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What is SPAT?

The Junior Academy of the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University in Brno offers students the opportunity to obtain bonuses during the admission procedure on the basis of successful completion of SPAT (Student Professional Activity Theses).

SPAT is a research project that students can choose according to their interests and focus, which they carry out with the help of their schools and professional advisors. If a student manages to successfully complete and defend his/her project, he/she will, among other things, receive a bonus in the admission process to the MU Faculty of Medicine.

When is the best time to start?
You can start at any time, but the practical parts of the SPAT take place mostly in June and July. Therefore, it is a good idea to start preparing well in advance and plan everything so that the practical part and the defence will be in these months.

Types of SPAT

At MED MUNI we are offering two types of SPAT and it deppens on you, what is more suitable for you! Taking advantage of this opportunity can be beneficial for students, as they will not only gain practical experience in the field of medicine and scientific research, but also increase their chances of being accepted to the prestigious Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University in Brno.

SPAT online without experiment

Unique opportunity to try working on a science project in high school! Write a scientific thesis under the guidance of renowned experts, defend it online and remotely from anywhere, and earn up to 20 points to help you gain admission. The thesis can take up to 5 months to complete, and you will be guided by an experienced scientist throughout the process who will assist you and provide resources for your project. After gathering information from professional sources, writing and developing the theoretical part of the thesis, you will present your results to a committee of MED MUNI experts.

After a successful defense, you will receive 20 points that will help you to be admitted to MED MUNI, as well as a certificate of successful passing of the SPAT. The Fee for SPAT without experiment aprox. 2100 EUR.

Benefits of SPAT online

What are the benefits of choosing the SPAT online option?

  • Receive guidance from renowned scientists and doctors who are experts in their fields.
  • Gain valuable exposure to a university setting.
  • Benefit from ongoing mentoring throughout your SPAT.
  • Have the flexibility to participate in the program from any location worldwide.
  • Develop skills in writing a sophisticated scientific paper.
  • Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the chosen professional subject.
  • Familiarize yourself with your prospective institution.
  • Earn up to 20 admission points to enhance your chances of acceptance.
  • Receive a certificate upon successfully defending your thesis.

SPAT online with experiment

An option for ambitious high school students who want to kick-start their careers as scientists and doctors. This form of professional mentoring has many advantages. First, you will experience writing a scientific thesis under the guidance of real scientists and doctors who will pass on their know-how on the topic and give you tips on relevant learning materials. The theoretical part can last from 1 to 5 months and your goal is to cover and elaborate as much as possible on the topic in the theoretical part. You will discuss the appropriate scope with your SPAT tutor.

After the completion of the theoretical part comes the experiment in the laboratories of our faculty. Here you will finally meet your supervisor in person and work together on an experiment that is relevant to your SPAT thesis. For whole one week you will visit one of the most modern university campuses in Central Europe MED MUNI and discover the beauty of a historical city in the heart of Europe.

After your research, you will add your results to your SPAT thesis and prepare a presentation of your research, which you will then physically defend in English in front of a committee of MED MUNI experts. After a successful defense, you will receive a certificate of completion of the combined SPAT and then have a final interview with the Vice Dean of English Studies, who will recommend you for admission. The Fee for SPAT with Experiment is aprox. 4100 EUR.

Benefits of SPAT online with experinment

What are the benefits of choosing the SPAT online variant with an experiment?

  • Receive expert mentoring from top scientists and physicians throughout the entire thesis process.
  • Gain valuable experience in a university environment.
  • Benefit from ongoing mentoring for the duration of your SPAT.
  • Have the flexibility to commence the online portion of the program from any location worldwide.
  • Acquire experience in writing a high-level scientific paper.
  • Familiarize yourself with your prospective institution.
  • Obtain a certificate upon successfully defending your thesis.
  • Enjoy 7 days of accommodation in student halls of residence, access to the gym, and the option to dine in the student canteen.
  • Engage in 5 days of practical work in state-of-the-art laboratories under expert guidance.
  • Gain experience in defending a thesis in English.
  • Following successful completion and defense, undergo an assessment interview with the Vice Dean and receive a recommendation for admission.

More details

Age

  • The minimum age for completing the SPAT with the experiment is 18 years of age.

Language

  • All communication will be in English, as well as the writing of the thesis and its final defence. For the SPAT thesis, your English level must be at least C1. This must be documented by a valid, globally recognised certificate in English.

Visas

  • A tourist visa is perfectly suitable for a 7-day stay during which you will be processing your SPAT. For further details for entering the Czech Republic, please visit your country's Foreign Ministry website.

Transport to Brno

  • Brno, a modern city in the heart of Europe. Experience the unique atmosphere of a modern city with a historic centre from the 18th century. You can get to Brno by train and bus. On the day of your arrival, a coordinator will be waiting for you at a predetermined arrival point to take you to your accommodation. On the day of your arrival you will be given a ticket for 7 days of travel around Brno using public transport. 

About accommodation

  • For 7 days you will have a room at the nearby faculty dormitories. The dorms are equipped with standard furniture, wifi, kitchenette and bathroom (no TV). The dorm offers a free gym, canteen food options and a small shop. If you want to find your own accommodation you can, but you have to pay by yourself. The coordinator will be available to you only at the University Campus. 

What is not included

  • Travel health insurance, meals, transport to and from Brno, taxi expenses, cost of own accommodation, Czech SIM card, visas.

Currently open SPAT topics

Investigation of the Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease Pathophysiology

Department: Department of Anatomy MED MUNI - Alemeh Zamani, Ph.D.

Types of SPAT: SPAT online with experiment or without experiment

Annotation

Our laboratory has developed an in vitro model of Alzheimer's disease through the hard work of our SPAT students. Using this model, we have explored the impact of amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, on choroidal epithelial cells. These cells are essential for brain function, as they play a critical role in clearing Aβ from the brain and preventing Aβ aggregation and toxicity.

Building upon the discoveries of our previous SPAT students, we are extending an internship opportunity to delve into the molecular changes within choroidal epithelial cells (Z310 cells) associated with Alzheimer’s disease. During this internship, you will receive comprehensive training in a range of research techniques, including cell culture, western blotting, and microscopy.

 

Study of the Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Neuropathic Pain Development Following Chemotherapy

Department: Department of Anatomy MED MUNI - Alemeh Zamani, Ph.D.

Types of SPAT: SPAT online with experiment or without experiment

Annotation

Paclitaxel, an effective chemotherapeutic agent, can induce toxic effects on peripheral nerves, leading to inflammation and often resulting in neuropathic pain. The response of the central nervous system to paclitaxel remains unclear. Utilizing both in vitro and in vivo models, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the propagation of paclitaxel-induced inflammation into the central nervous system. Throughout the internship, you will gain experience with a variety of laboratory techniques, including cell culture, western blotting, and microscopy.

The use of animal models in the study of periodontal disease

Department: Department of Histology and Embryology MED MUNI - doc. Jan Křivánek, Ph.D. 

Types of SPAT: SPAT online without experiment

Annotation

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition often resulting in irreversible damage of the bone, teeth and soft tissues ultimately leading to tooth loss if left untreated. Treatment of this disease is often long and complicated. In recent decades, several animal models have been introduced to study this disease in greater detail, as well as to design new treatment options. The aim of this thesis is to map various animal models used in the study of periodontal disease and to summarize the spectrum of studied aspects at the tissue and cellular levels. Finally, the thesis will summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the used animal models and discuss the perspectives for their future use.

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