FAQ — Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
Questions on teaching in winter semester 2020/2021
What will teaching at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry look like in winter semester 2020/2021?
All the subjects at the Faculty are being taught in accordance with the current schedule and in a standard, i.e. contact form. It is a priority of the Faculty management to maintain this form of teaching unless the Czech Government orders otherwise. (October 2020)
Is there a possibility that teaching of some subjects will take place on-line even if the current epidemiological regulations would not demand so?
The Faculty management informed heads of all departments that they are to consider whether a part of their theoretical lessons will take place on-line. However, individual departments should inform you if this is their case. (October 2020)
Is it necessary to wear a mask all the time during lessons?
Yes. Mask wearing in schools, i.e. universities as well, is obligatory in accordance with the Government Decree of September 18, 2020.(October 2020)
Can I take my lunch at the faculty or hospital canteen?
Students can use the faculty canteen in the faculty building; they must not use the hospital canteen from the decision of the hospital management. In case the situation changes, you will be informed on the faculty website. (October 2020)
Are we going to obtain protective equipment, e.g. masks, upon entering clinical departments for the purpose of learning?
No. You are obliged to have your own masks with you. Also it is necessary to respect any particular forms of protective equipment which a particular department requires. (October 2020)
Will we complete the winter semester in a face-to-face/present/contact form?
We are not able to predict this. Even though we would like to maintain the contact form of teaching to the extent possible, we have to follow the legislative and hygiene and epidemiology measures defined by the Czech Government. (October 2020)
Where shall I find updated information on the current situation and how should I communicate with teachers?
The official source of information is the Faculty website https://www.lf.upol.cz/en/covid-19/. If you need any information on teaching//lessons, the official communication channel is Moodle through which teachers of individual subjects communicate with students. (October 2020)
The Faculty management would like to ask all student for the utmost cooperation so that with respect to the existing legislative and hygiene and epidemiological measure it is possible to complete the winter semester 2020/2021 the most efficient way. It is important that students check regularly information related to teaching at the faculty website and also check regularly their e-mail boxes to find out whether there are any changes in the regime.
Please, take into account that our pre-clinical and clinical departments have to provide for the health care for patients in addition to teaching you; let’s try to be supportive and we can do it.
SEMESTER, ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Q: How long is this extension going to be, because Masaryk has extended there to 15th May and so has Charles.
A: Both universities have given an estimated time when their classes will resume. The final decision depends on the decision of the government, as to when most emergency measures are no longer required and can be called off. (March 2020)
Q: How will this effect our semester and will this mean that the semester can carry on till the end of June/July before the start of exam period.
A: We feel that extending the semester will not be effective for the English programme students due to expected travel restrictions. Most of your courses will be recognised by completing them online. (March 2020)
Q: If the semester is extended into the summer, will it be extended for a month or will it be connected with the next year, will we start the next year in September as usual or will it be postponed due to the semester extension?
A: Go to “Update about teaching at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry UP” www.lf.upol.cz/en/covid-19/. The deadline for completing all study obligation is moved to 15th September 2020. Classes in the academic year 2020/2021 are planned to start within September. (March 2020)
Q: Is there any estimated date for the continuation of studies for this year?
A: It is impossible to predict what will the epidemiological situation be like. The final decision will depend on when the Czech government calls off the emergency measures currently applied. (March 2020)
Q: Can I ask if the summer semester for general medicine students will be extended?
A: You will be taking all courses and exams online, hence there will not be any need for a semester extension. (March 2020)
Q: Is it possible for paperwork for students who complete all of their 6th year state exams to be sped up to enable us to apply for jobs in UK/respective countries as soon as possible?
A: Your diploma will be processed as soon as possible. If you would like to collect it early and not wait for the graduation ceremony, you can. At the same time, you will receive a confirmation of having completed your degree on the day when your last state exam is passed. (March 2020)
Q: Is there any guarantee that exams this semester will happen? Can the university please make a decisive decision on if the semester ends (like many other med schools) or carries on?
