Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences

Title

Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences

Degree

PhD in Environmental Sciences

Type

Degree program

Level

Doctoral

Accreditation number

OH-FRKP/406-3/2007

Department

Doctoral School of  Environmental Sciences

Language

English

Duration

8 semesters (4 years)

ECTS credits

240

Minimum number of students

1

Maximum number of students

10

Description

Mission statement

The goal of this program is to develop scientific skills necessary to identify and analyze environmental issues. Students will learn critical thinking, problem solving and skeptical inquiry skills and use them to propose solutions to environmental problems.

This program is recommended to applicants who have a solid interest in environmental problems, and has not yet decided her/his specified field of scientific orientation and depending on her/his interest and background knowledge, projects can be shifted to different directions because of their open structure and flexible organization.

This program enables students to join the work of internationally respected research groups. We offer training in up-to-date experimental methods and field exercises besides the solid theoretical background education.

Strength of program

The Doctoral School offers specialized training in the following directions in environmental sciences: environmental biology, environmental chemistry, environmental physics, or environmental geosciences. Emphasis is on the application of the given discipline in complex research projects, such as water quality changes and management, risk analysis and mitigation in various human and natural environments, renewable energy research, etc.

Download the detailed training program and complex exam subjects (HU+EN)
Regulations of the Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences and Quality assurance (Annex 3)
Doctoral Regulations of the Eötvös University and the Faculty of Science (Annex 6/6)

Environmental Biology

Diatoms and their significance in water quality assessment

Species of the Bacillariophyta division in Chromista kingdom can be found in seas, continental waters and the upper layer of wet soils. During the course we will learn the methods of collection, preparation and identification of this group of organisms. We will briefly review their main groups, their role in aquatic trophic network and their significance in water quality assessment.

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Microbial ecology of waters and aquatic habitats
  • Microorganisms in nature. Microbes and their micro- and macro environments. Genome size, genetical diversity and the effect of habitats.. Basic concepts of microbial ecology, methods used in microbial ecology. Identification, quantification and methabolic intensity.

  • Connection between biogeography and diversity. Spreading of free living microorganisms, microbial endemism.

  • Developing of biofilms in aquatic habitats. Communication between cells, quorum sensing and evolution. Stability of populations.

  • Interactions between populations (neutral, positive and negative). Interactions between bacteria and viruses. Microbial loops.

  • Microbiology of natural waters (rivers, lakes, seas).

  • Adaptation of microbes to extremophyle environments (temperature, pressure,

...

Read more »


Writing scientific papers in English
  • Planning: deciding the subject of the paper (question of originality); choosing the target journal (topics and impact factor); deciding the form of the paper (types of scientific papers).

  • Writing the paper: collecting material (how to use laboratory notes); writing the first draft (literature, most important results, final conclusion); obtaining instructions for the authors; designing tables, figures and other illustrations, copyright questions; how to write the chapters of a paper: Abstract, Introduction, Material and methods, Results, Discussion (their structures, specialities, grammar, expression to avoid); Reference list, Acknowledgements (contribution, technical assistance, financial support); deciding the final title, the running title, the keywords, and the

...

Read more »


Transboundary environmental impacts and the international environmental cooperation

The international environmental scientific and policymaking collaboration have rapidly boosted since the 1970s thanks to the gradually improved observations and enhanced research activities. There is already a comprehensive system of international cooperation that addresses the transboundary and the global environmental problems which include a multitude of institutions, fora, programmes and agreements. Proper understanding of the interrelations and interactions of the scientific and policymaking processes is need for the sake of the development of the adequate responses for the solution of the respective environmental problems and also for the identification of those issues where further research is necessary. After demonstrating the historical development of this cooperation

...

Read more »


General and special aspects of plant mineral nutrition and the nutrient stress

Interactions between plants and soils. Universal physiological aspects of mineral nutrition, mineral deficiency, toxicity. Uptake of essential and toxic elements from the soil, deficiency and toxicity syndromes. Special strategies for mineral uptake. Nutrient uptake in algae, mosses and ferns, non-woody and woody plants. Life strategies based on mineral nutrition. Heavy metal accumulation. Excluder, indicator and accumulator plants. Phytoremediation.

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Environmental biophysics

Threats from our cosmic environment. Protective effect of the van-Allen belts of the Earth, geo-magnetosphere, polar lights (aurora). Ozon shield of the Earth, ultraviolet radiation and UV sensitivity. Perm/Trias extinction due to a supernova explosion? Nuclear winter and dinosaur extinction because of a comet impact. Physics and meteorology of lightnings, their physiological effects, ball lightning, red sprites. Ultraviolet paradox of polarization sensitivity. Light pollution. Sunburn of plants by sunlit water droplets. Hearing, noise pollution and injury.

Read more »


Sensory biophysics I.: Polarization sensitivity and its environmental optical aspects

Light polarization, physical base of polarimetry. Biophysics of polarization sensitivity. Polarization-sensitive animals and their behaviour. Polarization patterns of the sky and their atmospheric optical and biological aspects. Reflection-polarization characteristics of water surfaces with biological applications. Polarotactic water detection by aquatic insects. Polarized light pollution. Sky-polarimetric navigation of the Vikings. Circular polarization and its sensation. Why and when is it worth detecting polarization in the ultraviolet, blue and green spectral range? Polarization and colour sensitivity, polarization-induced false colours.

Read more »


Interactions of the natural and social environment

The academic subject analyses the connection between nature and society. It examines the changes in environment paradigm., providing a comprehensive historical analysis of the relation of environment and society, focusing on relations of environment attitudes and behaviour.. Major processes: urbanisation, human ecology, Himalaya-challenge, environment-generated migration, ecological interests and their enforcement. Political ecology, the history of green parties and movements. A transdisciplinar examination of environment.

