Dissertation Defense, Deadlines and Dates

Preparation and Defence of the Dissertation

We ask students to follow the instructions given on the website of the Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University (see methodology below) when creating the dissertation and the summary. The information provided on the Doctoral Study Programmes in Biomedicine (DSPB) website is not updated in accordance with the current accreditation of individual doctoral study programmes and faculty requirements. You can view the properly prepared dissertation and the summary here.

• Dissertation – essential information

• How to apply for the defence

  The application for the defence of the dissertation is submitted by the student only after the passing of the SDE, but no later than six months before the expiry of the maximum period of study (see Dean’s Provision No. 2/2024, Article VII paragraph 8).

   

  The thesis and other prescribed materials (see below) must be submitted at least three months before the planned defence date. This time is necessary to carry out the administrative tasks set forth in the Code of Study and Examination CU and Dean’s Provision No. 5/2018. Student is notified by the Department for PhD Study of the date of his/her Dissertation Defence only after submitting all requisite documentation.

   

  Students are reminded that it is not possible to register for the defence via SIS.

   

  Submission of the dissertation for defence

   

  Some Subject Area Boards require a dual submission of the dissertation – in that case, the thesis is submitted in electronic and paper (I. e. printed) form. The condition for submitting the paper form of the thesis is its previous submission in electronic form in SIS (no later than the day before the submission of the paper form). With the amendment to the Higher Education Act, it has been obligatory to submit the electronic version of the thesis in pdf format together with the printed version. 

  The electronic version of the thesis and the abstract, the insertion of which is part of the registration in SIS, must be identical to the printed originals (if applicable).

  Via SIS, the student submits:

  • Text of the dissertation (in the pdf format as one file)
  • Alternatively, a separate annex to the thesis – in the pdf format as one file (in the case of multiple separate attachments in zip format).
  • Abstract in Czech (even if the thesis is written in English), in pdf format as a single file.
  • Abstract in English (in the pdf format as one file).
  • Dissertation Summary – if it is required by the SBA (in the pdf format as one file).

   

  A student who is enrolled to study in a Czech study programme submits an abstract in Czech and English. A student who is enrolled to study programme in English submits an abstract in English only. These abstracts must be identical in content with the abstracts listed in the dissertation thesis and dissertation summary.

  All files in SIS will automatically pass an anti-plagiarism check after uploading. The result of the check is usually available to the student and supervisor in SIS within 48 hours after submission. This result is not printed and inserted into the dissertation. 

  The electronic version of the dissertation (identical to the printed version) is submitted via SIS in the application Select work.

   

  Before submitting the thesis, the student carefully checks that the language and titles of the thesis recorded in the SIS correspond to the language of the thesis and the title of the thesis in the paper version. In case of a mismatch, all titles of the thesis (the title in the language of the thesis, the English title of the thesis and the Czech title of the thesis) must be corrected in SIS. These fields can only be corrected by the Department for PhD Study. The name of the supervisor (or advisor) and his/her department, as well as the names of the opponents to the thesis are added to the SIS only by the Department for PhD Study (not by the student or supervisor).

  Then the student checks, or. edits the data in the “Edit” section. It is necessary to add key words in Czech and English.

  The student is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the submitted electronic version of the thesis and its appendices and for ensuring they are identical to the printed version (especially the content).

   

  The thesis is considered to have been submitted if the student submits both versions of the thesis before the deadline. 

   

  After the defence, the student can enter into the SIS:

   

  • errata (corrections of the thesis after the defence) – the whole thesis is inserted again as errata (not only corrected parts) – in pdf format as one file

   

  The electronic version of the thesis and related files are stored only in SIS. After the thesis is defended and completed, the data is automatically transferred to the central library system CU and to the CU Digital Repository, where the thesis and related files are made available.

