Your First Lecture, Seminar and Assessment at a Czech University

Starting university can be confusing, especially if you are studying in a new country. It takes some time to get used to a new routine, and different types of classes have different formats and requirements. What is the difference between a lecture, seminar and practical class at a Czech university? And what does zápočet mean?

In this article, you will learn:

• what to expect from your first lecture at a Czech university,
• how seminars differ from practical classes,
• what the Czech term zápočet means,
• what requirements you may need to meet during the semester,
• what to check during your first week of university.

Lecture

A lecture usually focuses on explaining the basic principles, concepts and context of a particular subject. It typically takes place in a large lecture hall with many students, which means you may not be expected to participate very actively. However, lectures are still an important part of your studies.

💡What should you do at your first lecture?

• Write down the lecturer’s name and contact details.
• Find out where you can access important course materials – usually in your university’s information system.
• Check how the course is assessed: a written test, oral exam or assignment?
• Find out whether attendance is compulsory and how many classes you are allowed to miss.
• Make a note of all important dates and deadlines.

Seminar

While a lecture may or may not be interactive, active participation is usually expected in a seminar. Seminars are attended by smaller groups of students. It is important not only to listen but also to participate in discussions and complete assigned tasks.

A seminar may include:

• discussions,
• presentations,
• group work,
• student presentations or reports,
• solving specific tasks.

❗️Be careful: A seminar is not necessarily the same as a practical class (cvičení in Czech), although they can be similar. Simply put, a seminar usually focuses on analysing and discussing the subject matter, while a practical class focuses more on applying your knowledge, for example through exercises, calculations or laboratory work.

💡What should you do at your first seminar?

• Find out how the course is assessed.
• Check what you need to complete to pass the course.
• Find out how many absences are allowed.
• Check whether there will be tests during the semester.
• Find out whether homework assignments are compulsory.
• Write down the deadlines for assignments and exams.

What Is a “Zápočet”?

If you study at a Czech university, you may come across the term zápočet. There is no perfect English equivalent, so universities may translate it differently.

A zápočet confirms that you have successfully completed the requirements set for a particular course. Depending on the subject, these requirements may include:

• a test,
• homework assignments,
• a practical project,
• laboratory work,
• compulsory attendance,
• active participation in classes.

Usually, you will need to meet several requirements at the same time. This means you cannot always prepare for a zápočet just before the exam period. You will often be working towards it throughout the entire semester.

💡What should you do before completing your zápočet?

• Check that you have met all ongoing course requirements.
• Calculate the points you have earned throughout the semester, if applicable.
• Make sure you have met the attendance requirements.
• Check that you have submitted all required assignments.
• If you need to register for a specific assessment date, make sure you do so in time.

A Final Tip

As a first-year student, your job is not to know everything from day one, but to understand what your lecturers expect from you. Requirements can differ from one course to another. During your first week, find out what you need to do to complete each course successfully and how your performance will be assessed.