Recommended literature: No specifications regarding the character of a specific topic for the dissertation thesis. Recommended literature is included in the doctoral student’s individual study plan.

Conditions for passing the course:

Course evaluation takes place as a part of the State examination in accordance to the Study regulations of the Faculty of Natural Sciences UK in Bratislava, as well as submission of the written part of the dissertation thesis within the set deadline. The subjects of the state examination include a discussion about the written work of the dissertation examination (prepared by the doctoral student), as well as other subjects of the oral examination (ad hoc) approved by the Dean. Assessment is standard and reflects the student’s sufficient orientation in the issue. The conditions for successful course completion are in accordance with the Study Regulations of the Faculty of Natural Sciences UK.

Required language for successful course completion:

Slovak language in combination with English (study literature in English)

Brief outline of the course:

Based on the description of the starting points, principles, and conclusions from the published results of the studied issues, the aim is to teach the doctoral student how to process critical research. A further objective is to understand the principles of scientific work and its legal, physical, and social attributes. The main output is the elaboration of the written work for the dissertation examination and its successful completion in accordance with the Study Regulations of the Faculty of Natural Sciences UK. The form and content of the work is regulated by article 34, paragraph 4 of the Study Regulations of the Faculty of Natural Sciences UK. The dissertation examination consists of a part consisting of a discussion of the written work for the dissertation examination, as wel as a part in which the doctoral student needs to demonstrate theoretical knowledge according to the focus of the dissertation topic. The composition of the Examination Committee, the determination of the Opponent (expert examiner) and the general course of the dissertation examination are governed by the current Study Regulations of the Faculty of Natural Sciences UK.

Educational outcomes: The objective of the course is to gain basic habits and cultural-ethical aspects of working with scientific literature, evaluation, and systemization of the studied knowledge. The doctoral student needs to successfully pass the dissertation examination according to the act on Universities and Study Regulations of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of Comenius University in Bratislava.