  The technical requirements for submitting final qualification theses are regulated by the Rector’s Directive No. 16/2019 on Accessibility of Electronic Database of Final Theses. A thesis must be submitted in a PDF/A version 1a or 2u format. This directive also changes the requirements pertaining to the formatting of appendices and supplements.

   

  At the Department for PhD Study, the student submits:

   

  • Filled in and signed Request for defence of dissertation on the prescribed form. The application must be signed by the supervisor.
  • Dissertation – if required in paper form (please consult the respective DSP website), the copies are bound with a fixed binding (two-sided printing is recommended). The fixed binding means that it is not possible to remove (or replace) pages. The panels will be printed according to the prescribed instructions (see Methodology for creating a dissertation – identification on the binding).
  • If required by the SAB, the copies of the dissertation summary (booklet in A5 format, stitched sheets). The requirements of individual SAB are listed in the section “Doctoral Degree Programmes”. The structure of the summary is specified in the Methodology for creating the summary.
  • Offprints of at least two publications in scientific journals with an impact factor. 
  • Structured list of all candidate’s publication (the number and share of authorship is set by the respective SAB).
  • Evaluation of supervisor on the candidate´s work during his/her study and on the defence (signed by the supervisor). No form (usually on the supervisor's letterhead) or scope is prescribed (a summary of 2–3 sentences cannot be accepted). The sample can be viewed here.
  • Proposal of two opponents from non-faculty workplaces (including postal contact addresses) signed by the supervisor. No form or scope is prescribed (usually on the supervisor's letterhead). The opponent cannot be anyone from the opponent's workplace or an employee who participated in the elaboration of the dissertation or was a co-author of some of the submitted works of the student.  A sample of the opponet's review can be found here.

   

  We ask students not to fill in the opponents proposed by the supervisor in the self-reflection, as their approval is decided by the SAB. It may happen that the SAB will not approve these opponents and will propose other opponents. Therefore, the final opponents will be added to the autorefolio by the Department for PhD Study only after the approval of the SAB.

  • Professional Curriculum Vitae (dated and signed by the student).

   

  All appendices must be in legible form. Images taken with a mobile phone cannot be accepted.

   

  Please note that "Biomedicine" is not a doctoral degree programme, but only a generic designation for medical and science doctoral degree programmes accredited by the CU. We therefore ask students and supervisors not to write "Postgraduate Doctoral Studies in Biomedicine" on the forms. 

   

  The deadline for submission of the thesis in hard copy and electronic form is the same. The thesis is considered submitted if the student has submitted both forms of the thesis by the deadline. If this is not done, the thesis cannot be considered submitted. See Rector’s Measure No. 72/2017, Article 4. The SIS automatically records the date of submission of the electronic form of the thesis. The departmental officer in charge will record the date of submission of the paper version of the thesis in the SIS.

   

• Request for non-publication of part or all of the dissertation

  • It is submitted via the SIS.
  • It must be submitted no later than on the day of the defence.
  • The request for non-publication of attachments is submitted by the student, or supervisor. It is approved by the vice-dean of the faculty.
  • The request for non-publication of the whole work is submitted only by the supervisor. It is handed over to the vice-dean of the faculty, then it is transferred to the Rectorate CU (University Board).

   

  Instructions for submitting an application are available here. More detailed information is available in the Rector's provision No. 16/2019, Art. 7 and Dean’s provision No. 5/2018, Art. 4, para. 12 and Art. 7, para. 5–8.

• Course of the dissertation defence

Dissertation methodology

• Rules for writing a dissertation

  A student who has been accepted to study in a English study programme should write a dissertation in English. The elaboration of the dissertation in other languages is not automatic. The student must submit a Request for dissertation in a foreign language, which will be assessed by the SAB. 

  The student cannot change the topic or title of his/her dissertation. If the title / topic does not suit him for any reason, it is necessary to submit a Request for change in the name/topic of dissertation, which must be recommended by the supervisor and will be submitted to the SAB for assessment. If the application is approved, the name/topic in the SIS will be changed by the Department for PhD Study.