A: Yes. For details see “ Update about teaching at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry UP” www.lf.upol.cz/en/covid-19/. The deadline for completing all study obligation is moved to 15th September 2020. (March 2020)
Q: Is there a possibility of summer exams being cancelled? I'm sure you are aware of many European Universities, especially those in UK, Germany and Italy, who have cancelled their summer exams and have prioritised student's safety. Will UPOL carry itself with the same caution?
A: The semester will not be cancelled. All learning will be done through self-study and online teaching platforms instead. (March 2020)
Q: It seems that the Coronavirus situation will take a long time to clear, and I am wondering how will we be able to complete our lessons of this semester? Will we be able to complete our lessons online, and if things do not improve even our final examinations?
A: Under the current circumstances, all courses have to be and will be carried out through distance learning. Most exams will be completed via online platforms. Teachers responsible for each given course will post requirements for awarding a credit for their respective courses by 5th April 2020 on Moodle. For further information go to “Update about teaching at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry UP” www.lf.upol.cz/en/covid-19/. (March 2020)
Q: Is it possible for final year students to be given early graduation like UK and Italy final year medical students in order to be enlisted in hospitals to help? For example, Sheffield university final year students had 2-3 exams cancelled, whereas we have only 1 exam left to complete.
A: If you are on track with the rest of your exams, you will complete your final exam during the week from 20th April. We cannot make it any faster than that and nor can we omit your Surgery final state examination. (March 2020)
EXAMS, FINAL EXAMINATIONS
Q: What will happen with summer clinical trainings? Will they still have to be completed?
A: All obligatory clinical trainings have to be completed. Nevertheless, as we understand that it might be difficult for you to arrange this summer, the trainings will not be prerequisites for any next year's courses. What it means for you is that not having the training completed within the originally given deadline will not cause any trouble for you with regards to registering courses for the upcoming year. Whichever training you have to do this summer, you can complete it anytime next year. (March 2020)
Q: As a 4th year student, will I be allowed to take remainder of my exams via online platforms.
A: Most exams will be completed via online platforms. For further information go to “Update about teaching at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry UP” www.lf.upol.cz/en/covid-19/. (March 2020)
Q: What are the plans regarding the 4th year with neurology and psychiatry classes and final exams? Will they be cancelled all together, added to next year's plan of studies etc?
A: Go to “Update about teaching at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry UP” www.lf.upol.cz/en/covid-19/ and keep an eye on that page for any further updates. (March 2020)
Q: The surgery exam is currently scheduled for around 20th April. My query is that is there any way possible for the university to commence this exam a little earlier or even on time so that we can finish and return home. We are anxious because we have to plan carefully to return home since all borders and flights are effected equally. Can you ensure us the state will go ahead?
A: We plan to hold the Surgery exam as originally scheduled, i.e. in the week from 20th April. (March 2020)
Q: Should we sit our 3rd year exams at the beginning of our 4th year? Or if we would have to do semester credit tests before doing exams, could we do those around the same time? This would relieve so much anxiety - the worst thing about this situation is not knowing what is going to happen. If this semester is switched to online classes, I could leave immediately before the UK announces nationwide lockdown and be in an environment where I feel safe with my family, and then I can return in September to do the exams. Could online classes count towards our semester teaching hours?
A: As a third year student you will have the opportunity to complete all exams online, so you should be able to complete them within the summer. Furthermore, the deadline for completing all exams for this year is officially extended until 15th September. If under the current circumstances you would rather go home, you can. (March 2020)
Q: If the university will reopen, will the UP team be understanding of this whole situation when it comes to exams? As extending it further than graduation day of 23rd June 2020 will also disrupt jobs, which are lined up after the date of our expected completion of studies.
A: We expect you will be able to complete your final state exams as planned! (March 2020)
Q: Will there be final exams for Pathophysiology and Pathology for pre-term available?
