Czech Technical University - Topics Contents:I.Czech Technical University (CTU) II. Faculty fo Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering (FNSPE)III.PhD Courses at FNSPEIV. Vocabulary that every PhD student should be familiar with

I.Czech Technical University (CTU)

The history of the Czech Technical University goes back to the beginning of the 18th century. It was then and long afterwards referred to as the Polytechnical Institute, being the first engineering institute in Central Europe. It was established to train engineers according to the chief requirements of those days, i.e. military specialists for building fortifications. However, later it concentrated more and more on the requirements of civil engineering, i.e. on building bridges and roads.

During the 19th century the Prague engineering school was completely transformed: compulsory subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, and Mechanics were introduced into degree courses in civil engineering, and lectures were held on subjects for studies which later developed into Mechanical Engineering. In spite of rigorous entrance examinations, in 1848 the enrolment in the Polytechnical Institute was over 1,300.

The industrial development of the 19th century resulted in changes in the overall structural pattern of engineering training, and, therefore, in 1863 the Institute was divided into several branches which would now be referred to as “faculties“.

Later the Institute split into the German and the Czech part, each with its own language of instruction. In 1899, a second engineering school was established in the Czech Lands (i.e. in Bohemia and Moravia), the present University of Technology in Brno.

Around this time three new faculties were added to those already existing, namely the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, the Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and the Faculty of Chemistry.

Since 1920, the school has been known as České vysoké učení technické, translated into English as “The Czech Technical University”. Prague also had a German Technical University, the former German part of the Polytechnical Institute.

During World War II all Czech universities in Moravia and Bohemia were closed.

After the war, some of the faculties split or were transformed into independent institutions of higher education offering specialised degree courses. This was the case of the former Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, which split into the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering,and the Faculty of Chemistry, which bacame the Institue of Chemical Technology, and others.

In the latter half of the 19th century and the first decade of the 21st century, several new faculties were established, among them our Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering (1955), then a new addition to the existing Faculty of Civil Engineering (the oldest faculty), the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. Later, more new faculties were added: the independent Faculty of Architecture, the Faculty of Transportation Sciences, the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, and, quite recently, the Facuty of Information Technology. So, at present the University comprises 8 faculties.

Notes

-The word “engineering” denotes a profession applying scientific princliples to the design, construction and maintenance of cars, engines, and machines (Mechanical Engineering), building bridges and roads (Civil Engineering), electrical machines and communication systems (Electrical Engineering), chemical plant and machinery (Chemical Engineering, aircraft (Aeronautical Engineering). In modern times its use has been extended to other fields, always expressing scientific and creative (theoretically-based) approach to the respective field (e.g. agricultural engineering, electronics engineering, physical engineering, mathematical engineering, genetic engineering, etc.)The Czech equivalent then is “inženýrství” (e.g. “matematické inženýrství”); however, especially in the case of the original historical disciplines (see above) it is also appropriate to translate the adjective “engineering” as “technický”, i.e.” inženýrský” : He has an engineering education = má technické vzdělání.

-. It is often confusing how to express the Czech word “technika” in English:technika 1. technology (stroje a vybavení)

We have all technology we need for this purpose. Wrong: We have all the technics/techniques for this purpose. 2. technology (studium/využití vědeckých poznatků v průmyslové praxi) The past few years have brought about great advances in science and technology. Wrong: ... in science and technics. 3. technique (metoda) There are varoius techniques how to dispose of nuclear waste. Wrong: ....various technics.... 4. engineering school, university of technology, historical name- Czech Technical University (vysoká škola)

-Influenced by American English, the modern word “technology” – “technologie” in Czech - is gradually replacing the Czech word “technika” .”Technologie” in Czech still denotes the procedure, the way of processing or treatment of materials and products, e.g. welding, hardening, grinding.The meaning of “technology “(according to Wikipedia) is very wide: it is the use, knowledge of tools, materials, techniques, crafts, systems, methods of organization, in order to solve a problem, improve a solution to a problem, achieve a goal or perform a

specific function. Also, collection of such tools, machinery, modifications, arrangements, and procedures.

technický 1. technical (mající/poskytující poznatky zaměřené na praxi, zvl. průmyslovou); odborný) That secondary school offers technical training. Secondary technical school (průmyslovka) Our staff is available to give you technical support. “Milling machine” is a technical term.(odborný termín) 2. technological/technical (týkající se využití technických poznatků vědeckého rázu) Modern scientific and technological/technical knowledge is essential for the development of the country.

