In accordance with the university-wide concept of long-term development, the department engages in teaching and research of plant genetics and animal breeding applications. The primary objective of the department is to create an environment that leads both to ensuring quality teaching of genetically oriented subjects and breeding, and to the education of scientists in applied genetics and breeding of plants and animals. Science education and creative potential development are not possible without collaboration with research institutes and partner universities; one of the priorities is therefore the development of mutual cooperation with institutions at the national and international level.
Research activities: Educational activity: Consultancy and cooperation with practice:
The department participates in complex agriculture and forestry projects, contributing to their preparation and to the research. In addition to cooperation with research institutes, we have our own laboratory facilities, constructed for the application of molecular diagnostic methods and plant in vitro cultures. The research is aimed at studying plant and animal variability, and its interpretation with respect to their rational use and breeding. More specifically, we focus on: the detection of genes affecting the vitality of individuals (detection of lethal genes and resistance genes), the study of intraspecific and interspecific genetic variability and its population-genetic interpretation, the development of methods for characterisation and optimisation of genetic resource collections, and the statistical analysis of population characteristics and consequent development of methods to estimate breeding values in livestock.
Given the exceptional status of genetics as a discipline, departmental activities have an impact on the implementation of all programmes guaranteed by the faculty at all levels of university education and at different levels of difficulty; ranging from general and molecular genetics to selective breeding of animals and plants as well as special subjects such as cytogenetics or gene technology. We recognise great importance in educating professionals in the field of applied genetics and breeding. In this area, we are profiling students of specialised Master's programmes supervised by the department and post-graduate students. The department provides space for the development of students as part of an international exchange programme. Well-equipped laboratories and a creative environment for professional development are available for students working on their diploma theses.
Cooperation between department staff and research institutions focusing on research in livestock and crops has been developing at a national and international level; such cooperation results in the preparation of methodologies that bring modern knowledge into practice. The department provides training and consultancy within the cooperating institutions in the application of methods of molecular DNA analysis, and offers expertise in the field of applied genetics and breeding. Members of the department are involved in the preparation of various seminars organised for professionals.