A: Questions related to specific courses and exams should be asked directly at the respective departments. (March 2020)
Q: Can Palacky please maintain the surgery state exam on the 20th of April 2020?
A: The Surgery exam will be held as planned. In the week from 20th April. (March 2020)
Q: If exams are going ahead in the faculty buildings of FNOL, why was the state exam cancelled when there were already plans out in place for us to sit it?
A: It was a decision made for two particular state exams only, due to specific circumstances. Other state exams will take place as scheduled. (March 2020)
Q: Is it possible for final year students to be given early graduation like UK and Italy final year medical students in order to be enlisted in hospitals to help? For example, Sheffield university final year students had 2-3 exams cancelled, whereas we have only 1 exam left to complete.
A: If you are on track with the rest of your exams, you will complete your final exam during the week from 20th April. We cannot make it any faster than that and nor can we omit your Surgery final state examination. (March 2020)
Q: Is there a possibility of summer exams being cancelled? I'm sure you are aware of many European Universities, especially those in UK, Germany and Italy, who have cancelled their summer exams and have prioritised student's safety. Will UPOL carry itself with the same caution?
A: The semester will not be cancelled. All learning will be done through self-study and online teaching platforms instead. (March 2020)
COURSES
Q: Can you somehow enforce departments to do their small part to incorporate some form of video/live education e.g. even Skype share-screening a Powerpoint?
A: We can. A reminder letter was sent to all departments on 27th March. (March 2020)
Q: Many have also asked if we all get our credits for the block/subject by revising the content that the departments are sending in quarantine, and then to take the exam when the ban is lifted? Or will we have to attend all lessons to get the credit and then have the exam after?
A: Online lesson are counted as your attendance. Teachers responsible for each given course will post requirements for awarding a credit for their respective courses by 5th April 2020 on Moodle. As always, exams can be taken once you have a credit in STAG. (March 2020)
Q: We have been told that course credits will not be achieved unless we attend classes physically, are we expected to go into university given the current rules are to stay away and out of all the faculty buildings?
A: Any physical attendance of classes is now prohibited. All courses will be carried out online. You will also be able to complete your exams online. Go to “Update about teaching at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry UP” www.lf.upol.cz/en/covid-19/ and keep an eye on any future updates. (March 2020)
Q: I am a first year student and I was wondering specifically about what anatomy is going for us, since we are missing our dissection week and probably also the brain slice test. Would be very nice to get a bit more details on that part.
A: This is specific question for the given department. Nevertheless, given the epidemic, we are forced to teach in an unusual situation with some reductions. All courses will be carried out online. You will also be able to complete your exams online (March 2020)
Q: This semester has had a reduced amount of teaching and learning hours. Because of this, will international students be reimbursed for the time teaching was halted? There has been no reason to pay for our education in the last month and a half and who knows how much longer there will be no more teaching. It's only fair that international students are compensated, otherwise we would have payed extra money for no value.
A: Online teaching is one of a number of teaching methods. You still have many opportunities to discuss study topics with your lecturer through university-provided or other online platforms. Aspects of compensation are now a subject of discussion. We will use this FAQ for updating you. (March 2020)
FINANCIAL ISSUES
Q: If the semester is prolonged into June/July I won't be able to work or if my home country goes into lockdown I will struggle to get a job to pay for tuition, rent and food for next semester. Is there any help offered by the University for students to ease/ help with a possible financial issue that may arise?
A: We plan to allow you to complete all courses and exams via distance learning platforms. You will not be required to stay here throughout summer. Should you experience any difficulties covering your fees on time next year, you can request for an instalment plan to be put in place for you. (March 2020)
Q: Will the semester be extended past June? Many students (including myself) need to work the summer to pay tuition fees and housing expenses. For students like me, are there options that do not include staying longer into the semester?