  A student can elaborate his dissertation in the regime of “cotutelle” (under dual supervision). This approach, founded on cooperation with foreign universities, enables the student to elaborate a part of his dissertation in a workplace abroad under the supervision of experts of both universities.

  A prerequisite for submitting a dissertation are two original works (related to the topic of dissertation) accepted to publication in internationally reputable scientific journals of an aggregate defined “impact factor” higher than 1,0. Of one publication at least, the student shall be the first author, if stipulated so by the individual study plan or internal regulation of the faculty. The dissertation shall be submitted to the SAB via the division of dean’s office, either in the classical form or in the form of a mono-topical anthology of at least four scientific publications related to the subject (two of that as a minimum with “impact factor”), if stipulated so by the individual study plan or internal regulation of the faculty. The dissertation shall be filed in four hardback exemplars for approval with the deans and simultaneously in electronic form (see Rector´s Directive No. 6/2010).

  Some SABs also require submission of the summary of dissertation in Czech or English language (with abstracts in Czech or English), elaborated in accordance with the guidelines published on the faculty web pages. The summary of dissertation shall facilitate, for the members of the board for the defence of dissertation, their orientation in the scientific work of the student, and must comprise the aim of the work, the methodology, main results, summary and list of publications of the author (see methodology for creation of the summary). Department for Ph.D. study of dean’s office shall send the reproduced texts to the chairman of the SAB, members of Board for Defence of Dissertations and opponents.

  The rules for registering, submitting and publishing of dissertation (inclusive doctoral dissertations) are determined by the Code of Study and Examination of Charles University in Prague, Rector’s Directive No. 6/2010 and Rector’s Directive No. 8/2011, and directive of the dean of the faculty the student enrolled with.

  Regarding writing (recommended):

  • font type Times New Roman 
  • font size 12 pt for basic text
  • for note-taking 10 pt
  • line spacing 1,5 image description (Fig. 1 Text) below the image
  • if the image is reproduced, cite the source
  • table descriptions vice versa – above Tab. 1 Text
  • margins: 3 cm left, 2,5 cm right, 2,5 cm top and 2 cm bottom 
  • pages are numbered down the middle
  • the text is aligned on both margins (in a block)

  
  The chapters start on a new page. Chapter titles should appear on separate lines in font size 14 bold, may be in upper case, and should not be followed by a period. Subchapters shall be in font size 12, bold and lowercase. 
   
  The numbering of chapters shall be in decimal notation:
   
  1. Chapter title
  1.1. Section
  1.1.1. Subsection

  Tables and figures should be numbered and labeled. All tables and figures are referenced in the text (see Fig. 3…). Under the table or figure, the proper source should be mentioned (including the author, if necessary). Tables and figures should be directly related to the text. Otherwise, they should be located in appendices at the end of the dissertation.

  The dissertation can be printed as double-sided. The referencing style has to be consistent. It is inappropritate to put references to footnotes. The list of references  at the end of the dissertation should be sorted in alphabetical order.

   

  If required by the SAB, the printouts of the dissertation must be in the A4 format and must be bound in book binding. It must conform in terms of language and form. 

  Electronic version of both the dissertation and its extended abstract, registered in the SIS, must be identical with the printed originals.

  
  Pages are counted from the title page, numbers are not given for the preliminary pages. The first number is given only at the table of contents. 

  The sections below are not numbered, but are counted in page order:

  • title page
  • declaration
  • acknowledgements
  • abstracts and keywords 
  • list of abbreviations

   

  The chapters start on a new page. Chapter titles should appear on separate lines in font size 14 bold, may be in upper case, and should not be followed by a period. Subchapters shall be in font size 12, bold and lowercase. 
   
  The numbering of chapters shall be in decimal notation:
   
  1. Chapter title
  1.1. Section
  1.1.1. Subsection

  Tables and figures should be numbered and labeled. All tables and figures are referenced in the text (see Fig. 3…). Under the table or figure, the proper source should be mentioned (including the author, if necessary). Tables and figures should be directly related to the text. Otherwise, they should be located in appendices at the end of the dissertation.

