Dean´s Directive is repealed

THE DEAN´S DIRECTIVE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF STUDY PROGRAMMES AT THE FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING CTU IN PRAGUE

 

Preamble

 

The regulations for study in Bachelor´s, Master´s and doctoral degree study programmes implemented at CTU faculties are laid out in the Study and Examination Code for Students of the Czech Technical University in Prague (hereinafter "SEC"). In this directive, the Dean lays down detailed conditions for study at the Faculty of Civil Engineering CTU in Prague (hereinafter "Faculty") in all accredited Bachelor´s and Master´s degree study programmes. Pursuant to Art. 4 par. 2 of SEC, this Dean´s directive is part of the documentation of study programmes.

 

Article 1
Study in Bachelor´s and Master´s degree study programmes

 

  1. The study plan is a component part of the study programme and is designed for individual branches of study. It contains a list of courses whose attendance and proper completion is a necessary condition for the proper completion of the study programme. The study plan is structured as follows:
    1. It classifies groups of individual courses according to their relevance into compulsory, compulsory elective and elective courses. Compulsory courses form the basis of study for the respective study programme and branch, by choosing compulsory elective courses within the study programme students themselves determine the professional orientation of their professional profile and through elective courses they extend their professional profile in keeping with their interests.
    2. It defines the follow-up order of courses if necessary. By the follow-up order is understood the fulfilment of all prescribed duties (a credit, classified credit, examination) in a respective course before taking an examination in this course, unless otherwise stated in the study plan.
    3. It defines reviewed stages of study, so-called blocks of study, including the conditions for their successful fulfilment and the methods of their review. The reviews of the fulfilment of study duties during study are designed to check whether the student has fulfilled all study duties of the respective block of study, i.e. gained all credits, classified credits and passed all examinations prescribed by the study plan, within the specified term.
    4. Through the recommended time schedule of study, it specifies the time sequence of the registration for individual courses of study and the completion of credits, classified credits and examinations. Its observance allows successful completion of study within the standard period of study.

  2. If the study plan specifies the number of credit units for compulsory elective courses in individual semesters of study, a student must register for the total number of credit units granted for these courses during study and complete them irrespective of the number of courses he/she has registered for and completed in individual semesters. Students register for compulsory elective courses based on the offer of courses opened for the respective branch of study.

  3. A student may also register for other courses from the offer of other programmes and branches implemented at CTU which are not a component part of the study plan of the branch in which the student is enrolled. Pursuant to Art. 14 par. 4 of SEC, the credit units gained for these courses, however, are not included in the number of credit units necessary to continue study.

  4. The dates and organization of the registration for semesters are laid down in the Dean´s regulation and published on the official Faculty board and on the Faculty web site.

  5. Prior to the start of a semester, the Head of Department ensures for each course offered by the department the elaboration and publication of the following:
    1. time schedule of lectures and practical classes specifying compulsory attendance at individual forms of instruction,
    2. method and schedule of a continuous review of study during the semester,
    3. requirements for the examination, conditions for granting a credit or classified credit,
    4. proportion of the examination in the total evaluation of the course,
    5. list of required follow-ups,
    6. list of recommended study literature.

  6. Within two weeks after the start of instruction in the semester, a student may apply at the Student Registrar for a change in registered courses (cancel the registration or register for a new course). After two weeks, all registered courses become binding for the respective semester regardless of the fact whether the student has or does not have a timetable assigned to these courses. No more courses may be registered or cancelled after this term.

  7. The dates and places of taking examinations are published by departments in the CTU electronic information system (hereinafter "KOS system") no later than 10 working days before the first day of the examination session of the respective semester. The dates of examinations must be spaced evenly over the examination session and the total examination capacity must exceed the number of students registered for the respective course by at least 1.5 x. Lecturers of respective courses authorize individual academic members to examine.

  8. Pursuant to Art. 8 par. 2 of SEC, a credit or classified credit may be received no later than by the end of the examination session of the semester in which the course was registered; an examination may be taken no later than by the end of the examination session of the semester in which the course was registered.

  9. The result of an examination or a classified credit, a granted or failed credit must be entered in the KOS system within two working days after the date of the announcement of the result of an examination, classified credit or credit.

  10. Pursuant to Art. 9 par. 5 and Art. 10 par. 10 of SEC, the department is obliged to keep its own written records of the results of credits, classified credits and examinations independent of the KOS system and keep them for ten years. The filing method is at the discretion of the Head of Department.