A: We do not expect for the semester to be extended for English programme students. Mainly given the possible travelling restrictions. (March 2020)
Q: I was wondering how we will be eligible to get the grant for 1000 euros as hospitals that a lot of us had secured surgery and pediatrics placements for have now cancelled them so we can’t fulfil the requirement for the grant.
A: This financial contribution can only be paid out if your summer training is completed in accordance with the rules set by the faculty. And this does not change even under this year’s circumstances. However, you will still get a chance to apply for the grant next year, after completing your fifth year summer trainings. (March 2020)
TRAVEL ISSUES
Q: Do I have to inform the faculty about my PCR test result when arriving back to the Czech Republic for the summer semester?
A: As per the rules for entering the territory of the Czech Republic valid from 5th February 2021 onwards, the faculty is obliged to require a negative test result from you. If you are arriving from an "orange" country, you should submit the result of the test that you had done back home. If you are arriving from a "red" or "dark red" country, it needs to be the result of your test done in the Czech Republic in accordance with the stipulated timings (a test done within five days after an arrival from a "red country"; a test done no earlier than five days after an arrival from a "dark red" country). Countries listed according to a current level of risk can be found on the webpage of the Czech Ministry of Health.
Please send an email with your negative test result attached, stating the country you arrived from and the date of your arrival to the Registrars (General Medicine students to Jana Osmani, Dentistry and PhD students to Jitka Melcrová, Erasmus+ students of either programme to Petra Nakládalová).
Your test results must be received by the faculty before you can start attending any classes. (February 2021)
Q: I am about to travel to Olomouc for the summer semester and am a little confused about what needs to be done. Do I have to take the PCR test? And where do I report the results?
A: It is always a good idea to check the webpages of the Czech Ministry of Interior just before you travel. All information there is updated on a regular basis. Check if the country where you are arriving from is listed as low-risk. Based on that you can find out what the requirements are and whether you are required to take the PCR test. If you are required to submit the Public Health Passenger Locator Form, find it here. If you are required to have the PCR test done, results should be emailed to the Olomouc Public Health office (subject "PCR your surname") (January 2021)
Q: Since I am currently in the UK, it is not advisable to travel, so I wanted to know, if it is possible to take exams via online platforms such as Skype or Zoom? Also, will physical classes continue after 12th of April?
A: Unfortunately, we do not expect that we would be able to resume classes that early. We have decided to switch all classes to distance learning platforms. Exams can be taken online as well. (March 2020)
Q: As there are only few flights for us to go back home, I was asking for a more prominent answer so we can make a proper decision based upon it.
A: If you would rather fly home under the current circumstances, you can. This does not apply to students from the final years though! They are advised to stay, so that they can complete their final state exams, all scheduled before the end of May. (March 2020)
Q: Must we be in Czech Republic to take the final exam for our classes?
A: You do not have to be here. With the exception of state exams. For those your physical presence is required. (March 2020)
Q: Would it be better for us to stay here in Olomouc, or to go back home to be with our families? Preferably we would like to go home, but not at the expense of being unable to take the final exam.
A: All courses will be carried out online. You will also be able to complete your exams online. (March 2020)
Q: Currently around 16 students of the 3rd year General Medicine programme are in their respective home countries with only 25 students remaining in Olomouc. My concern is with those students who are in high-risk countries, such as myself (I am in the UK) and what might happen to them if they are unable to return to Olomouc until May due to travel restrictions.
A: You will be able to take all courses through distance learning platforms. The same will go for your exams. (March 2020)
Q: There are many students from the medical faculty stuck in different countries, and cannot return to Olomouc due to travel restrictions. How do you plan to deal with them? How will these students be examined?
A: All courses will be carried out online. You will also be able to complete your exams online. (March 2020)
Q: We are two Erasmus+ students from the Medicine Faculty. Our questions are:
-is there a chance that university will open again before the end of the semester?
-in case we go back home, will we be able to finish the lessons and exams online?
A: All courses will be carried out online. You will also be able to complete your exams online. (March 2020)