualifies him for the advanced form of education and makes him possible to be of use in the educational institutions also. By selection from the optional and compulsory elective subjects, especially from the simulation managerial programs, the graduate obtains the knowledge and know-how, which permit him to be of use as a businessman too.

Technical Chemistry

Study programme annotation: The graduate of master degree programme Technical Chemistry is an engineer with wide technological background, but simultaneously knows the laws of natural science, methods and work techniques in one of the branches of physical, analytical, organic or inorganic chemistry so that he/she is able to apply its in own scientific and research work or in praxis.
A great attention is paid to understanding all types of physical-chemical and analytical methods which in turn make possible to monitor kinetics and thermodynamic parameters of chemical reactions, to assess from both quantitative and qualitative points of view a mutual relationship between structure and reactivity of organic and inorganic compounds, to carry out the environmental quality assessment, to check enantiomeric purity of the tested newly prepared drugs and the presence of toxic substances in food. It is very important to build up knowledge related to causal structure-activity relationship between chemical structure and its biological efficiency. All these aspects of the proposed study program make possible to integrate the graduates into the solution of the scientific and research problems of the basic and applied chemical research.
On the basis of theoretical and practical skills in chemistry the graduates are able to formulate the problem and after its analysis relevantly express chemical information. The graduate is further able to implement analytical procedures and methods in order to increase reliability and efficiency of the technological procedures. The topics of this master study program and knowledge in legislation make possible to cooperate with groups which solve serious problems of technological praxis whereby he/she is able to communicate with technologists. The graduate is able in cooperation with the technologists to design effective technological production process of organic and inorganic substances to propose the chemical concept of the production process in the form of the laboratory basis for the application and realization research. Successful graduates continue in further education within the framework of Doctoral studies (PhD) during which students can participate in various mobility programs and after finishing of this study in the form of the long term post doctorate internship at renowned foreign universities.
The master degree programme Technical Chemistry of the university education includes the fundamentals of all parts of the analytical, physical, organic and inorganic chemistry as well as chemical informatics. The fundamentals are particularly based on knowledge of molecular and atomic spectrometry, electro-analytical chemistry, separation methods, mechanisms of both organic and inorganic reactions and organic and inorganic synthesis. These are properly complemented by training in asymmetric synthesis and stereochemistry, organometallic and complex compounds, bioorganic, bioinorganic, biophysical and bioanalytical chemistry, theory of chemical bonding, colloid chemistry, chemical thermodynamics and kinetics, application of artificial intelligence in chemistry, symbolic programming applied to chemistry, chemical information systems and computational chemistry.
The graduate of this study programme is able to appreciate from the chemical point of view low-molecular organic and inorganic raw materials, to fractionate them into chemical individuals, identify their structure, to choose suitable reactions for their exploitation by chemical transformation, to propose and realize target synthesis of an organic compound (e.g. natural substance or its analogues). Next, the graduate is also competent in simple cases to propose the reaction mechanism of particular reaction process and thus to affect their flow with the aim to obtain the requested compound in maximal yield and purity. With the assistance of modern separation methods the graduate is able to fractionate reaction mixtures into chemical individuals, including the separation of the diastereoisomers and enantiomers. With the assistance of physical-analytical methods the graduate is able to determine the structure of organic and inorganic compounds.

Careers of graduates: The graduate knows chemical and physical principles of physical-chemical and analytical methods. He/she knows at least one world language and has necessary experience in operating computational technique. He meets employment in industrial, research and developmental laboratories of the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, metallurgical, engineering productions, in biochemical and biotechnological laboratories as well as in the branch of the analysis of environment components. With the wide theoretical basis and practical skills he can employ also in technical-economical positions of different companies. The graduate will meets employment in the praxis in these positions:

• worker of research and development laboratories of industrial enterprises, research institutions and universities
• leading worker in chemical laboratories
• worker in technological producing
• worker in a wide spectrum of the chemical testing laboratories within different institutions of the state administration and the private monitoring sector
• worker of the domestic and foreign commercial firms oriented on trading instrumental techniques, chemicals and pharmaceuticals
• teacher of technical subjects