  11. The recognition of a stage of study (semester, academic year or block of study) and individual courses is defined in Art. 13 par. 10 and Art. 15 par. 2 of SEC. An application for the recognition of stages of study or courses is submitted by a student to the Student Registrar at the first registration after admission to study.

  12. Depending on the total number of recognized credit units from previous study, the terms set for the reviews of the fulfilment of study duties during study are shortened pursuant to par. 1c). For each 30 recognized credit units, the reviewed term is shortened by 1 semester.

  13. Students´ applications concerning study matters (e.g. interruption of study under Art. 13 par. 7 of SEC) in which students refer to health reasons must be accompanied by a doctor´s report from a general practitioner or a specialist physician, or from a hospital facility, containing the following data: the starting day and the presumed day of the termination of incapacity for study, the reason of incapacity for study, the date, stamp of the healthcare facility, doctor´s name and signature.

 

Article 2
Placement in branches of study

 

  1. In the Bachelor´s degree study programme of "Civil Engineering", starting from the fifth semester (second block of study) the students are placed in branches of study through the school selection process. The procedure takes into account students´ interest in the respective branch of study, their study results in the 1st to 3rd semester and the available capacities of individual branches of study. The final decision on the student´s placement in a branch of study is within the Dean´s competence and is irrevocable.

  2. The selection process is organized during the fourth semester. The students are informed about the opening of the competition by the Dean´s regulation published on the official Faculty board and the Faculty web site. The selection process is entered by all students in the Bachelor´s degree study programme of "Civil Engineering" who will register for the second block of study in the coming year.

  3. For the purposes of placement in branches of study, the study results are expressed by the ratio: the number of credit units received / weighted study average (calculated pursuant to Art. 12 of SEC).

  4. During the selection process evaluation, for students who had some of their courses recognized from their previous study this fact shall be considered.

  5. After the selection process closing, the Dean grants permits for transfers to another branch of study only for serious reasons.

 

Article 3
Pedagogical boards

 

  1. The Pedagogical Board of a Bachelor´s or Master´s degree study programme (hereinafter "PBP") is a principal professional body of study. It reports to the Faculty Dean.

  2. If study in a Bachelor´s or Master´s degree programme is subdivided into branches, PBP may be subdivided into Pedagogical Boards of Branches (hereinafter "PBB"), which guarantee professional activity within these branches of study. PBB are obliged to respect the PBP resolutions.

  3. PBP or PBB consist of a minimum of five members, who are the Faculty academic staff members. Due to their function, PBB chairpersons are PBP members. PBP or PBB chairpersons and members are appointed and recalled by the Dean following discussion in the Dean´s Advisory Board.

  4. PBP in particular:
    1. submits to the Dean proposals for the modification of branches or creation of new branches,
    2. draws up and updates the study plan for the block of study common for all branches,
    3. coordinates the offer of elective courses submitted by departments for the respective study programme,
    4. based on the results of the selection process, submits to the Dean a proposal for students´ placement in branches of study,
    5. if PBB is not established, PBP fulfils the PBB function under par. 5.

  5. PBB in particular:
    1. draws up and updates the study plan for the branch-oriented block of study,
    2. sets up the offer of elective groups of courses (professional modules or specializations) within the respective branch of study,
    3. coordinates the offer of compulsory elective courses submitted by departments for the respective branch of study.

 

Article 4
Final graduation examination

 

  1. The final graduation examination (hereinafter "FGE") is regulated by Articles 16 to 17 of SEC.

  2. FGE in Bachelor´s degree study programmes consists of three parts each of which is classified separately. They are:
    • defence of a Bachelor´s Thesis,
    • oral examinations in two thematic areas.
    The thematic areas of FGE are specified in the study plans of individual branches of study. In the course of FGE, the student also briefly informs on the professional practicum if its completion is a component part of the study plan.

  3. The condition for the registration for the Bachelor´s Thesis is obtaining the required number of credit units for courses of the study plan and proper completion of courses specified by the study plan.

  4. Conditions for admission to FGE in all Bachelor´s degree study programmes except for the programme of Architecture and Building Engineering.
    FGE may only be taken by the student who has complied with the following conditions:
    1. submitted an application form for FGE in the KOS system in the term specified in the time schedule of the academic year,
    2. fulfilled all study duties for the whole study, i.e. received all credits, classified credits and passed all examinations in courses prescribed by the study plan,
    3. was granted a credit for the Bachelor´s Thesis,
    4. confirmed by his/her signature the completion of the study plan at the Student Registrar in the term specified in the time schedule of the academic year.

