What is the final result of studying Environmental Engineering for three years at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at the Czech University of Life Sciences? Writing your thesis! Whether it’s your very first thesis or not, it’s always stressful and demanding.
Thanks to the well-structured Environmental Engineering bachelor’s program, there are countless potential topics that might spark your interest. The curriculum covers diverse subjects such as Hydrochemistry, Ecology, Biology, Zoology, Botany, Landscape Architecture, Ecotoxicology, and many more—all of which have real significance in environmental sciences.
For me, it wasn’t my first thesis overall, but it was my first one in the field of Natural Sciences. In my second year of Environmental Engineering, I became fascinated by air pollution, specifically indoor air quality. Since people are spending more and more time indoors, I was surprised by how complex this topic is, and how vital it is for both human and animal health to maintain clean indoor air.
Once I had chosen my topic, I was fortunate to have Mgr. Pavla Dagsson Waldhauserová, Ph.D., the lecturer for Air Pollution, as my supervisor. Her guidance was invaluable: she helped me narrow my focus to measuring particulate matter in indoor environments, suggested possible measurement sites, and assisted in obtaining the necessary equipment (the part I was most anxious about). Even more importantly, she was a kind and calm presence, making it easy to work with her. Choosing the right supervisor is one of the most important steps in your thesis journey. My advice is: find someone whose expertise and the way of working align with you and who can guide you through the challenges of environmental research.
The Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals generously provided the measuring instruments. They taught me how to operate the devices and entrusted them to me, even though I had no experience from before. That trust was both encouraging and nerve-racking: What if I broke them? My plan was to measure particulate matter levels in five locations around Prague, including my and my friends’ apartments, my workplace, and my car, meaning I would move the complex and expensive instruments around Prague. I spent the first few days practicing measurements at home before starting my official data collection.
When the real data started coming in, I confirmed what I had only read before—activities like cooking, smoking, burning candles or fireplaces, and even cleaning worsened indoor air quality. I also realized how important location is, since outdoor pollutants easily enter indoor spaces. The more I explored, the more complex, relevant, and fascinating the topic became. Understanding the patterns of particulate matter produced during everyday activities is essential for creating sustainable living environments and protecting public health.
Still, even with strong interest, the writing stage can be tough. I fell into the perfectionist trap—wanting to write flawlessly from the start. I deleted more sentences than I kept, and progress felt impossible (I’m stuck in the same cycle with my current - master's thesis, so you probably will be too). Eventually, as the data piled up, I had no choice but to sit down, analyze it, and write. I worried I wouldn’t reach the 30-page requirement, but I ended up with nearly 80!
Despite the stress, completing a thesis in Environmental Engineering is really rewarding. You get to explore topics that matter, contribute to environmental sciences, and learn skills that will help you in a meaningful career tackling real-world challenges. If this sounds like your kind of journey, check out the Bachelor studies in Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences (FZP). You might just find yourself starting your own thesis adventure soon!
