MMMIGS seminar Intro2PhD

In the information session, an overview of the course contents is given. Furthermore, the communication platform used during the seminar and the MMMIGS handbook, in which the contents will be documented, are introduced.

In the first session, based on chapters 2 and 3 of the book, a number of useful first skills for a beginning PhD candidate are discussed. These include tips on how to get settled in the new workplace (and city), discussing mutual expectations with the supervisor, setting up documentation, developing a data storage protocol, and finding a work-life balance. Furthermore, the basics of planning and time management are discussed. Starting with the formal requirements for obtaining a PhD at the University of Bremen as major milestones, strategies and tools for monthly, weekly, and daily planning are introduced. This includes tips for prioritization of tasks and including self-care routines and enough sleep into the schedule.

In the second session, based on chapters 4 and 5 of the book, the literature review is discussed. Covered topics include finding and reading relevant literature, starting to write (summaries) early on, organizing references, finalizing the literature review but keeping up with the literature in the field, and turning the literature review report into a dissertation chapter or journal paper. Furthermore, this session deals with developing a research question starting from gaps in the current knowledge identified during the literature review. Dividing the research question into subquestions and turning them into practical actions creates a link back to the planning strategies discussed in session 1.

The third session, partly based on chapter 6 of the book, discusses selecting and using appropriate methods to answer the research question. Starting point will be again the literature review. As an example, planning, execution, and documentation of experimental work are covered including a discussion about how to write a lab report, a dissertation chapter, or a journal article about experimental work.

The fourth session, based on chapters 7 and 11 of the book, deals with academic writing and the steps involved in becoming a productive academic writer. Since writing the dissertation is a central requirement for earning a PhD, academic writing is an important skill that PhD candidates should develop as early as possible. Furthermore, the steps for writing and submitting a journal article will be discussed. This includes selecting the right journal, preparing the abstract and article, navigating the review process, and (sometimes) dealing with rejection.

In the fifth session, based on chapters 8 and 10 of the book, we will talk about presenting research to different audiences. Different presentation styles and structures will be introduced, including tips for choosing a style that fits the topic and audience. Like academic writing, presentation skills are vital for earning a PhD and should be practiced early on. Additionally, this session covers the necessary steps for preparing for a conference. This includes selecting a suitable conference and topic, preparing the necessary materials, and planning which events to attend and whom to meet during the conference.

In the sixth session, based on chapter 12 of the book, writing and defending the dissertation will be discussed. Topics include planning the writing, structuring the dissertation, writing convincing introduction and conclusion chapters, practicing self-care during writing, and finally preparing and mastering the defense.

In the seventh session, partly based on chapter 9 of the book, internet-based science communication will be discussed. The focus will be on (micro)blogging as a researcher and on online branding and identity management for scientists.

In the eighth session, networking and network management will be discussed. Topics include networking at conferences and online, building and maintaining a network, and using the network for finding collaboration partners and job opportunities.

The ninth session, based on chapter 13 of the book, looks at life after the PhD and gives first hints regarding possible career options both inside and outside of academia. It is advised to start thinking about this topic early on during the PhD, when there is still time to develop necessary skills and build an appropriate network.

In the last session, the course contents are summed up and on overview of resources and support offers at the University of Bremen is given.