Institute of Histology and Embryology

Undergraduate Studies

Histology and Embryology is taught in the General Medicine and Dentistry programs over two semesters through lectures and practical exercises, each held once per week. Practical sessions focus on working with microscopes and histological specimens, fostering students’ independence in diagnosing and identifying cells, tissues, and organs. Lectures provide theoretical knowledge, broaden students’ scientific horizons, and help them understand essential connections for successfully passing the examination.

In the first year, students learn to recognize the four basic tissue types, and by the second year, they can independently assemble them into organs, including their anatomical components and functional states. Embryology is taught through lectures, covering development from the zygote to fetal growth and birth.

Since the academic year 2019/2020, a new compulsory elective course, Clinical Embryology and Reproductive Medicine, has been offered to fourth-year students (course coordinators: Prof. RNDr. Ivan Varga, PhD, and Prof. MUDr. Jozef Záhumenský, PhD).. This course integrates knowledge from clinical embryology, assisted reproduction, infertility, congenital defects, and neonatal care. Lectures are delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experts.

Seminar topics are divided into five modules: 

1. Clinical embryology and laboratory aspects of assisted reproduction
2. Causes and treatment of infertility
3. Congenital developmental defects
4. Pre- and perinatal care and family planning
5. Reproductive immunology and endocrinology

Postgraduate Studies

Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology develop alongside advances in biological and medical sciences, similar to all theoretical disciplines in medical education. Accordingly, the curriculum must respond to the continuously expanding body of knowledge. Modern anatomy, histology, and embryology study the human body from gene expression to macroscopic structures, providing new insights into the function, structure, and development of organs. In addition to these core disciplines, the curriculum includes related subjects such as pathological anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and medical neuroscience. The aim of teaching is not only the acquisition of precise medical knowledge but, above all, the guidance of students in applying this knowledge in clinical practice through analysis and comprehensive synthesis.

During doctoral studies, graduates acquire knowledge based on the current state of the field and master scientific methods for researching living organisms with a focus on humans—from the entire body, organ systems, organs, tissues, cells, and their organelles, to the macromolecular components of tissues and cells. The study is not merely descriptive but also considers functional aspects and the relationships among studied structures. Embryology focuses on the formation and development of a new individual, including normal and pathological variations, as well as interspecies differences and similarities. Graduates develop methods for studying organismal structure at molecular, cellular, and macroscopic levels, acquired through coursework, scientific research, and independent creative work under the supervision of a mentor according to an individual study plan.

Graduates master the principles and methodology of scientific work, including orientation in the latest research, formulation of scientific questions, ethical evaluation, research planning and execution, data processing and interpretation, and presentation of results at national and international forums, along with potential applications in practice.

Doctoral graduates are capable of independent scientific work and problem-solving within the field. They contribute to the development of the discipline through research and teaching activities. Their experimental work advances scientific knowledge and its clinical application in various medical fields, such as gynaecology, reproductive medicine, and surgery.

The third cycle of higher education in this program focuses on specialisation and the deepening of theoretical and scientific knowledge necessary for professional expertise in anatomy, histology, and embryology. Graduates find employment at universities as educators or researchers and in healthcare institutions. In the private sector, they can work in pharmaceutical and biochemical research, development, and specialised laboratory positions.

Current research in anatomy, histology, and embryology can be grouped into several key areas:

• Clinical Anatomy – the introduction of microsurgical and endoscopic techniques and the development of imaging methods require a detailed and modern understanding of anatomy.

• Developmental Biology – the study of signaling molecules and transcription factors allows better understanding of organ development, congenital malformations, and other pathological conditions (e.g., epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions, crucial in early embryogenesis, also underlie carcinoma metastasis).

• Modern Histology Research – application of chemical, biological, immunological, and physical methods, including immunohistochemistry, EDAX tissue analysis, in vitro cell and tissue culture, and advanced electron microscopy techniques.

• Clinical Embryology and Reproductive Medicine – work with oocytes, sperm, and embryos ex vivo for infertility treatment, including cryopreservation and pre-implantation genetic testing.

Graduates of the program possess a broad range of scientific and practical skills, are capable of leading research teams, and contribute to the advancement of biomedical research and clinical practice.

The person responsible for the implementation, development and quality of the study programme:

Prof. RNDr. Ivan Varga, PhD., tel.: +421 2 9011 9547, e-mail: ivan.varga@fmed.uniba.sk


Study programme advisor:

doc. RNDr. Marianna Danková, PhD., tel.: +421 2 9011 9319, e-mail: marianna.dankova@fmed.uniba.sk; (personal meeting by appointment by e-mail)

For further information, please visit this website.