Read more »


Grassland ecology

The distribution of grassland vegetation on the Earth. Major grassland biomes: savanna, llanos, cerrado, pampa, campos, prairie, steppe, grassveld. Grassland vegetation in Hungary. The grasses (Poaceae) as the most important constituents of grasslands: evolution and diversity. Which traits of grasses made these plants the dominant components of grasslands? Other important grassland plants (Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae), their special ecological role, functional groups. The climatic determination of grasslands: precipitation and temperature, the role of the amount, timing and predictability of precipitation. Temporary droughts, temperature seasonality: the role of contrasting seasons. Grassland-soil relationships, the physical, chemical and biological properties of grassland

...

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Hydrobiology

1. Special kinds of inland waters. Main hydrological features and communities 1. Soda lakes.  2. Special kinds of inland waters. Main hydrological features and communities

2. Astatic waters, inland saltwaters, brackish, thermal and subterranean waters).

3. Mining lakes (hydrology, biodiversity, succession).  

4. Hypotheses regarding running water ecosystems (e.g. river continuum concept).  

5. Environmental threats in running waters, biotope restorations.

6. Anthropogenic effects. Impacts of water traffic. Reservoires pro and contra. Importance of introduced and invasive species.

7. Freshwater benthos. Seasonal dynamics of benthic communities. Alteration of vertical pattern of microzoobenthos and protozoobenthos according to the dissolved oxygene content.  

8. Origin,

...

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Basic microbiological processes for environmental protection

The lectures familiarize the audience with the metabolic processes and other activities and effects of microbes, which exert an influence on the status of the environment. This is followed by the review of the principles of environmental (microbial) biotechnological processes (bio stimulation, bio augmentation, bio accumulation, immobilized enzyme- and cell technologies), and the two fundamental and classical environmental biotechnologies, namely composting, and biological water/sewage/sludge treatment. At the end, the conditions, and (biological) safety issues of the „in situ”, on site”, „ex situ” and combined remediation processes are discussed based on case studies. The environmental (bio)analytical techniques frequently used in the pollution assessment and are required to hel

...

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Sustainable energy management

The consultations focus on three main topics. Firstly, the role of the regulation; secondly the energy efficiency; thirdly the renewable energy sources and technologies and their spatial aspects.

Read more »


Natural and environmental importance of wetlands

Wetland types: marine and continental. Marine: coastal, mangrove, coral reefs and estaurine. Continental: rivers and lakes, fluvial landscape, floodplanes. Ecological importance of natural and semi-natural wetland: great species density, huge biodiversity, mosaic-like landscape structure and intensive biomass productivity.
Environmental importance of wetlands: diffuse pollution control by wetlands. Wetlands as water “living filters”. Transforming useless swamps into valuable wetlands. Watershed: implications for the biodiversity. The role of harvest and plant decomposition in constructed wetlands. Phytoremediation processes for water and air pollution control in the aspects of nutrient and carbon dioxide removals. Phytoplankton biomass regulation in contrasting environmental sta

...

Read more »


How to measure size and shape of nano- and micro size particles?

Laser diffraction is a well known technique for characterizing particles of sediments/powders but other techniques are also available. First part of the course focuses on the difficulties of the laser diffraction (e.g differences of optical systems, Fraunhoffer vs Mie theory, polydispersity, etc…), second part introduces alternative options for particle characterization: light scattering and static optical particle shape analysis.

Read more »


Pedogenesis

Diagnostic properties of soil horizons refer to soil forming processes. Present doctoral course provides an overview about diagnostic properties and diagnostic materials of soils in the context of soil forming. Secondary objective of the course is the comparison of WRB2006 and WRB2014/2015 in the context of soils of the temperate zone.

Read more »


Introduction to Prokaryotic taxonomy

State of Prokaryotes among living creatures, prokaryotes in nature. Species concept at Prokaryotes. Methods to study bacteria: cultivation and cultivation independent methods. Basics of species description at Prokaryotes, obligatory studied geno – and phenotypic characters, polyphasic taxonomy. Basics of prokaryotic phylogeny, creation of phylogenetic trees, 16S rRNA gene sequencing vs housekeeping genes or whole genome sequencing.

Classification, nomenclature and identification.

The three-domain of life.

Phylogeny, taxonomy and ecology of Archaea.

Phyla of Bacteria domain. Gram positive bacteria, the Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. Taxonomy, characterisation and ecology of Proteobacteria. Phototrophic bacteria (Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi and Chlorobi). Spirochaetes. P

...

Read more »


Groundwater Flow in Drainage Basins

The aim of the course is to acquaint the student with the principles, knowledge, methods, and techniques needed to investigate, understand, and exploit for utilitarian purposes the properties, controlling factors, and manifestations of regional groundwater flow in drainage basins of different orders of magnitude. This knowledge and ability of exploitation is of economic and environmental consequence because gravitational systems of groundwater flow may penetrate several kilometers deep below the surface of the Earth’s terrestrial areas from which zone most of man's subsurface water-needs are satisfied. In addition, a wide range of economically important natural processes occur at or below the land surface that are generated or affected by gravity-driven flow systems.

Read more »


Separation technology in environmental analytics

Identification and determination of organic micro pollutants is crucial in the monitoring and assessment of the environment. Separation science provides indispensable tools in this field. The course can be completed by solving different tasks individually or in small groups. During the semester students also get the opportunity to learn about the solutions of their mates. The subject of the offered tasks fall into the following main topics: Fields of separation science, chromatographic and non-chromatographic methods (ultracentrifugation, electrophoresis…), theories of chromatography, liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, validation of chromatographic methods, sample preparation techniques. Theoretical and practical tasks are both offered

...