3. engineering(education) – see above

EXERCISES

I.Choose the best suited verb to fill in the gaps. Sometimes more that one verb is can be chosen.found establish call close adapt transform adapt go back introduce include hold split result in existknow refer .. as rename train educate satisfy comprisecope with concentrate follow bring about occur consist ofincorporate require divide add come have

1. The history of CTU .................... to the early 18th century.2. It was then ................... as the Polytechnical institute.3 .It was .................... to train engineers.4. They were ................... to build military structures.5. Later, however, these military engineers ................... on civil structures.6. In the 19th century the programme of the engineering school was .................... to .................... the needs of the society.7. Compulsory Mathematics and Physics courses were .................... in degree courses in civil engineering.8. Also, some lectures .were .................... on issues close to mechanical engineering.9. Industrial development in the Czech Lands also .................... further structural changes : the school was .................... into specialized branches.10. As the Czechs were claiming their rights, the school .................... into two parts: Czech and German, with two languages of instruction.11. Later, new faculties were .................. to the existing Civil Engineering.12. After World War I , the engineering school was ................... ; and, so, side by side .. two technical universities ……………, the Czech Technical University and the German Technical University.13. During World War II all Czech universities were .................... .14. Major structural changes ....................... after the war and even later.15. At present CTU ................... 8 independent faculties.

II.Translate into English.

1.Studuje na pražské technice..............................................................................................................................................2. Vystudoval průmyslovku zaměřenou na elektrotechniku..............................................................................................................................................3. MIT – Massachusettský technologický institut je - prestižní americká vysoká škola..............................................................................................................................................4. Technický a vědecký pokrok se nedá zastavit..............................................................................................................................................5. Vojenské inženýrsrví bylo první inženýrskou vědou..........................................................................................................................................6. Starý název Fakulty stavební ČVUT v češtině byl Fakulta civilního inženýrství..........................................................................................................................................7. Výcvik paměti využívá řadu zcela neobvyklých metod........................................................................................................................................8. Tato společnost neinvestuj dost do moderních technologií..........................................................................................................................................9. Má technické vzdělání.........................................................................................................................................10. Všechny obory mají své specifické odborné termíny.........................................................................................................................................

III. Translate into Czech.

1.The new technique is more reliable than the one it has replaced.........................................................................................................................................2. Many small businesses are now involved with new technologies...........................................................................................................................................3. Farmers can employ the latest techniques in farm management...........................................................................................................................................4. We need to exploit existing technologies in turbine production more fully...........................................................................................................................................5. In modern society science and technology are inseparable.............................................................................................................................................6. On Sunday Metro service will be restricted because of engineering works...........................................................................................................................................7. The Olympic Stadium in London is a remarkable piece of engineering...........................................................................................................................................8.. This is purely a technical problem..........................................................................................................................................9. This lecture is informative and yet not too technical for me.........................................................................................................................................10. Making use of alternative fuel us technically impossible.

.........................................................................................................................................

IV.Trace the history of the Czech Technical University step by step. Read the text again and then use the hints to formulate sentences in writing.

early 18th century from military engineering to civil engineering: .- the first engineering school- its purpose and goal

- civil tasks19th century-first halfperiod of transformations and restructuring:

- introduction of compulsory subjects-civil engineering- compulsory courses-mechanical engineering

- industrial development and -second half - its consequences

- a split, new faculties20th century - new name

- two engineering schools- Nazi occupation

after World War II- new, independent faculties/universities21st century present structure of CTU

V. Using the notes from Ex.IV, sum up the history of CTU.

II.Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering ( FNSPE )

The Faculty was founded in 1955. Since then its main responsibility has been to offer both undergraduate (i.e. Bachelor´s Degree – Bc) and postgraduate (i.e. Master´s Degree = Ing ) and doctoral degree (PhD) courses. In addition, the Faculty is also responsible for fundamental and applied research in fields related to nuclear physics, nuclear chemistry, nuclear power engineering, materials science, solid state engineering, mathematics, software engineering, and physical electronics. It maintains close relations with various research institutions both at home and abroad.Compared with most institutions of higher education it is unique in some respects, e.g. in that most students have a grammar school background and all undergraduates take full-time courses, i.e. no part-time training is offered.

