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The Open University

Postgraduate study skills in science, technology or mathematics

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Overview

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This course introduces postgraduate study in STEM, covering PhD models, dissertation expectations, research skills, project planning, and science communication. It also addresses scientific papers and public engagement with science.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 What is a PhD?
  • 1 What is a PhD?
  • 1.1 Thoughts on a PhD
  • 1.2 Different reasons for doing PhDs
  • 1.3 Different models of PhDs within and across disciplines
  • 1.4 Broadly typical phases of PhD research
  • 1.5 Key dissertation ingredients
  • 1.5.1 Rhetoric and rigour
  • 1.5.2 Validation and ‘so what’
  • 1.6 What is a ‘significant’ contribution?
  • 1.7 Demonstration of research skills
  • 1.7.1 Research methods in context
  • 1.7.2 Knowledge of background literature
  • 1.7.3 Framing an appropriate and useful research question
  • 1.7.4 Use of academic language
  • 1.7.5 Theory
  • 1.7.6 Researcher maturity
  • 1.8 The OU requirements
  • 1.9 Summary and conclusion: ‘take-away messages’
  • 1.10 End of section exercise
  • 2 Managing your PhD project
  • 2 Managing your PhD project
  • 2.1 Introduction
  • 2.2 Making a plan
  • 2.3 Short-term and long-term planning
  • 2.4 Planning with Gantt charts
  • 2.5 The problem of time
  • 2.6 Milestones
  • 2.7 Overcoming problems
  • 2.8 Other useful reading
  • 2.9 End of section exercise
  • 3 An introduction to communicating science
  • 3 An introduction to communicating science
  • 3.1 Introduction
  • Optional reading
  • 3.2 What is communication?
  • Optional reading
  • 3.3 Producing a scientific paper: science communication as knowledge production and exchange
  • Optional reading
  • 3.4 Science communication and citizenship: getting involved
  • Optional reading
  • 3.5 Conclusions
  • 3.6 End of section exercises
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

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