Read more »


Ionizing radiation in the human environment, their biological and potential health effects

There are natural and man-made sources of ionizing radiation in the human environment. These affect populations groups in different manner depending on life style, conditions at work and other factors. During the study of environmental sciences, exposure of people to ionizing radiation may represent an individual agent on one hand, and also a factor of combined environmental effects, on the other hand.
Types of radiation, basic dosimetry terminology, sources and levels of environmental radiation exposure to human, deterministic and stochastic biological effects and health consequences of exposure to ionizing radiation, as well as basic principles of radiation protection and radiohygiene will be presented during the course. Environmental and health consequences of most severe

...

Read more »


Environmental Health

Environmental health deals with the effect of environmental factors (water, soil and air) on human health. The course will introduce the quality requirements of healthy drinking water and bathing water, the health effect of chemical and biological water quality parameters, the characteristic problems of indoor and outdoor air quality and the associated risks, and the human health aspects of soil contamination. The aim of the course is to give an overview of environmental health risks and the national situation of environmental disease burden.

Read more »


International conventions on environmental protection and nature conservation

The international conventions were elaborated on those environmental problems which had been identified by the research community by means of environmental observations, analytic methods and models, and which could only be solved by the commitments of all those countries that were responsible for those problems and/or suffered from their adverse impacts. The subjects of the multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) cover almost all components of the global environment and their large-scale processes. The lectures of this course demonstrate the essence of the most important agreements on environmental elements (atmosphere, transboundary water bodies, biosphere etc.), on human activities influencing the environment and their impacts (through the emission of pollutants,

...

Read more »


Environmental Physics

Meteorological modeling of the land-surface–atmosphere interactions: a historical review

Short description of Course: The land-surface (non-vegetated and vegetation-covered surface) and the atmosphere are always interacting. This interaction is to be described by a coupled atmosphere/SVAT (Soil Vegetation Atmosphere Transfer) model system. SVAT models are dealing with exchange processes (e.g. transport of momentum, water vapor, carbon-dioxid, metan, ozone or other trace gas) in the soil-vegetation-atmosphere system. The interaction could be investigated on macroscale (climatological applications) by running coupled GCM(Global Circulation Models)/SVAT model system to get insight into land-surface modulating effects of climate and vice versa. The interaction could also be investigated at smaller scales, for instance, at scales of weather events by running coupled

...

Read more »


Writing scientific papers in English
  • Planning: deciding the subject of the paper (question of originality); choosing the target journal (topics and impact factor); deciding the form of the paper (types of scientific papers).

  • Writing the paper: collecting material (how to use laboratory notes); writing the first draft (literature, most important results, final conclusion); obtaining instructions for the authors; designing tables, figures and other illustrations, copyright questions; how to write the chapters of a paper: Abstract, Introduction, Material and methods, Results, Discussion (their structures, specialities, grammar, expression to avoid); Reference list, Acknowledgements (contribution, technical assistance, financial support); deciding the final title, the running title, the keywords, and the

...

Read more »


Transboundary environmental impacts and the international environmental cooperation

The international environmental scientific and policymaking collaboration have rapidly boosted since the 1970s thanks to the gradually improved observations and enhanced research activities. There is already a comprehensive system of international cooperation that addresses the transboundary and the global environmental problems which include a multitude of institutions, fora, programmes and agreements. Proper understanding of the interrelations and interactions of the scientific and policymaking processes is need for the sake of the development of the adequate responses for the solution of the respective environmental problems and also for the identification of those issues where further research is necessary. After demonstrating the historical development of this cooperation

...

Read more »


Community Ecology of Tropics

This course is made up of laboratory classes with the combined material of lectures, computer demonstrations, team work practices and consultations. Classes are held in blocks. Students are expected to solve subject-related problems independently, based on which skill they are required to write an essay at the end of the semester. In the first part of the semester students learn the theoretical aspects of the material and have computer demonstrations. During the second half of the semester they work in teams to solve subject- related problems and are also provided the opportunity for personal consultation.
Topics:

  • Methodology of ecological researches and the importance of the Tropics.

  • Climate system and biogeography of the Tropics

  • Stuctural questions of community

...

Read more »


Interactions of the natural and social environment

The academic subject analyses the connection between nature and society. It examines the changes in environment paradigm., providing a comprehensive historical analysis of the relation of environment and society, focusing on relations of environment attitudes and behaviour.. Major processes: urbanisation, human ecology, Himalaya-challenge, environment-generated migration, ecological interests and their enforcement. Political ecology, the history of green parties and movements. A transdisciplinar examination of environment.

Read more »


Physics of environmental flows

Effects of Earth’s rotation (Coriolis and centrifugal forces), Navier-Stokes equation in rotating reference frames, dimensionless form of equations, Rossby number, Froude number, dynamical pressure, geostrophic equilibrium, Taylor-Proudman theorem, linearization of the equations, wave phenomena in rotating fluids, shallow water equations, conservation of potential vorticity, effects of surface curvature, Ekman boundary layers, effects of density stratification, thermal wind, Boussinesq approximation, baroclinic instability.

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Modelling of deposition of trace gases

Deposition models (big-leaf models, multi-layer models). Parameterizations. Input datasets. Uncertainty of model parameters. Deposition of nitrogen, sulphur components. Deposition of tropospheric ozone. Model calibration and verification.

Read more »


Sustainable energy management

The consultations focus on three main topics. Firstly, the role of the regulation; secondly the energy efficiency; thirdly the renewable energy sources and technologies and their spatial aspects.

Read more »


Cycling of Elements

The course focuses on the geochemical processes beneath and on the surface of the Earth, which drive and control cycles of chemical elements. Each element has a characteristic geochemical cycle that reflects its particular set of geochemical properties. The geochemical cycles of the elements have influences the environments beneath and on the surface of the Earth and have been affected by changes that have occurred in and on the Earth. Course prerequisites are basic chemistry, physics, biology and earth sciences.

Read more »


How to measure size and shape of nano- and micro size particles?