While the head of the Czech Technical University is the Rector, assisted by several Vice-Rectors, the academic administrative officer of each faculty is the Dean, who chooses his Vice-Deans . The Dean is responsible for the teaching and research (i.e. academic) strategy of the Faculty and its implementation as a whole. The Vice-Deans’ responsibilties are the teaching and research programmes, students’ matters, and international relations. The Dean is also assisted by the Scientific Council and the elected Academic Senate.

Non-academic matters are handled by the Dean’s Office. It consists of several administrative departments headed by their respective officers. The most important one for students taking the Bachelor´s or Master´s Degree Course is the Department for Student Affairs (Students´ Department), for students on a PhD course the Department for Science and Research.

The current structure of FNSPE includes 10 academic Departments, namely: Mathematics, Physics, Languages, Nuclear Chemistry, Dosimetry and Application of Ionizing Radiation, Materials, Solid State Engineering, Physical Electronics, Nuclear Reactors, and Software Engineering in Economics, located either in Břehová Street (the main premises, housing also the Dean´s Office and the Central Faculty Library), or Trojanova Street or in Troja.

The enrolment figure varies, but every academic year about 600 undergraduates and well over 50 PhD (doctoral) students are usually admitted. There is a wide variety of three-year Bachelor´s Degree programmes and two/three-year Master´s Degree programmes..

The Bachelor´s Degree programmes are divided into a general course taken for 4 semesters ( in the first and second years) , usually comprising a core section of main courses with a number of options. Some programmes, e.g. for Nuclear Chemistry, specialize from the very start.

Beginning with the 5th semester (in the third academic year), students specialize in their

chosen branch of study and cooperate more closely with the respective Department. The task of carrying out a review of literature (search) on a given topic and writing a Bachelor´s Degree Project, which they have to present and defend as part of the Final Examination, is included in the curriculum. Having completed this, the students graduate from the University, i.e. they are awarded the Bachelor´s Degree and become graduates.

To earn a higher degree, students can take a more advanced , i.e more specialized, Master´s Degree course. The fields they can choose are Mathematical Engineering, Physical Engineering, Information Technology in Engineering Sciences, Nuclear Engineering, Radiological Physics, and Nuclear Chemical Engineering. All these programmes are based on research , are flexible, and adjust easily to the new developments in science and technology. To earn the degree, students have to submit a Master´s Degree Thesis and pass the final oral (viva voce) State Examination.

The programme of instruction is very orthodox and traditional: students attend lectures, seminars, and practicals (=laboratory sessions in e.g physics). The measure of the student´s performance is the marking system expressed by letters A – F. The teaching and research staff are ready to offer consultations and discuss issues and problems out of class.

The Faculty also offers PhD (i.e. Doctor of Philosophy) programmes for PhD students. Notes

- At university the word “tutor” is usually preferred to “teacher”.- class 1. a period of time during which a group of students is taught

(vyučovací hodina, výuka) What time is your English class (AE)/lesson (BE)? (Kdy máš

angličtinu?) There are no English classes/lessons this week.(Tento týden

není angličtina. 2. a group of people/things/ with similar features (třída)

e.g. classes of plants, social classes 3. a group of students learning together (třída, kroužek)

Their class has/have a new teacher.4. a group of students who finish a course of study in a particular year (absolventský ročník) (esp.AE) Mary was in the class of 2012.

5. a series of lessons/classes /a course(esp. BE) in a particular subject (kurz, běh přednášek) He is taking a class/course in Academic English.

-to classify 1. to put into a group according to similar features (see above) (třídit, roztřídit) The specimens were classified into three groups.

