Introductory description

The tasks that are described within this Module , 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.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

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’s work. With a year’s 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’s budget.

1. 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.

1. Presentation skills

The ability to present one’s own and others’ 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

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 at a technical level.
• Demonstrate an ability to manage one's research including finances.
• Demonstrate an ability to present technical material verbally .
• Assist in the planning and running of a scientific event.

Interdisciplinary

Communicating across disciplines with module participants from different SEM departments and CDTs

Subject specific skills

n/a

Transferable skills

1. Written communication (e.g. a report which is assessed for non-technical aspects; interim and end-of-year
   reports) (2 CATS)
2. Verbal communication (e.g. a group seminar)
   Analysis and understanding of technical material (e.g. discussion with academic who is not their supervisor about
   their work)
   Formulation of cogent arguments (e.g. discussion with fellow students in the presence of an academic member of
   staff) (2 CATS)
3. Planning and management (e.g. writing a research proposal; writing and reviewing research plans) (1.5 CATS)
4. Budgeting (e.g. set up a budget for a year of their project, indicating expected expenditure on routine and unusual
   items; review of budget at regular intervals) (1 CATS)
5. Ability to understand, review critically and summarise the essential features of the work of others (e.g. by
   reviewing recent advances in the field of research, chairing group meetings or project planning meetings,
   providing feedback to project students or colleagues)
   Attend at least one seminar series, keep a record of subject matter and be able to discuss selected seminars in
   detail (2 CATS)
6. Play a role in planning and executing an academic-related project (e.g. DTC annual conference) (1CATS)
7. Establish ongoing links with researchers elsewhere (e.g. email correspondence with colleagues overseas or in
   industry) (0.5 CATS)