Laser diffraction is a well known technique for characterizing particles of sediments/powders but other techniques are also available. First part of the course focuses on the difficulties of the laser diffraction (e.g differences of optical systems, Fraunhoffer vs Mie theory, polydispersity, etc…), second part introduces alternative options for particle characterization: light scattering and static optical particle shape analysis.

Read more »


Pedogenesis

Diagnostic properties of soil horizons refer to soil forming processes. Present doctoral course provides an overview about diagnostic properties and diagnostic materials of soils in the context of soil forming. Secondary objective of the course is the comparison of WRB2006 and WRB2014/2015 in the context of soils of the temperate zone.

Read more »


Introduction to digital surface modelling
  1. Introduction to mathematical-geoinformatical modelling of surfaces

  2. The elevation as a model, sampling theory, DEM, DTM, DSM, OHM(nDSM)

  3. The digital elevation model, raster and vector models

  4. Classic methods of gathering digital elevation data

  5. Stereo photogrammetry

  6. Laser scanning (LiDAR) and other active remote sensing methods

  7. Interpolation in digital elevation and surface modelling

  8. The effect of the canopy on the digital data gathering

  9. Global and local elevation models, SRTM, MOLA, HRSC DTM

  10. Modelling microtopography

  11. Fractal properties of surfaces and their digital modelling

  12. Application of digital elevation and surface models

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Scale dependent atmospheric dispersion models

After the review of basic concepts of the meteorology and air quality modelling we analyse the hydro-thermodynamic equation system of atmosphere and air pollution transport equation. We’ll study the structure of atmospheric turbulence, concern with various order closure hypotheses. We’ll review the classification of the dispersion models (statistic and dynamic, Lagrange and Euler types, etc.). Construction of local and mesoscale air pollution and PBL models are also investigated. Air pollution model applications in Hungary especially in the Hungarian Meteorological Service will be investigated in the end of the course.

Read more »


Groundwater Flow in Drainage Basins

The aim of the course is to acquaint the student with the principles, knowledge, methods, and techniques needed to investigate, understand, and exploit for utilitarian purposes the properties, controlling factors, and manifestations of regional groundwater flow in drainage basins of different orders of magnitude. This knowledge and ability of exploitation is of economic and environmental consequence because gravitational systems of groundwater flow may penetrate several kilometers deep below the surface of the Earth’s terrestrial areas from which zone most of man's subsurface water-needs are satisfied. In addition, a wide range of economically important natural processes occur at or below the land surface that are generated or affected by gravity-driven flow systems.

Read more »


Chemistry and Physics of Flames

The results of combustion science are widely used for improving the efficiency of combustion processes and decreasing the environmental load. The most important results are the continously lower fuel consumption of vehicles, the reduced of pollution emission from traffic, and the production of more electricity with less CO2 emission. Engineering optimization of combustion processes is one of the most important practical applications of modern reaction kinetics.

Read more »


Hyphenated Techniques for Element Speciation

General characterization of off-line (HPLC-GF-AAS, HPLC-TXRF, TLC/OPLC-TXRF, TLC-LA-ICP-MS) and on-line techniques (HPLC-FAAS, HPLC-ICP-AES, HPLC-ICP-MS, GC-AAS, LC-QF-AAS) for element speciation in environmental chemistry; speciation of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb and Sn in environment. Detailed course outline: 1. Reasons for doing elemental speciation; 2. Sampling strategies for elemental speciation: sampling of environmental samples; 3. Sampling strategies for elemental speciation: sampling of clinical samples; 4. Sample preparation for elemental speciation: derivatization and pre-concentration methods;5. Hyphenation techniques for volatile samples (GC as separation technique); 6. Hyphenation techniques for liquid samples (HPLC and CE as separation techniques); 7. Speciation

...

Read more »


Ionizing radiation in the human environment, their biological and potential health effects

There are natural and man-made sources of ionizing radiation in the human environment. These affect populations groups in different manner depending on life style, conditions at work and other factors. During the study of environmental sciences, exposure of people to ionizing radiation may represent an individual agent on one hand, and also a factor of combined environmental effects, on the other hand.
Types of radiation, basic dosimetry terminology, sources and levels of environmental radiation exposure to human, deterministic and stochastic biological effects and health consequences of exposure to ionizing radiation, as well as basic principles of radiation protection and radiohygiene will be presented during the course. Environmental and health consequences of most severe

...

Read more »


International conventions on environmental protection and nature conservation

The international conventions were elaborated on those environmental problems which had been identified by the research community by means of environmental observations, analytic methods and models, and which could only be solved by the commitments of all those countries that were responsible for those problems and/or suffered from their adverse impacts. The subjects of the multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) cover almost all components of the global environment and their large-scale processes. The lectures of this course demonstrate the essence of the most important agreements on environmental elements (atmosphere, transboundary water bodies, biosphere etc.), on human activities influencing the environment and their impacts (through the emission of pollutants,

...

Read more »


Environmental Chemistry

Writing scientific papers in English
  • Planning: deciding the subject of the paper (question of originality); choosing the target journal (topics and impact factor); deciding the form of the paper (types of scientific papers).

  • Writing the paper: collecting material (how to use laboratory notes); writing the first draft (literature, most important results, final conclusion); obtaining instructions for the authors; designing tables, figures and other illustrations, copyright questions; how to write the chapters of a paper: Abstract, Introduction, Material and methods, Results, Discussion (their structures, specialities, grammar, expression to avoid); Reference list, Acknowledgements (contribution, technical assistance, financial support); deciding the final title, the running title, the keywords, and the

...

Read more »


Ecology of soil seed banks

Introduces students to definitions and sampling methods of natural seed banks. Discusses seed longevity studies and further issues on seed (fruit) viability, and deals with soil seed bank types, and their classification. A second part of the course offers a comprehensive overview of the recent knowledge on the role and importance of natural seed banks in the dinamic processes of vegetation, e.g. succession, degradation, habitat restauration. At the end of the course seed bank databases, seed ecological databases and their applicability is demonstrated.