  The referencing style has to be consistent. It is inappropritate to put references to footnotes. The list of references  at the end of the dissertation should be sorted in alphabetical order.

  Electronic version of both the dissertation and its extended abstract, registered in the SIS, must be identical with the printed originals.

• Prescribed structure

  The structure of dissertation given below is a generally valid basic scheme. 

  1. A dissertation in the classical form includes the following parts:

  • Title page – arranged to the given pattern
  • Declaration of independent producing the work alone and citations of all sources used; The text of the student’s binding declaration is always in Czech for theses submitted for Czech programmes of study, even if the student is permitted to write the thesis in a different language. If the thesis is submitted for a study programme taught in English, the binding declaration of the student is also in English.
  • Acknowledgement – a separate page with acknowledgement can also be included. The acknowledgment is not mandatory.
  • Bibliographic information – abstract in English and Czech language (maximum 20 lines), presented according to ČSN ISO 214 standard: Documentation – Abstracts for Publications a Documentation. Abstract means a brief description of the dissertation in terms of its content, objectives and result. List of keywords in English and Czech language, keywords separated by commas (usually 5 to 10). The key word is also the term expressed in more words. 

   

  A student who is enrolled to study in a Czech study programme submits an abstract in Czech and English. A student who is enrolled to study in an English study programme submits an abstract in English only. These abstracts must be identical in content to the abstracts, which the student then enters separately into the SIS.

  • Contents – the content contains the names of chapters and subchapters, i.e. parts of the work, the first and second level
  • Introductory survey of literature and overview of the problem
  • Outline of objectives of the dissertation, including formulation of hypotheses
  • Description of the experimental methods used, including statistical ones
  • Survey of own results, duly documented and adequately statistically evaluated
  • Discussion of methodological procedures and results, including comparison to the literature
  • Conclusion and evaluation of the objectives and hypotheses of the dissertation (summarizing relevant research results and particularly the personal contribution of the student with the justification of the originality of the solutions).
  • Summary of dissertation findings (in English and Czech language); the summary is not identical with the abstract or conclusion. It is a one-page summary of the content of the dissertation and its main ideas in Czech and a one-page summary in English (a total of two pages).

   

  A student who is enrolled to study in a Czech study programme submits a summary in Czech and English. A student who is enrolled to study in an English study programme submits a summary in English only.

  • Literature references (in accordance with any current standards and uniformly)
  • Appendix or appendices (as needed – but not tables, figures and graphs showing the results of the study that are included in the dissertation text)

   

  2. Citations in the text should be given by the name and year (e.g. Author J., 1989). If there is only one author, then one author and the year is given; if there are two authors, both of them are given plus the year; in case of three or more authors it will say e.g. “Author J. et al., 1989”. The standard of citations should be as follows: year of publication, yearly volume of the journal, number of the journal, pages (from – to).

   

  Bibliographic references should be written according to ISO 690 norm – Documentation, ISO 690-2 Bibliographic references and citing, Electronic documents or their parts.

   

  3. A dissertation based on a set of at least four scientific publications that is consistent in terms of the topic must be compiled in the classical manner (see Paragraph 1, also including the summarizing discussion of all particular publications). Even the commented dissertation should include diagrams and visuals documenting the principal discoveries done in the thesis. Part of the dissertation are the previously published articles and the author’s abstract.

  4. A classical dissertation should consist in 60 – 80 pages as a minimum, excluding the list of literature and the enclosures. A dissertation based on a set of at least four scientific publications should consist in 60 – 80 pages as a minimum, excluding the list of literature and the enclosures.