  5. Conditions for admission to FGE in the Bachelor´s degree study programme of Architecture and Building Engineering.

    5.1 Examinations in individual thematic areas of FGE may only be taken by the student who has complied with the following conditions:

    1. submitted an application form for an examination in a thematic area of FGE in the KOS system in the term specified in the time schedule of the academic year,
    2. fulfilled all study duties for the first block of study by the date of submitting the application form,
    3. obtained a minimum of 160 credit units for courses of the study plan by the date of submitting the application form,
    4. properly completed the courses of the second block of study specified in the study plan by the day of submitting the application form.

    5.2 The Bachelor´s Thesis may only be defended by the student who has complied with the following conditions:

    1. submitted an application form for FGE in the KOS system in the term specified in the time schedule of the academic year,
    2. fulfilled all study duties for the whole study, i.e. received all credits, classified credits and passed all examinations in courses prescribed by the study plan,
    3. was granted a credit for the Bachelor´s Thesis,
    4. confirmed by his/her signature the completion of the study plan at the Student Registrar in the term specified in the time schedule of the academic year.

  6. FGE in Master´s degree study programmes consists of two parts each of which is classified separately. They are:
    • defence of a Diploma Thesis,
    • oral examination in one thematic area.
    The thematic areas of FGE are specified in the study plans of individual branches of study.

  7. The condition for the registration for the Diploma Thesis is the fulfilment of all study duties for the whole Master´s degree study, i.e. completion of all credits, classified credits and passing all examinations in courses prescribed by the study plan.

  8. Conditions for admission to FGE in all Master´s degree study programmes
    FGE may only be taken by the student who has complied with the following conditions:
    1. submitted an application form for FGE in the KOS system in the term specified in the time schedule of the academic year,
    2. fulfilled all study duties for the whole study, i.e. received all credits, classified credits and passed all examinations in courses prescribed by the study plan,
    3. was granted a credit for the Diploma Thesis.
    4. confirmed by his/her signature the completion of the study plan at the Student Registrar in the term specified in the time schedule of the academic year.

  9. The topics of Bachelor´s or Diploma Theses (hereinafter "final thesis") are chosen reflecting the needs of practice or research and development activity of departments. Their orientation, extent and demands are differentiated for the Bachelor´s and Master´s degree study. The topics are offered by individual departments, and the organization of students´ applications for the topics of final theses (including providing consultants according to requirements of departments) is within the responsibilities of the respective deputy to the Vice-Dean for Education.

  10. The supervisors of final theses, consultants, elaboration principles of these theses, criteria for their assessment, dates of submission and further practicalities are specified by the Head of Department as instructed by the Dean. Only a CTU academic staff member or another CTU employee with a Ph.D. degree (or an equivalent degree) may be appointed the final thesis supervisor.

  11. Final theses are assigned by the department no later than in the first week of the semester in which a student has registered for the final thesis. The final thesis is assigned on a prescribed form, including the title of the thesis, the title of the thesis in English, the student´s name, the date of assignment and submission of the thesis, the supervisor and the elaboration principles of the final thesis. The assignment sheet is signed by the Head of Department, the supervisor of the final thesis, and the student signs it to confirm the receipt of the assignment. No later than by the end of the second week of instruction in the semester, the department enters prescribed data on the final thesis in the KOS system and sends a copy of the final thesis assignment to the Student Registrar.

  12. In the elaboration of final theses, students must abide by the Methodical Instruction No. 1/2009 "On maintaining ethical principles when working on a university final project".

  13. The final thesis must contain the following:
    • table of content, including a list of potential annexes,
    • assignment sheet,
    • abstract and key words in Czech or Slovak and in English,
    • declaration that the student wrote the thesis on his/her own without outside help and that the quotations of used sources are complete,
    • introductory analysis of the assigned topic,
    • solution of the assigned task,
    • final assessment of results,
    • list of references.

    The final thesis is submitted in one original printed copy and in the electronic version. The extent of the electronic version of the thesis presumed for publication, so-called summary, is specified by the Head of Department.

  14. The entry of the electronic version of the final thesis in the KOS system and the submission of the final thesis is confirmed by the supervisor of the final thesis by granting a credit.

  15. No later than 14 days before the date of holding FGE, the Head of Department shall appoint the opponent of the final thesis, who is an expert from practice or an academic staff member.

  16. The supervisor of the final thesis and the opponent evaluate and classify the final thesis under Art. 11 par. 1 of SEC and submit their evaluation to the Head of Department who allows the student, no later than five working days before the defence date, to become familiar with the supervisor´s and opponent´s expert opinions.