Read more »


Transboundary environmental impacts and the international environmental cooperation

The international environmental scientific and policymaking collaboration have rapidly boosted since the 1970s thanks to the gradually improved observations and enhanced research activities. There is already a comprehensive system of international cooperation that addresses the transboundary and the global environmental problems which include a multitude of institutions, fora, programmes and agreements. Proper understanding of the interrelations and interactions of the scientific and policymaking processes is need for the sake of the development of the adequate responses for the solution of the respective environmental problems and also for the identification of those issues where further research is necessary. After demonstrating the historical development of this cooperation

...

Read more »


Environmental biophysics

Threats from our cosmic environment. Protective effect of the van-Allen belts of the Earth, geo-magnetosphere, polar lights (aurora). Ozon shield of the Earth, ultraviolet radiation and UV sensitivity. Perm/Trias extinction due to a supernova explosion? Nuclear winter and dinosaur extinction because of a comet impact. Physics and meteorology of lightnings, their physiological effects, ball lightning, red sprites. Ultraviolet paradox of polarization sensitivity. Light pollution. Sunburn of plants by sunlit water droplets. Hearing, noise pollution and injury.

Read more »


Sensory biophysics I.: Polarization sensitivity and its environmental optical aspects

Light polarization, physical base of polarimetry. Biophysics of polarization sensitivity. Polarization-sensitive animals and their behaviour. Polarization patterns of the sky and their atmospheric optical and biological aspects. Reflection-polarization characteristics of water surfaces with biological applications. Polarotactic water detection by aquatic insects. Polarized light pollution. Sky-polarimetric navigation of the Vikings. Circular polarization and its sensation. Why and when is it worth detecting polarization in the ultraviolet, blue and green spectral range? Polarization and colour sensitivity, polarization-induced false colours.

Read more »


Interactions of the natural and social environment

The academic subject analyses the connection between nature and society. It examines the changes in environment paradigm., providing a comprehensive historical analysis of the relation of environment and society, focusing on relations of environment attitudes and behaviour.. Major processes: urbanisation, human ecology, Himalaya-challenge, environment-generated migration, ecological interests and their enforcement. Political ecology, the history of green parties and movements. A transdisciplinar examination of environment.

Read more »


Sustainable energy management

The consultations focus on three main topics. Firstly, the role of the regulation; secondly the energy efficiency; thirdly the renewable energy sources and technologies and their spatial aspects.

Read more »


Cycling of Elements

The course focuses on the geochemical processes beneath and on the surface of the Earth, which drive and control cycles of chemical elements. Each element has a characteristic geochemical cycle that reflects its particular set of geochemical properties. The geochemical cycles of the elements have influences the environments beneath and on the surface of the Earth and have been affected by changes that have occurred in and on the Earth. Course prerequisites are basic chemistry, physics, biology and earth sciences.

Read more »


How to measure size and shape of nano- and micro size particles?

Laser diffraction is a well known technique for characterizing particles of sediments/powders but other techniques are also available. First part of the course focuses on the difficulties of the laser diffraction (e.g differences of optical systems, Fraunhoffer vs Mie theory, polydispersity, etc…), second part introduces alternative options for particle characterization: light scattering and static optical particle shape analysis.

Read more »


Pedogenesis

Diagnostic properties of soil horizons refer to soil forming processes. Present doctoral course provides an overview about diagnostic properties and diagnostic materials of soils in the context of soil forming. Secondary objective of the course is the comparison of WRB2006 and WRB2014/2015 in the context of soils of the temperate zone.

Read more »


Groundwater Flow in Drainage Basins

The aim of the course is to acquaint the student with the principles, knowledge, methods, and techniques needed to investigate, understand, and exploit for utilitarian purposes the properties, controlling factors, and manifestations of regional groundwater flow in drainage basins of different orders of magnitude. This knowledge and ability of exploitation is of economic and environmental consequence because gravitational systems of groundwater flow may penetrate several kilometers deep below the surface of the Earth’s terrestrial areas from which zone most of man's subsurface water-needs are satisfied. In addition, a wide range of economically important natural processes occur at or below the land surface that are generated or affected by gravity-driven flow systems.

Read more »


Chemistry and Physics of Flames

The results of combustion science are widely used for improving the efficiency of combustion processes and decreasing the environmental load. The most important results are the continously lower fuel consumption of vehicles, the reduced of pollution emission from traffic, and the production of more electricity with less CO2 emission. Engineering optimization of combustion processes is one of the most important practical applications of modern reaction kinetics.

Read more »


Hyphenated Techniques for Element Speciation

General characterization of off-line (HPLC-GF-AAS, HPLC-TXRF, TLC/OPLC-TXRF, TLC-LA-ICP-MS) and on-line techniques (HPLC-FAAS, HPLC-ICP-AES, HPLC-ICP-MS, GC-AAS, LC-QF-AAS) for element speciation in environmental chemistry; speciation of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb and Sn in environment. Detailed course outline: 1. Reasons for doing elemental speciation; 2. Sampling strategies for elemental speciation: sampling of environmental samples; 3. Sampling strategies for elemental speciation: sampling of clinical samples; 4. Sample preparation for elemental speciation: derivatization and pre-concentration methods;5. Hyphenation techniques for volatile samples (GC as separation technique); 6. Hyphenation techniques for liquid samples (HPLC and CE as separation techniques); 7. Speciation

...