2. to make secret for security reasons (utajovat)

The results of weapon tests were classified “top secret”.To express the Czech word “klasifikovat” – udělovat známku, známkovat - use “to mark” or to “grade” (esp. in AE)

Wrong: His test was classified with mark B.(dostal známku B/ byl klasifikován B/ dostal béčko)

Correct: He got/obtained a Mark/Grade B (AE) for the test. I was marking/grading your home assignments.

EXERCISES

I.Give Czech equivalents to the following expressions. For some terms there are no Czech equivalents and you will have to explain them rather than translate them. Put them down.

1.to offer bachelor´s/master´s courses ................................................................2.undergraduate ..................................................................................................3.undergraduate programme ..............................................................................4.postgraduate courses .......................................................................................5.fundamental/basic research .............................................................................6.academic strategy.......................................................................................7.academic department .......................................................................................8.the main premises housing the Dean´s Office ..................................................9.degree course ....................................................................................................10.to have a grammar school background ...............................................................11.full-time courses .................................................................................................12.part-time courses ...............................................................................................13.nuclear power engineering .................................................................................14.materials science ................................................................................................15.solid state engineering .........................................................................................16.academic matters .................................................................................................17.non-academic matters ..........................................................................................18.Bachelor´ s Degree programme ............................................................................19.Master´s Degree ...................................................................................................20.to earn a higher degree...........................................................................................21.PhD programme/course/study ................................................................................22.software engineering in economics ........................................................................23.advanced course ....................................................................................................24.graduation ceremony .............................................................................................25.the faculty´s responsibility is .... .............................................................................26.to handle non-academic matters .............................................................................27.enrolment figure .......................................................................................................28.to submit the Bachelor´s Project .................................................................................29.to defend the Master´s Thesis ......................................................................................30.core section of main subjects ..................................................................................31.new developments in science and technology .........................................................32.field of study ..............................................................................................................33.branch of study ..........................................................................................................

34.viva voce (examination) .............................................................................................35.to be awarded the degree of Ing. ...............................................................................36.PhD student ................................................................................................................37.curriculum ...................................................................................................................38.search .........................................................................................................................39.the Dean´s office ..........................................................................................................40 the measure of student´s performance .....................................................................41.to admit a student .......................................................................................................

II. Translate into English.

1. Zítra není angličtina a matematika.............................................................................................................................................2. Výzkum lze klasifikovat do dvo kategorií, a to na základní a aplikovaný výzkum.............................................................................................................................................3. Chodí na němčinu.............................................................................................................................................4. V naší třídě je hodně dívek. ............................................................................................................................................5. Kdy máš další hodinu angličtiny?............................................................................................................................................6. Na gymnáziu jsme byli ve stejné třídě/chodili do stejné třídy.............................................................................................................................................7. Byl jsem v ročníku 2001.(tj. absolvoval jsem vysokou školu) ............................................................................................................................................8. Systematické třídění rostlin zavedl jeden švédský botanik. Znáš jeho jméno?............................................................................................................................................9. Klasifikační systém na některých vysokých školách nyní používá písmena A až F.............................................................................................................................................10. Z diplomové práce dostal dvojku.............................................................................................................................................11. Doktorandské zkoušky se známkují, ale nejsou za ně kredity.............................................................................................................................................12.Vojenské informace mají tři stupně utajení.............................................................................................................................................13. Angličtina nám začíná od začátku října.............................................................................................................................................14. Je docházka na matematické semináře povinná?............................................................................................................................................15. Tábořiště s touto klasifikací poskytují jen základní vybavení.............................................................................................................................................

III. Use the following hints to speak about the Faculty.1.1955 – the main responsibility – fields of study and research – uniqueness2. academic matters: the Dean´ s and Vice-Deans´ responsibilities

3. non-academic matters: administrative departments – their responsibilities4. the structure if FNSPE – 10 academic departments5. the degree courses offered – undergraduate -core section – specialization - project;

Master´s – flexibility – fields of study doctoral

6. ways of instruction

IV. If you are not an FNSPE graduate, give a similar account of the faculty you graduated from and the courses you took as part of your master course).1. its history2. its academic structure3. the degree courses and fields of study offered at your university4. the courses you took for your higher (i.e. Master´s Degree)

V. Now you know enough about the Czech Technical University and the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering. Therefore go to sections on Brunel University (under UNIVERSITIES) and the University of Birmingham ( under FACULTIES AND DEPARTMENTS) – see http://en.fel.zcu.cz . Read all the facts, add them to what you alreday know, and do the exercises :

Universities: EXERCISE I.EXERCÍSE II.EXERCISE III.EXERCISE IV.EXERCISE VEXERCISE VIEXERCISE VII.EXERCISE VIII.

