DC902 - Doctoral Skills 2
Module summary
Course Leader: Dr Daniel Franklin
This is the 2nd year core module. It concentrates on planning, managing and reviewing your research. It includes developing the ability to understand the relevance and importance of the work of others, generating successful collaborations and presenting to a variety of audiences. This is broken down in 5 key elements:
Introduction
The tasks that are described within this Module Handbook, when completed, they will form part of the on-line Portfolio of work that will show that you have successfully completed the requirements for passing this module. The module builds on and extends the range of skills developed in Doctoral Skills 1, so some of the activities are similar to those in the earlier module while others are different. The organisation of the two modules is similar. In essence, this module covers skills in 5 areas.
1. Planning
The training in planning, managing and reviewing your research. As in year 1, at the start of the year you will produce a plan for your next year鈥檚 work. With a year鈥檚 research experience you will be able to produce a more detailed and ambitious plan, with a look ahead to rounding off the research in year 3.
Your plan should include a realistic estimate of the likely costs that will be incurred.
This will be followed by reviews of progress, which should include consequent changes to the research plan, at the 18 and 24 month stages. You will produce a separate, short report on the year鈥檚 budget.
2. Related research
The important skill of being able to understand the relevance and importance of the work of others is developed further.
You will produce a review during the year of recent key advances in your research area and show how your research and research plans fit into this context.
You will continue to provide brief reviews of the seminars that you attend.
3. Presentation skills
The ability to present one鈥檚 own and others鈥� work to a variety of audiences in different formats is extended.
Material you produce will be assessed for the quality of presentation.
You will also review the content of a 1 hour seminar for a technical and non-technical reader.
You will be assessed on your verbal defence of your end-of-year Poster or seminar and a discussion of your work with an Academic who is not your Research Supervisor.
4. Collaboration and teamwork
The ability to maintain fruitful contacts with collaborators is important in most research projects as our work is influenced by what else is going on.
You may also need to collaborate with others with complementary skills. You will be expected to show that you are developing this skill.
You will need to produce evidence/summary of research-level collaboration/correspondence with industrial and/or overseas contacts or others as agreed with your supervisor. Your Research Supervisor will give advice and suggestions for achieving this.
5. Planning events
You should be able to demonstrate a deeper involvement with planning seminars, meetings, annual conference etc.
The timings mentioned on the assessment cover sheets are indicative: in consultation with your Supervisor/ feedback Supervisor you may decide to adjust them to suit Departmental requirements.
Note: to pass the module you need to pass all the tasks. You may resubmit or re-take any task not satisfactory on the first occasion.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand and summarise the essential features of the work of others and evaluate its significance.
- Present the essential features of the research-level work of others at a level appropriate for a non-specialist.
- Demonstrate an ability to plan one's research
- Demonstrate an ability to review critically one's own work; and an ability to write clearly and concisely.
- Demonstrate an ability to manage one's research including finances.
- Demonstrate an ability to present technical material.
- Assist in the planning and running of a research matters.
If you find any task of this module difficult, you should consult 桃色视频 SkillsForge 鈥楧evelopment Needs Analysis鈥� tool to find out about which courses are available to train you with the skills you need. If you cannot find what you need please contact the Researcher Development Programme or your Director of Post Graduate Studies or the PGCTSS Programme Director/Administrator.
See the appropriate module handbook above for the full detail of the course and forms to be completed as you progress through the course.