Read more »


Separation technology in environmental analytics

Identification and determination of organic micro pollutants is crucial in the monitoring and assessment of the environment. Separation science provides indispensable tools in this field. The course can be completed by solving different tasks individually or in small groups. During the semester students also get the opportunity to learn about the solutions of their mates. The subject of the offered tasks fall into the following main topics: Fields of separation science, chromatographic and non-chromatographic methods (ultracentrifugation, electrophoresis…), theories of chromatography, liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, validation of chromatographic methods, sample preparation techniques. Theoretical and practical tasks are both offered

...

Read more »


Ionizing radiation in the human environment, their biological and potential health effects

There are natural and man-made sources of ionizing radiation in the human environment. These affect populations groups in different manner depending on life style, conditions at work and other factors. During the study of environmental sciences, exposure of people to ionizing radiation may represent an individual agent on one hand, and also a factor of combined environmental effects, on the other hand.
Types of radiation, basic dosimetry terminology, sources and levels of environmental radiation exposure to human, deterministic and stochastic biological effects and health consequences of exposure to ionizing radiation, as well as basic principles of radiation protection and radiohygiene will be presented during the course. Environmental and health consequences of most severe

...

Read more »


Environmental Health

Environmental health deals with the effect of environmental factors (water, soil and air) on human health. The course will introduce the quality requirements of healthy drinking water and bathing water, the health effect of chemical and biological water quality parameters, the characteristic problems of indoor and outdoor air quality and the associated risks, and the human health aspects of soil contamination. The aim of the course is to give an overview of environmental health risks and the national situation of environmental disease burden.

Read more »


International conventions on environmental protection and nature conservation

The international conventions were elaborated on those environmental problems which had been identified by the research community by means of environmental observations, analytic methods and models, and which could only be solved by the commitments of all those countries that were responsible for those problems and/or suffered from their adverse impacts. The subjects of the multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) cover almost all components of the global environment and their large-scale processes. The lectures of this course demonstrate the essence of the most important agreements on environmental elements (atmosphere, transboundary water bodies, biosphere etc.), on human activities influencing the environment and their impacts (through the emission of pollutants,

...

Read more »


Community Ecology of Tropics

This course is made up of laboratory classes with the combined material of lectures, computer demonstrations, team work practices and consultations. Classes are held in blocks. Students are expected to solve subject-related problems independently, based on which skill they are required to write an essay at the end of the semester. In the first part of the semester students learn the theoretical aspects of the material and have computer demonstrations. During the second half of the semester they work in teams to solve subject- related problems and are also provided the opportunity for personal consultation.
Topics:

  • Methodology of ecological researches and the importance of the Tropics.

  • Climate system and biogeography of the Tropics

  • Stuctural questions of community

...

Read more »


Environmental Earth Sciences

Meteorological modeling of the land-surface–atmosphere interactions: a historical review

Short description of Course: The land-surface (non-vegetated and vegetation-covered surface) and the atmosphere are always interacting. This interaction is to be described by a coupled atmosphere/SVAT (Soil Vegetation Atmosphere Transfer) model system. SVAT models are dealing with exchange processes (e.g. transport of momentum, water vapor, carbon-dioxid, metan, ozone or other trace gas) in the soil-vegetation-atmosphere system. The interaction could be investigated on macroscale (climatological applications) by running coupled GCM(Global Circulation Models)/SVAT model system to get insight into land-surface modulating effects of climate and vice versa. The interaction could also be investigated at smaller scales, for instance, at scales of weather events by running coupled

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Writing scientific papers in English
  • Planning: deciding the subject of the paper (question of originality); choosing the target journal (topics and impact factor); deciding the form of the paper (types of scientific papers).

  • Writing the paper: collecting material (how to use laboratory notes); writing the first draft (literature, most important results, final conclusion); obtaining instructions for the authors; designing tables, figures and other illustrations, copyright questions; how to write the chapters of a paper: Abstract, Introduction, Material and methods, Results, Discussion (their structures, specialities, grammar, expression to avoid); Reference list, Acknowledgements (contribution, technical assistance, financial support); deciding the final title, the running title, the keywords, and the

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Transboundary environmental impacts and the international environmental cooperation

The international environmental scientific and policymaking collaboration have rapidly boosted since the 1970s thanks to the gradually improved observations and enhanced research activities. There is already a comprehensive system of international cooperation that addresses the transboundary and the global environmental problems which include a multitude of institutions, fora, programmes and agreements. Proper understanding of the interrelations and interactions of the scientific and policymaking processes is need for the sake of the development of the adequate responses for the solution of the respective environmental problems and also for the identification of those issues where further research is necessary. After demonstrating the historical development of this cooperation

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Environmental biophysics

Threats from our cosmic environment. Protective effect of the van-Allen belts of the Earth, geo-magnetosphere, polar lights (aurora). Ozon shield of the Earth, ultraviolet radiation and UV sensitivity. Perm/Trias extinction due to a supernova explosion? Nuclear winter and dinosaur extinction because of a comet impact. Physics and meteorology of lightnings, their physiological effects, ball lightning, red sprites. Ultraviolet paradox of polarization sensitivity. Light pollution. Sunburn of plants by sunlit water droplets. Hearing, noise pollution and injury.

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Sensory biophysics I.: Polarization sensitivity and its environmental optical aspects

Light polarization, physical base of polarimetry. Biophysics of polarization sensitivity. Polarization-sensitive animals and their behaviour. Polarization patterns of the sky and their atmospheric optical and biological aspects. Reflection-polarization characteristics of water surfaces with biological applications. Polarotactic water detection by aquatic insects. Polarized light pollution. Sky-polarimetric navigation of the Vikings. Circular polarization and its sensation. Why and when is it worth detecting polarization in the ultraviolet, blue and green spectral range? Polarization and colour sensitivity, polarization-induced false colours.