Faculties and Departments :EXERCISE I.EXERCISE II.EXERCISE III.EXERCISE IV.EXERCISE V.EXERCISE VI.EXERCISE VII.

III.PhD Courses at FNSPE

The Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering also offers doctoral courses.The current doctoral enrolment every academic year is over 50 master graduates , including foreign students, of whom most are engaged in full-time courses. For admission to the PhD programme, the applicant must hold a Master´s Degree (which is equivalent to the title of Ing. awarded by engineering schools or universities offering engineering studies e.g. the Czech Technical University, the Universty of West Bohemia, and the University of Technology in Brno). Also, the entering student must have passed at a satisfactory level an entrance examination to judge whether he/she has satisfied the academic and professional requirements, i.e. whether he/she is eligible for admission.. Often this examination can be part of or immediately follow the Final State Examination consisting of an oral part (viva voce) and defence of the submitted Master´s Degree thesis . The standards by which to admit the applicant to the PhD course are the departmental responsibility; however, academic attainments and often also special abilities and interests are decisive everywhere..

These advanced degree programmes are designed to prepare students to assume responsible positions in the chosen field. The courses offer not only profound specialist knowledge but also acquaint the students with the methodology of research and develop their ability to study and think independently and to be creative . The results of the research done by the student should significantly contribute to the knowledge and state of the art of the field.

A PhD student, i.e. an advanced degree student, is one who has been admitted and registered for studies in a particular programme in which a doctorate is offered, and so he/she may begin working toward that degree. He/she follows a time-table/schedule (AE) prepared on discussion with the supervisor, stating the deadlines for examinations and, if possible, for research, as well as for other related activities (teaching, attending conferences, exchange programmes, etc.). Students also report on their progress at sessions of their Department and write an annual report. The doctoral programme extends for 4 years (if full-time) or 5 – 6 years (if part-time), during which the student is expected to attend classes (lectures, seminars); do coursework (the number of courses to be completed not being exactly fixed), and pass examinations; do research for the dissertation by studying independently or carrying out experiments in the department laboratory or other research facility; discuss and consult the problems he/she may encounter with his/her supervisor/adviser (AE); and, finally, act as a teaching assistant in undergraduate courses. Thus, the doctoral programme consists of a combination of course attendance, individual study, and teaching Some students on the PhD course are simultanoeusly on an “interinstitutional pogramme”, i.e. they share their time between their FNSPE Department and another institution ( usually an institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic), and they have two supervisors, (one of them being referred to as “supervisor-specialist”). Also, some foreign universities admit our students to a “joint PhD programme” enabling them to spend half of the academic year abroad and half “at home” and study for a “joint PhD”.

The academic work of PhD students is not credited, but a marking/grading (AE) system of 3 marks/grades (AE) is used: excellent, passed, failed. Before taking the final examination to conclude the whole period of study, the student must have passed all the listed examinations, including foreign languages, English being compulsory. Then the University confers the Degree of Philosophy on the student (i.e. the student will be awarded the highest university degree). The degree is awarded in recognition of excellent research achievements in some special field presented in the PhD thesis (submitted to and defended before the examination board), and of successful passage of the rigorous examination, which is oral (“viva voce”) and open to the public. A vote of two thirds of the board members is required for passing.

PhD students get a modest fellowship from the University, are partly paid from research grants, and outstanding students may receive a special award. Many students accept part-time employment outside the University to help meet their expenses, but they must balance their academic loads and work schedules accordingly.

EXERCISES

I.Express the idea in a different way to make sure you understand the text; sometimes a synonym may be appropriate. Make also use of what you have learnt so far.

