C9995 Czech Culture, History and Science

Faculty of Science
Autumn 2025
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 1 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
doc. Mgr. Jan Lochman, Ph.D. (lecturer)
prof. RNDr. Omar Šerý, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Vojtěch Rejtar (assistant)
Guaranteed by
prof. RNDr. Omar Šerý, Ph.D.
Department of Biochemistry – Chemistry Section – Faculty of Science
Supplier department: Department of Biochemistry – Chemistry Section – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Fri 15:00–16:50 B11/305
Prerequisites
The course is aimed at foreign students at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Abstract
This course is designed as an introductory cultural and linguistic orientation for international students in the Biology and Biochemistry program at Masaryk University. The aim is not to provide systematic language training, but rather to introduce students to: the basics of Czech pronunciation and survival phrases, everyday life in Brno and South Moravia, Czech history and cultural heritage, connections between Czech culture and the world of science and research. Through lectures, discussions, and excursions, students will gain both practical knowledge for living in Brno and broader cultural insights. The course also fosters community building among international students.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will: recognize and pronounce basic Czech sounds and words, understand and use simple survival phrases, numbers, and expressions for daily life, identify key aspects of Czech history, culture, and traditions, gain awareness of major Czech contributions to science and research, become familiar with Brno landmarks, theatres, and scientific institutions, develop stronger connections within the student community.
Key topics
Course Schedule (Autumn 2025) 26.9.2025 (15:00–16:40) Pronunciation and Basic Phrases 3.10.2025 (15:00–16:40) Travel and Transportation 10.10.2025 (15:00–16:40) History and Present of Science in the Czech Republic and Brno 17.10.2025 (15:00–18:00) Excursion: Scientifically Interesting Places in Brno 24.10.2025 (15:00–17:30) Numbers, Dates, Prices, Telephone Numbers 31.10.2025 (15:00–16:40) Biology and Monsters 14.11.2025 (15:00–18:00) Basic Vocabulary and Adjectives, Buildings in Brno, Brno Theatres 21.11.2025 (15:00–17:30) Historically Interesting Places in Brno 5.12.2025 (15:00–17:30) Czech Culture and Traditions, Brno Christmas
Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching
Interactive lectures Group discussions and pair activities On-site excursions (Brno landmarks and scientific institutions) Practical Czech language mini-workshops
Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements
Attendance and active participation (70 % attendance is required) Short reflective assignment (one page) on what students learned from Czech culture/science. The course is completed with a credit (zápočet) awarded upon active participation and submission of the final assignment.
Language of instruction
English
Follow-Up Courses
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Information on course enrolment limitations: For students: B-BB (Biology and Biochemistry), N-BCT (Biochemical and Cellular Technologies), n-MCBE (Molecular and Cell Biology), N-GGE (Geography of Global Environmental Change)
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/autumn2025/C9995