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Community Ecology of Tropics

This course is made up of laboratory classes with the combined material of lectures, computer demonstrations, team work practices and consultations. Classes are held in blocks. Students are expected to solve subject-related problems independently, based on which skill they are required to write an essay at the end of the semester. In the first part of the semester students learn the theoretical aspects of the material and have computer demonstrations. During the second half of the semester they work in teams to solve subject- related problems and are also provided the opportunity for personal consultation.
Topics:

  • Methodology of ecological researches and the importance of the Tropics.

  • Climate system and biogeography of the Tropics

  • Stuctural questions of community

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Interactions of the natural and social environment

The academic subject analyses the connection between nature and society. It examines the changes in environment paradigm., providing a comprehensive historical analysis of the relation of environment and society, focusing on relations of environment attitudes and behaviour.. Major processes: urbanisation, human ecology, Himalaya-challenge, environment-generated migration, ecological interests and their enforcement. Political ecology, the history of green parties and movements. A transdisciplinar examination of environment.

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Data analysis in environmental science

Goals of the course:
• To give an introduction into R, a freely available statistical and computational environment, which is widely used by scientists all over the world.
• To change the perspective of the students on statistics. In particular that data are realizations of random variables and thus descriptive statistics, which depend on the data, are also random variables.
Syllabus:
Introduction to R, in particular its basic commands, possibilities for reading in data, storing and preprocessing them, basics of graphical tools. The subsequent goal is to introduce and apply univariate data analysis methods in R covering the following topics:
- statistical sample, basic statistics
-requirements of estimation
-histograms, distributions and their assessment
- box-and-whiskers pl

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Vulneralibility and sensitivity of Karst systems

Unique behaviour of karst. Karst as geomorphological and hydrogeological term. Interpretation of epigenic and hypogenic karst. Specific methods and approaches of Karst system studies
Terms of the voulneralibity. Importance of karst voulneralibity. Methods and its historical developement and classification. Examples of karst voulneralibity studies.. Importance of validation.

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Sustainable energy management

The consultations focus on three main topics. Firstly, the role of the regulation; secondly the energy efficiency; thirdly the renewable energy sources and technologies and their spatial aspects.

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Cycling of Elements

The course focuses on the geochemical processes beneath and on the surface of the Earth, which drive and control cycles of chemical elements. Each element has a characteristic geochemical cycle that reflects its particular set of geochemical properties. The geochemical cycles of the elements have influences the environments beneath and on the surface of the Earth and have been affected by changes that have occurred in and on the Earth. Course prerequisites are basic chemistry, physics, biology and earth sciences.

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Natural and environmental importance of wetlands

Wetland types: marine and continental. Marine: coastal, mangrove, coral reefs and estaurine. Continental: rivers and lakes, fluvial landscape, floodplanes. Ecological importance of natural and semi-natural wetland: great species density, huge biodiversity, mosaic-like landscape structure and intensive biomass productivity.
Environmental importance of wetlands: diffuse pollution control by wetlands. Wetlands as water “living filters”. Transforming useless swamps into valuable wetlands. Watershed: implications for the biodiversity. The role of harvest and plant decomposition in constructed wetlands. Phytoremediation processes for water and air pollution control in the aspects of nutrient and carbon dioxide removals. Phytoplankton biomass regulation in contrasting environmental sta

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How to measure size and shape of nano- and micro size particles?

Laser diffraction is a well known technique for characterizing particles of sediments/powders but other techniques are also available. First part of the course focuses on the difficulties of the laser diffraction (e.g differences of optical systems, Fraunhoffer vs Mie theory, polydispersity, etc…), second part introduces alternative options for particle characterization: light scattering and static optical particle shape analysis.

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Pedogenesis

Diagnostic properties of soil horizons refer to soil forming processes. Present doctoral course provides an overview about diagnostic properties and diagnostic materials of soils in the context of soil forming. Secondary objective of the course is the comparison of WRB2006 and WRB2014/2015 in the context of soils of the temperate zone.

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Introduction to digital surface modelling
  1. Introduction to mathematical-geoinformatical modelling of surfaces

  2. The elevation as a model, sampling theory, DEM, DTM, DSM, OHM(nDSM)

  3. The digital elevation model, raster and vector models

  4. Classic methods of gathering digital elevation data

  5. Stereo photogrammetry

  6. Laser scanning (LiDAR) and other active remote sensing methods

  7. Interpolation in digital elevation and surface modelling

  8. The effect of the canopy on the digital data gathering

  9. Global and local elevation models, SRTM, MOLA, HRSC DTM

  10. Modelling microtopography

  11. Fractal properties of surfaces and their digital modelling

  12. Application of digital elevation and surface models

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Scale dependent atmospheric dispersion models

After the review of basic concepts of the meteorology and air quality modelling we analyse the hydro-thermodynamic equation system of atmosphere and air pollution transport equation. We’ll study the structure of atmospheric turbulence, concern with various order closure hypotheses. We’ll review the classification of the dispersion models (statistic and dynamic, Lagrange and Euler types, etc.). Construction of local and mesoscale air pollution and PBL models are also investigated. Air pollution model applications in Hungary especially in the Hungarian Meteorological Service will be investigated in the end of the course.

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Thermal water and geothermal energy

Importance of geothermal energy around the world, future prognoses. Geothermal systems. Natural geothermal systems and their character. Geothermal potential of Hungary. Assessment of heat flux. Processes influencing heat flux. Karstic and porous geothermal systems. Issues of sustainable thermal water production. Artificially influenced systems: doublet systems, EGS, geothermal heat pumps. Classification and use of geothermal energy. Basics of geothermal reconnaissance. Geophysical and geochemical methods applied to geothermal exploration. Geothermal resource assessment. Geothermal power generation, direct heat utilisation, waste heat utilisation. Environmental and legal issues. Economic, environmental and social issues.