1. to offer doctoral courses ..............................................................................................2. doctoral enrolment (figures) .......................................................................................3. to be engaged in full-time courses .................................................................................4. to hold a Master´s Degree in (e.g.Physical Engineering) .................................... .............................................................................................................................................5. to be awarded the degree of ........................................................................................6. the entering student .....................................................................................................7. to be eligible for admission ...........................................................................................8. to judge the results .......................................................................................................9. professional competence .............................................................................................10. departmental responsibilty ...........................................................................................11. academic attainments ................................................................................................12. to be decisive .............................................................................................................13. the course is designed for .....................................................................................14. to assume a responsible position ...............................................................................15. profound specialization ...............................................................................................16. to be acquainted with .................................................................................................17. to deal with a problem ...............................................................................................18. to contribute to knowledge ..........................................................................................19. state of the art .............................................................................................................20. to be admitted and registered for studies .................................................................. ....................................................................................................................................21. to begin working for a degre .......................................................................................22. time-schedule................................................................................................................

23. to state the deadlines ...................................................................................................24. the course extends for 4 years .....................................................................................25. part-time programmes ................................................................................................26. to attend classes ........................................................................................................... 27. to do coursework .........................................................................................................28. to make experiments ..................................................................................................29. research facility ............................................................................................................30. to encounter a problem .................................................................................................31. to act as teaching assistant ........................................................................................32. to be referred to as ......................................................................................................33. to join a ”joint programme” ...........................................................................................34. a joint PhD ....................................................................................................................35. to conclude the whole programme ..............................................................................36. to take an examination ................................................................................................37. to pass the listed examinations ....................................................................................38. the degree is conferred on somebody........................................................................39. in recognition of research achievements......................................................................40. a field of learning ..........................................................................................................41. passage of examinations ...........................................................................................42. a 2/3 vote of examination board members ................................................................. ......................................................................................................................................43. to receive an award..................................................................................................44. to participate in research ...........................................................................................45. to accept employment ..............................................................................................46. to help meet the expenses ..........................................................................................47. to balance the academic loads and work schedules accordingly ............................. .......................................................................................................................................

II.The language of the text is very academic and uses many technical (professional) terms. Sentence by sentence, try to reword it, using a less formal langauge. Try to do so in writing.

III.Translate the text into Czech, use language adequate to the topic.

IV.Read the following notes on the structure of PhD training in one US university and then at Brunel University (UK).

You may not be familiar with some of the following expressions, but try to guess their meaning:1. personal statement – motivační dopis2. non-research course – ?3. (full) matriculation – an act confirming (final, full) admission to the course4. closed-book examination - ?5. report on annual progress – ?6. closed examination – ?7. tuition (fee) – a fee paid to an institution for instruction

8. stipend - a small sum of money paid to a graduate teaching/research assistant by the school to cover living expenses

Advanced graduate program of an American universty (AE spelling)

ApplicationEvaluation of academic performance from the former school

previous program of study letters of recommendation (BE references) personal statement

Admission requirementsCompletion of certain coursesGraduation with a Master´s Degree in…………………. (as required)

PhD Program (full-time, 4 – 5 years)Minimum requirements :Coursework and research

1) coursework in …………………… (as required) credited non-research courses individual study

coursework: core courses – 3/5 non-research elective (BE optional) courses – 2/5

2) passage of preliminary comprehensive examinations – qualifying for matriculation to begin research for the dissertation (doctoral thesis)

a) written closed-book examination covering the courses taken(taken at the end of the first year – retake is possible)

On submitting a written research proposal : b) oral examination - demonstrating preparedness for research

depth of knowledge in a special area(taken at the end of the second year, then full matriculation

3) deep knowledge in a research areaits application to a problemsubmission and defense of the disseration

Every year: report on annual progress

Thesis requirementsgood scientific writing (logic, grammar, presentation)600-word abstract

Final examinationdefense of dissertation (public)oral presentation of resultsclosed examination in ........

Financial aid – various fellowships to cover full tuition (to attend classes) the stipend (food and accommodation) payment of fees

- loans

Read the following facts about traditional PhD study at Brunel University.

Brunel University

I. Read the following information from Brunel University´s website.Brunel University awards the following research degrees:MPhil = Master of Philosophy (a less demanding research degree)PhD = Doctor of Philosophyother doctorate degrees: EngD = Engineering DoctorateNew Route PhD(For more information on the two last mentioned degrees see Brunel´s website.)

