Branch programme/details

The programme is implemented without specialization.

The bachelor’s degree programme Science (studyscience.eu) responds to the need to educate professionals in the natural sciences with a strong interdisciplinary focus. The programme effectively links biology, chemistry, and physics and is currently the only one of its kind in the country. The significant interdisciplinary overlap of BSc Science graduates enables them to tackle challenging research tasks and interdisciplinary projects using both traditional and modern approaches. Graduates of the programme will also gain the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (especially machine learning) and a number of soft skills. A large part of the teaching will be provided using proactive techniques and the active involvement of students from the very beginning (“active learning” and “flipped learning” will be adopted for the specific needs of the programme). The implementation of the Science programme is based on the principle of 2 + 1 years, where the first two years of study will be common to all students in the programme, while the third one will be fully dedicated to the field of study chosen by the student (biology, chemistry, or physics). During the first two years, students will gain a solid basis in mathematics, computer science, programming, and soft skills (roughly one-third of the credits). The remaining credits (for the first two years of study) will be divided equally between biology, chemistry, and physics. After mastering the common basis in the first two years, the student will choose one of the three areas to fully focus on for the final year of study. Depending on this choice, therefore, the student will acquire knowledge in biology, chemistry, or physics that will enable him/her to study in relevant postgraduate programmes.

THE ENTRANCE EXAM is a one-round online interview in biology, chemistry and physics.
The entrance exam is held in English.
Students will be assessed on their high school knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as their ability to connect and apply this knowledge.

The range of knowledge tested in biology, chemistry, and physics is equivalent to the content of current secondary school textbooks. Some questions may go beyond the secondary school curriculum in terms of content and topic. These questions are intended to reveal the candidate’s interest in the subject and their ability to think logically and solve problems based on the correct interpretation of the information provided (e.g., in the form of a text, graph, table, diagram, or picture). Applicants are also assessed on their ability to analyze and apply achieved knowledge.

ENTRANCE EXAMINATION SCORES
A maximum of 100 points can be awarded.
Curriculum vitae - 10 points - Achievements in all extracurricular activities are evaluated, both scientific and non-scientific ones.
Motivation letter - 25 points - The applicant’s readiness to study a demanding interdisciplinary programme is evaluated.
Classification - 10 points - Grades in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, or programming are evaluated.
Entrance exam - 55 points - Secondary school knowledge is evaluated, especially in biology, chemistry, physics. The ability to integrate and apply knowledge as well as the student’s capacity to communicate in English are also assessed.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Curriculum vitae
Excellent prerequisites: successful solver of the national round of the International Olympiad, participant in the International Olympiad as specified in the overview section criteria to be considered, min. one year of study at a foreign secondary school (different from the applicant’s nationality), proven involvement in scientific activities (e.g., co-authorship of a scientific publication), presentation of results at a conference, a statement from the supervisor of a research team and evidence of participation in a grant project, popularisation activities at the international and national level, or other extracurricular activities with significant international and national impact (10–8 points).

Sufficient prerequisites: successful solver of the national round of the International Olympiad as specified in the overview section criteria to be considered, demonstrable involvement in scientific activities as evidenced by a statement from the supervisor of a research team, popularization activities at the local level, or other extracurricular activities with significant national and local impact (7–5 points).

Minimum prerequisites: the applicant has not demonstrated any of the above, but his/her curriculum vitae demonstrates other significant achievements (4–0 points).

Motivation letter
Compelling motivation: a well–thought-out letter that is relevant to the Science programme (25–20 points).
Semi-compelling motivation: a reasonably thought-out letter that is broadly relevant to the Science programme (19–14 points).
Uncompelling motivation: an unclear letter that is not relevant to the Science programme (13–0 points).

Classification
The grades in biology, chemistry, physics, eventually programming and mathematics for the last two completed years of secondary school are evaluated. The calculated percentage of A grades is divided by ten and rounded to whole number; the result represents a score on a scale from zero to ten.

In the case of verbal, point, and percentage marks, the applicant must provide the basis for
the conversion of the results of the studies issued by the secondary school in question or another relevant institution.

Admission to Bachelor's studies is conditioned by completed secondary education confirmed by a school-leaving certificate.

Verification method:	entrance exam
Confirmation date (of entrance exam) from:	15.04.2024	Until:	19.04.2024
Alternative date (of entrance exam):	29.04.2024	Until:	29.04.2024

Waiver of entrance examination
The entrance examination will be waived upon the applicant’s request if he/she provides evidence in the form of an electronic copy of one of the necessary criteria.
The application is processed through the university’s electronic information system and must be submitted no later than March 3, 2024.

Evidence of fulfillment of the necessary criteria
The document must be submitted in English, Czech, or Slovak; alternatively, it must be officially translated into one of those languages.
The result of the International Advanced Placement Examinations is documented by a copy of the Student Score Report for Colleges and Universities and a certificate/confirmation issued by the Center for Talented Youth in Prague.
Participation in the relevant round of the International Olympiad is evidenced by a copy of the diploma or a certificate of participation.

Overview of considered criteria

Successful solvers of the central (national, Czech, or Slovak) round of the Olympiad
Biology Olympiad category A
Chemistry Olympiad category A and E
Physics Olympiad category A
Mathematical Olympiad category A and P
Participants in the Olympiad
Biology (International Biology Olympiad - IBO)
Chemistry (International Chemistry Olympiad - IChO)
Physics (International Physics Olympiad - IPhO)
Mathematics (International Mathematical Olympiad - IMO)
Applicants who have taken the Advanced Placement International Examination in AP Biology with a score of 5 or 4.
Applicants who have taken the Advanced Placement International Examination in AP Chemistry with a score of 5 or 4.
Applicants who have taken the International Advanced Placement Examination in AP Physics 1 or AP Physics 2 with a score of 5 or 4.
Applicants who have taken the Advanced Placement International Examination in AP Calculus A or AP Calculus B with a score of 5 or 4.

Graduates of the Science programme (studyscience.eu) are well prepared to study in master’s programmes in biology, chemistry, or physics (or interdisciplinary sciences) at home or abroad. Regardless of the focus chosen for their subsequent master’s degree or doctorate, upon graduation, the student will be in a unique position to solve challenging interdisciplinary problems, even outside academia. In particular, graduates will find employment not only in interdisciplinary fields dealing with biological, chemical, physical, and mathematical issues, but also in emerging areas of sustainability research on the environment, health, technology, and economy. Graduates who choose not to continue their studies will benefit from, among other things, knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and programming, as well as training in critical thinking and effective approaches to complex problem-solving. They will therefore easily find employment in the commercial sector (corporate research and development, consultancy, risk analysis, etc.). As the entire programme is conducted in English, graduates will benefit from language proficiency and the ability to interact professionally in an international environment.