Physical chemistry is a fundamental chemical discipline that combines knowledge from physics and chemistry. It allows for the understanding of chemical phenomena from the microscopic level to the macroscopic level, providing the foundation for other branches of chemistry such as analytical chemistry, materials chemistry, and many others.
The key areas of physical chemistry include chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, spectroscopy, quantum chemistry, statistical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, surface chemistry, solid-state chemistry, and magnetochemistry. Emerging fields within physical chemistry include biophysical chemistry and nanomaterial chemistry.
Biophysical chemistry explores the physicochemical nature of processes occurring in living systems, such as cellular recognition, genetic information transfer, immune responses, and more. It also provides valuable insights into the interactions of biomacromolecules (DNA, RNA, and proteins), enzymatic catalysis, and the design of new drugs.
Nanomaterial chemistry focuses on the preparation and study of the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials and nanocomposites. Physical chemistry is the only natural science where the Czech scientist Jaroslav Heyrovský was awarded the Nobel Prize for his discovery of the electrochemical method of polarography.
At the master’s level, the Department of Physical Chemistry guarantees the following promising study programs. Further studies can be pursued at the doctoral level.
- Physical Chemistry
- Nanomaterial Chemistry
The admission requirements for students from indirectly related bachelor’s degree programs (e.g., Applied Chemistry) to the corresponding master’s degree programs in Physical Chemistry and Materials Chemistry will be provided by the study department or the coordinators of the respective programs.