Traditional PhD studyTraditional PhD study is available both full-time (over 3 – 4 years) and part-time (over 4 – 8) years. PhD students may commence their work at any point in the year and are expected to study around 44 weeks in each year. They work closely with the academic staff. Much experimental and laboratory work has to take place outside normal working hours – sometimes in the evenings or at weekends.Students agree with their supervisors, at the beginning of their course, on a schedule of meetings, a timetable of work (including taught courses, seminars and conferences to be attended) and possible submission dates. To complete their degree programme successfully, they are expected to: follow a programme of induction and training on research methods, achieve a satisfactory level of performance in any required taught courses, attend lectures, courses and colloquia as directed by their supervisors, carry out an approved programme of research to a satisfactory standard.There may be opportunities for research students to undertake teaching for taught course students and the University also provides training for those who wish to be employed in this way.PhD study involves an in-depth exploration of a research topic. Research students have to produce, at least annually, a short formal report on their progress for discussion with their supervisors and other members of academic staff. After successful completion of a research project, the student presents a thesis and, if this is judged satisfactory, a research degree may be awarded.

PhD ThesisIn the thesis, a student must demonstrate a sound knowledge and critical appreciation of his or her discipline. The thesis must also make a distinct and original contribution to knowledge in that discipline. The material has to be organized and presented in a clear and appropriate style in the English language and be suitable for publication.The thesis is presented at a viva voce examination.

Research degrees: making an application

Below you will find advice on how to make an application for PhD study from Brunel University´s website. Most universities require a similar process.

When you make an application, you will need to identify the School or Research Institute in which you wish to conduct your research. It is thus a good idea to familiarise yourself with the research that is conducted at Brunel and decide where your own research would best fit. You may also want to ensure that there are potential supervisors within the University with the appropriate interests and expertise to supervise your work.Advice on your applicationSpecialist Research Institutes at Brunel publish information and advice for research applicants on their websites. Many research areas will also publish specific guidelines on preparing a research proposal to submit with your application. If you have identified a potential research supervisor at Brunel, it can be useful to contact them informally prior to making your application. They may be able to give more specific advice for your own discipline and some may be willing to comment on a draft research proposal. General contacts for enquiries can also be found on individual School websites.Preparing your research proposalMost Schools and Specialist Research Institutes require a research proposal, usually between 1000 and 2000 words, as part of the application process. Many issue specific guidance on what should be included and this should be followed carefully. Typically, you might be expected to describe the context of the work (academic background and why the research is needed), define the aims and objectives of the work, and describe how you will approach the research (research methods to be used, rough plan of work).Documents needed for application:- an academic transcript for every previous degree you have completed- an academic reference from the academic institution you most recently attended- a second academic reference from your current or most recent employer- a copy of paperwork confirming the award of sponsorship- any relevant certificates for language qualifications (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL)- a brief personal statement in support of your application- any relevant certificates- any other relevant documentation (e.g. a CV)- research proposal/statement (a description of your proposed research)

V.Use facts from the introductory texts and from Exercise IV. and answer the following questions.

1 a) What are the application and admission requirements for a graduate to be admitted to a PhD course at most US universities/ at Brunel ? b) What is the admissions policy at these universities ?2 a) How long is the US/ English PhD course ? b)How long do you expect your PhD course may take?3 a) What is the structure, type, and time-schedule of courses and examinations in the US programme? Give all the details. What is expected of a PhD student? b) When and how did you qualify for matriculation and what is your PhD course time-schedule?4. Do the thesis requirements differ – if so, in what?

5. What conditions do you have to satisfy to conclude your PhD training?6a) What financial aid is available to American students? b)How do most PhD students in this country cover their personal and living expenses?