 

Article 5
Rules of procedure of FGE Boards of Examiners

 

  1. The rules of procedure of FGE Boards of Examiners are issued pursuant to Art. 16 par. 12 of SEC.

  2. The Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and members of the Board of Examiners are appointed by the Dean pursuant to Art. 16 par. 2 of SEC. The members of the Board for the defence of final theses must include at least one prominent expert who is not a CTU staff member.

  3. The names of all experts approved by the Faculty Scientific Board, who are appointed by the Dean as members of Boards of Examiners for individual study programmes, are published on the Faculty website. The letters of appointment of the Chairpersons, Deputy Chairpersons and experts approved by the Faculty Scientific Board are filed at the Student Registrar.

  4. The dates of holding FGE or their parts are laid down by the Dean in the time schedule of the academic year. Specific lists of names with the dates and times of FGE are made by the respective departments and published on the Faculty website. The organisation of FGE is within the responsibilities of the respective deputy to the Vice-Dean for Education.

  5. The Chairperson of the Board of Examiners manages the proceedings of the Board and is responsible for its activity. In the case of the Board Chairperson´s absence, the proceedings of the Board of Examiners are managed by the deputy to the Chairperson.

  6. The student´s examination in a thematic area is supervised by a Board member appointed by the Chairperson, and additional questions may also be asked by other Board members. The classification grade for the examination in a thematic area is decided on by the Board of Examiners taking into account the opinion of the appointed examiner.

  7. In the defence of the final thesis, a student comments on the remarks stated in the supervisor´s and opponent´s expert opinions, and responds to questions raised in general discussion. The classification grade for the defence of the final thesis is decided on by the Board of Examiners taking into account the supervisor´s and opponent´s expert opinions.

  8. The Board of Examiners evaluates the results of the defence of the final thesis and examinations in thematic areas in a non-public part of the proceeding attended also by the supervisor and the opponent of the respective final thesis, if they are present at the proceeding of the Board of Examiners, and the Secretary of the Board of Examiners.

  9. The Board of Examiners constitutes a quorum if the absolute majority of its members are present, and those present must include the Chairperson or the deputy to the Chairperson. The Board usually decides by consensus. If it no consensus is reached, the Chairperson opens a voting procedure; in the case of a tie, the Chairperson has a casting vote.

  10. Individual parts of FGE as well as FGE as a whole are classified using the scale under Art. 11 par. 1 of SEC. The numerical value of the resulting classification of FGE is determined as follows:
    1. in Bachelor´s degree study programmes as the weighted average calculated from the numerical value corresponding to the evaluation of the Bachelor´s Thesis defence with a weight of 40% and numerical values corresponding to the evaluation of both oral examinations in thematic areas, each with a weight of 30%.
    2. in Master´s degree study programmes as the weighted average calculated from the numerical value corresponding to the evaluation of the Diploma Thesis defence with a weight of 70% and the numerical value corresponding to the evaluation of the oral examination in a thematic area with a weight of 30%.

  11. The resulting grade for FGE is awarded based on the numerical value of the resulting classification of FGE as follows:

     

    Resulting grade for FGENumerical value of FGE resulting classification
    A1.00 - 1.24
    B1.25 - 1.74
    C1.75 - 2.24
    D2.25 - 2.74
    E2.75 - 3.00

     

    If any part of FGE was evaluated by grade F, the overall result of FGE awarded is also grade F.

  12. The Board may address the Dean with a proposal for granting a distinction for an excellent elaboration and defence of the final thesis.

  13. The Secretary of the Board of Examiners shall make a protocol of FGE which is signed by the Chairperson and other members of the Board of Examiners present. The protocol is also signed by the student who hereby confirms the fact that he/she has been made familiar with the result of FGE.

 

Article 6
Final provisions

 

  1. In cases where study matters are within the Dean´s responsibility, students usually apply to him/her through the respective deputy to the Vice-Dean for Education responsible for the study programme or branch of study. They submit their written applications to the official at the Student Registrar.

  2. In cases which are not regulated by SEC or by this Directive, and also in controversial cases, the decision is within the Dean´s competence.

  3. The Dean´s Directive for the implementation of study programmes and the final graduation examination at the Faculty of Civil Engineering CTU in Prague of 30.5.2013 is hereby cancelled.

  4. This Directive was discussed by the Academic Senate of the Faculty on 4. 11. 2015.

  5. This Directive comes into force starting from the 2015/2016 academic year.

 

In Prague on 10. 11. 2015

prof. Ing. Alena Kohoutková, CSc.
Dean