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Ionizing radiation in the human environment, their biological and potential health effects

There are natural and man-made sources of ionizing radiation in the human environment. These affect populations groups in different manner depending on life style, conditions at work and other factors. During the study of environmental sciences, exposure of people to ionizing radiation may represent an individual agent on one hand, and also a factor of combined environmental effects, on the other hand.
Types of radiation, basic dosimetry terminology, sources and levels of environmental radiation exposure to human, deterministic and stochastic biological effects and health consequences of exposure to ionizing radiation, as well as basic principles of radiation protection and radiohygiene will be presented during the course. Environmental and health consequences of most severe

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Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction based on ostracod studies

This course presents and explore the use and application of ostracod studies in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. The preparation methods of their carapaces, the skeletal anatomy, taxonomy, biology and mode of life of ostracods will be reviewed. With the help of case studies applications of ostracod faunas in palaeoecology, palaeoceanography and environmental science will be featured.

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Tracking of palaeoceanographical changes with the help of palaeontological, sedimentological and geochemical methods

This course presents and explore the application of palaeontological, sedimentological and geochemical methods in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of marine systems. The palaeoecological significance of different marine fossils, the microfacies studies and geochemical analyses of fossil skeletons in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction will be featured with the help of case studies.

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International conventions on environmental protection and nature conservation

The international conventions were elaborated on those environmental problems which had been identified by the research community by means of environmental observations, analytic methods and models, and which could only be solved by the commitments of all those countries that were responsible for those problems and/or suffered from their adverse impacts. The subjects of the multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) cover almost all components of the global environment and their large-scale processes. The lectures of this course demonstrate the essence of the most important agreements on environmental elements (atmosphere, transboundary water bodies, biosphere etc.), on human activities influencing the environment and their impacts (through the emission of pollutants,

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Career opportunities

Our doctoral graduates find employment in various places such as environmental companies and organizations, governmental bodies and agencies, international organizations dealing with cross-border environmental activities, and many others in education.

Job examples

Aerospace Engineer, Anthropologist, Architectural Historian, Asbestos Abatement Manager, Astronomer, Atmospheric Dispersion Modeler, Atmospheric Scientist, Chemical Oceanographer, Decontamination Technician, Emergency Disaster Response Technician, Environmental Biologist, Environmental Biotechnology, Environmental Chemist, Environmental Data Analyst, Environmental Engineer, Environmental Geologist, Environmental Health Safety Manager, Environmental Health Safety Trainer, Environmental Monitor, Environmental Psychologist, Environmental Sampling Technician, Environmental Writer, Fire Fuel Manager, Fire Protection Engineer, Fire Safety Specialist, Forensic Biologist, Forensic Scientist, Geological Oceanographer, Geologist, Geomagnetist, Geomorphologist, Geophysicist, Groundwater Sampling Technician, Habitat Restoration Engineer, Health Safety Engineer, Herpetologist, Historian, Hydrogeologist, Hydrologist, Ichthyologist, Immunologist, Industrial Hygienist, Integrated Water Resources Manager, Invertebrate Biologist, Lab Technician, Land Acquisition Manager, Lead Abatement Technician, Mammalogist, Marine Biologist, Metallurgist, Meteorologist, Microbiologist, Mineralogist, Mining Engineer, Mining Surveyor, Molecular Biologist, Nepa Ceqa Manager, Oceanographer, Ornithologist, Paleobiologist, Paleontologist, Paleozoologist, Petroleum Technician, Physicist, Primatologist, Remote Sensing Specialist, Seismologist, Volcanologist, Wildlife Biologist, Zoologist

EU/EEA students
non-EU/EEA students
Tuition fee/semester

1,910 EUR

3,000 - 5.000 EUR (depending on the research topic)

Application fee

9000 HUF (non-refundable)

160 EUR (non-refundable)

non-EU/EEA students
Tuition fee/semester

3,000 - 5.000 EUR (depending on the research topic)

Application fee

160 EUR (non-refundable)


Offered for the next academic year

Yes

Start program

01, Sep, 2025

Deadline for applications - September intake

31, May, 2025

Is there a February intake

No


Admission requirements

Entry requirements

A master’s degree in science is a requirement.

Language requirements

An internationally accredited language examination is required with at least a B2 CEFR level or equivalent result.

Examples of minimum level accepted:
TOEFL iBT 72 pts
IELTS 5.5

Alternatively, an official certificate issued by the applicant’s previous higher education institution can be accepted, stating that the applicant’s previous education (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree) was completed entirely in English.

Documents to submit with application
Document
Online application form
Bachelor-level degree (optional)
Master-level degree
Transcript of records
CV
Research plan
Statement of Supervisor
Language certificate
Proof of application fee transfer
Motivation letter (optional)
Letter of recommendation (optional)
Copy of the main pages of the passport (optional)
Passport photo (optional)
Medical certificate (optional)
Application procedure

The application starts at the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents and follow the instructions during the application process.
Well before the deadline, applicants should contact the supervisor whose topic they have chosen,to find out if their knowledge and research experience are relevant to the subject. If so, the applicant  needs to agree on the outlines of the research with the supervisor and is required to make a research plan approved by the supervisor. 

Procedure of the entrance examination:

The applications are examined by the Admission Board during May and June and applicants are notified of the outcome of the selection in the online application system in July. Admission letters are sent out in the online application system until August 1. In case of February intake, admission letters are sent out in the online application system December 1.

Type of entrance examination: oral

Place of entrance examination: Skype interview (Skype identifier is demanded) 

Criteria for ranking at the admission procedure shall include:

  1. previous university achievement (examinations, comprehensive examinations, qualification of degree)

  2. achievements related to previous research work (awards obtained in students’ academic circles, publications in the particular professional area) 

Program leader

Prof. Tamás TURÁNYI
Head of the Doctoral School

Program coordinator

International Coordinator
Mr. Péter MOLNÁR 
inter@ttk.elte.hu
TEL: +36-1-372-2695

More information
Faculty website

Faculty of Science

Faculty of Science

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