VI. Read the following list of verbs.

apply for drop out of approve passreject conduct take holdmake develop perform participate in teach receive fail carry out do enrol on/for attend buildstudy for run have golisten to be awarded

Which of them go with 1. research2. project3. grant4. progress5. course student teacher6. lecture student teacher7. degree8. plans9. analyses10. measurements11. models12. simulations13. experiments14. changes/modifications/corrections15. conference, workshop

VII. Fill in the prepositions.1. to have a PhD degree …………… Physics 2. to study …………… a degree 3. to be ……………. a PhD course

4. to work ………………. the guidance of ….5. to lecture ……………. an interesting topic6. to receive training ……………… research methods7. to participate ………………… a conference8. they met ……………….. a conference9. to do research ……………… digital signal processing10. to do a project …………………. brain-machine interfaces11. to work ……………. an international project12. to apply ………………. a grant13. to defend one´s thesis ……………… a board of examiners14. to find a solution ……………….. a difficult problem.

VIII. Below you will find guidelines for writing a Progress Report. Read them carefully and then write your own progress report (1-1.5 pages). Use full sentences, not just lists of activities.Name Affiliation (faculty, department) Admission to the PhD course (date) Type of course taken (full-time, part-time) Research topic Supervisor Reported period (from … to)Programme of the reported period (in the form of cohesive text; headings make it easier to understand what is reported on)Study and teaching requirements Courses taken (full name of course, from … to, date of examination, result, reasons for choosing the course, content of the course, name of lecturer, assessment of the course and its relevance to the chosen research topic) Courses taught (full name, from … to, designed for…, number of students, experience you gained; if not involved in teaching, why) Co-Supervision of Bachelor´s theses (topics, number of students, your involvement, problems encountered, experience gained, assessment of the experience)Research (objective, background, key points, reference to the plan, redefinition of the topic and/or its objective – if applicable, the theoretical background you gained – e.g. through literature study; chosen/developed methodology; experiments/measurements/modelling/ simulations/calculations carried out (where relevant), programs prepared, constraints/problems and the way you faced them, detailed description of facilities (if relevant), cooperation with …. )Meetings with the supervisor/supervisors (regular/ad hoc, their help )Study visits (participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, summer/winter schools; study stays abroad; outcome of such activities, evaluation of their significance for your research)

Papers, presentations (titles and dates of papers/posters given at conferences, seminars, in your department; response to them; papers published in journals) Summary (self-assessment of your progress for the given period; plans for the next stage)

IX. Compare the information you have gained. Prepare a description of your PhD programme following the points given below. Then use the information and inform a foreign guest about your own PhD programme.

1. Commencement of study: ........................................................................................................................................

2. Standard duration of study: ........................................................................................................................................

3. Expected study weeks per year: ........................................................................................................................................

4. Work outside normal working hours: ........................................................................................................................................

5. Planning the study: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................

6. Courses to attend: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................

7. Other activities: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................

8. Examinations to be taken: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................

9. Progress reports: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................

10. Criteria for thesis assessment: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................

11. Final examination: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................

IV. Vocabulary that every PhD student should be familiar with PhD degree, doctoral degree, doctorateresearch proposalpersonal statementjoint degree programme, joint degreehold/have a PhD degree in …the PhD course lasts/extends for … years, takes …. yearsPhD student, doctoral studentI am a PhD student, I am a first-year PhD student, I am in the second year of my PhD studyI study for a PhD (degree), I am on a PhD course/programmeteaching assistant, research assistantsupervisor, co-supervisorto work under the supervision/guidance of …taught courses (lectures, seminars, experimental and laboratory work, practicals)to teach/to run a courseto lecture on (environmental issues)training in research methods and presentation skillsattend/participate in workshops, international conferencesresearch topic, research projectto do/conduct/carry out/perform research on/into …to do a research project on …pilot projectproject leader, project managerapply for a grant, grant applicationthe application was approved, the application was rejecteddoctoral thesis, dissertationto write a thesisdistinct and original contribution to the PhD student´s field of studyto submit and defend a thesisviva voce, “viva” thesis defense/oral defense (AE) (open to the public)board of examinersexternal examiners; reviewers, refereesto defend the thesis before a board of examinersto receive/be awarded a PhD degree in …fundamental/basic research, applied researchinterdisciplinary research, interdisciplinary cooperationhard sciences, soft sciencesengineering scienceskeep up to date with international research developmentsstate-of-the-art/leading-edge technologiesrefereed journals/peer reviewed journals impact factor citation index

postdoctoral/postdoc researchpostdoctoral student, postdoc