LEARNING OUTCOMES
After the course the student
- Has sufficient knowledge of the opportunities to learn and experience during doctoral studies.
- Understands basics of the scientific publishing process, quality of journals, roles, and responsibilities of authors and collaborators, and the quality assessment of research. I able to apply advanced and systematic skills in scientific writing, reading, and referencing systems
- Has tools to define the potential impact of their work and consider different audiences and avenues, and practices for continuous career planning
- Has resilience to the non-linear process of doctoral studies; strengthened proactive attitude to ask for advice, to collaborate, and to help others
- Following Aalto strategy, has a desire for problem-solving and learning through research, in a comprehensive and critical manner
Credits: 3
Schedule: 24.10.2024 - 05.12.2024
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Risto Lahdelma, Maija Taka
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
Congratulations on starting you doctoral studies in ENG!
This course aims to provide all the must-know information, tips and tricks you will need in the process of growing into an academic and a highly competent expert. The course is based on research on previous doctoral students, our supervisors, and on international benchmarks, and it is tailored to your needs.
Every session has a key note talk followed by a session where you advance your own learning and thesis work with the support of the teachers and peers. The key themes are
- Doctoral thesis process (your learning, official guidelines and alumni stories)
- Research excellence (research plan, project management, research ethics and integrity)
- Impact-making (how, where, for what? Entrepreneurial ways of working)
- Career planning (understanding of the options and own identity, tools for concrete steps)
- AI Tools in your research (how can you apply AI in your research, and with which processes)
- Scientific practices (e.g. reading, writing, data management)
- Scientific communication (oral and written)
- Scientific writing (flow and joy of writing, the best techniques for you)
After completing the course you
- Have the knowledge of the process and the best practices for planning and running you thesis project;
- Are familiar with the basic tools and services to support your research and learning;
- Have a vision of where the doctoral degree will take you and what is needed during the process;
- Know about the practices of how to support your wellbeing in research work;
- Have a strong peer community to support you with your studies.
Course structure:
The course consists of six contact sessions, individual assignments, group work and discussions. Additionally at least two attendances on the weekly "Flow of work" sessions is mandatory.
Responsible teacher: Academic coordinator, PhD Maija Taka (maija.taka@aalto.fi)
CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: Finnish, Swedish, English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
valid for whole curriculum period:
Meaningful learning, research management, research impact, research ethics, career design, scientific communication and publishing, scientific practices of reading and writing, flow of work and sustainable self-management practices
Assessment Methods and Criteria
valid for whole curriculum period:
Participation in teaching, pre-assignment submissions
Workload
valid for whole curriculum period:
Participation in teaching, pre-assignments
applies in this implementation
The course is 3 ECTS (81 hours of work):
Task
Hours total
(per week)
Pre-assignments
24
4
Weekly reading
12
2
Lectures
18
3
Flow of work session x2
6
3
Small-group work
18
3
Feedback
3
Total
81
15
DETAILS
Study Material
valid for whole curriculum period:
Study material is announced in the first lecture and on the course home page in MyCourses.
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
4 Quality Education
8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
10 Reduced Inequality
11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
17 Partnerships for the Goals
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Language: English
Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Autumn II
2024-2025 Spring V
2025-2026 Autumn II
2025-2026 Spring VRegistration:
Registration for courses will take place on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi). A limited number of students will be accepted to the course, with preference given to students in the Doctoral Programme in Engineering. The course may not be organized if fewer than 5 students register to the course.
Details on the schedule
applies in this implementation
LECTURES every Thursday at 09:15-11:45
Thu 24.10.2024 Introduction and impact-making (room F102, Väre building, Otaniementie 14)
Thu 31.10.2024 Research excellence and practices ((room F102, Väre building, Otaniementie 14)
Thu 07.11.2024 Education and learning competencies (room 1572 Noetner, Kide building, Konemiehentie 1)
Thu 14.11.2024 TBA (room 1572 Noetner, Kide building, Konemiehentie 1)
Thu 21.11.2024 TBA (room 1572 Noetner, Kide building, Konemiehentie 1)
Thu 28.11.2024 TBA (room 1572 Noetner, Kide building, Konemiehentie 1)
Thu 05.12.2024 Final event (room 1572 Noetner, Kide building, Konemiehentie 1)
FLOW OF WORK sessions. 2 compulsory attendances, but you are welcome to join them all. Focus is on self-management, work planning, and creating the flow of work four yourself. Every Tuesday at 09:15-11:30
Tue 29.10.
Tue 05.11.
Tue 12.11.
Tue 19.11.
Tue 26.11.
Tue 03.12.