   

• Dissertation – identification on the binding (front cover)

• Dissertation – identification of the title page (inner part)

• Dissertation – autor’s statement (signed by the student)

• Dissertation – bibliographic information (guidelines for abstracts and keywords)

• Dissertation – sample abstracts

Dissertation Summary methodology

• General information

  Summary of the dissertation is a booklet in A5 format, approximately 20 pages in length, containing a brief summary of the entire dissertation, including the aim, content, results of the work and characteristics of the original solution, the literature used, accompanied by an English resume. This scope does not include other mandatory components, which are a list of references (identical to the list of references in the dissertation itself), a list of the student's publications, other scientific activities (internships, presentations at conferences, etc.) and a summary.

  The abstract of the dissertation cannot be considered as a summary. The abstract is a brief summary of the dissertation content in 15-20 lines.

  Summary of dissertation must be written in the language in which the student is studying. It is written in the same language as the dissertation. The prior written consent of the relevant SAB is required for the preparation of the summary and the dissertation in another language (e.g. English).

   

  Formal requirements

  • recommended length of text 20–30 (max.) numbered standard pages
  • A4 format (in Word)
  • font type Times New Roman (recommended)
  • font size 14 pt for body text
  • 12 pt for notes
  • line spacing 1,5
  • block alignment
  • recommended margins: 3 cm left, 1,5 right, 2,5 cm top, 2 cm bottom 

   

  A document created in A4 format must be typed in font size 14 so that when it is reduced in size from A4 to A5 it will be approximately 12 pt.

  Pages are counted from the title page (cover page), the numbers are not given for the introductory pages (cover and inside cover). The first numbered page is the table of contents. Chapter titles are in bold, size 16, subchapters in bold, size 14. 

  The summary must be in A5 booklet form (shape of a brochure) and tightly bound. Printing on both sides is recommended. The pages must be stapled. Staple binding (not ring-bound) is recommended. The summary should be printed from A4 size (printing in booklet format = automatic reduction to A5 size).

  The summary should be submitted in five copies and in electronic form (docx format). The student submits the summary together with the application for defence and other requirements to the Department for Ph.D. study of the faculty. These copies are then sent by the department to the SAB, the dissertation defence board and the opponents.

   

• Prescribed structure

  The next text part of extended abstract is structured as follows:

   

  Table of Contents 

   

  Abstract in Czech (maximum one page, with key words) – including the title of work in Czech, if the text of dissertation is in English

  Abstract in English (maximum one page, with key words) – including the title of dissertation in English

   

  A student who is enrolled to study in a Czech study programme submits an abstract in Czech and English. A student who is enrolled to study in an English study programme submits an abstract in English only. These abstracts must be identical in content to the abstracts, which the student then enters separately into the SIS.

   

  Chapters

   

  1. Background
  2. Objectives
  3. Material and methodology
  4. Results
  5. Discussion
  6. Conclusion
  7. Summary of dissertation findings (in English and Czech language); the summary is not identical with the abstract or conclusions.  It is a one-page summary of the content of the dissertation and its main ideas in Czech and a one-page summary in English (a total of two pages). A student who is enrolled to study in a Czech study programme submits a summary in Czech and English. A student who is enrolled to study in an English study programme submits a summary in English only.
  8. Literature references

   

  Overview of own publications in following order 

   

  1. Original scientific works in extenso, which are the basis of the dissertation.

  a) with impact factor (indicate IF value)

  b) without IF

   

  2. Original scientific works in extenso without relation to the topic of the dissertation (especially review, methodical, case studies).

  a) with impact factor (indicate IF value)

  b) without IF

   

  3. Lectures, poster presentations at professional meetings.

   

  4. List abstracts separately: similar to monographs, chapters in textbooks and anthologies, editorials, epilogues, prologues and obituaries, etc.

   

  In all above cases the publications in journals with impact factor, the IF value of journals must be given as well – e.g. IF 2,376.

   

• Summary – cover page (front cover); white or coloured cover made of harder paper without lamination

• Summary – inside cover (page 2); black and white printing