Synopsis

Are you about to undertake a PhD in science, technology or mathematics? If so, this unit will help you to examine your work processes. You will consider and develop the nature of postgraduate work and look at the planning of work needed at doctoral level.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Learning outcomes
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
2.1 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
3.1 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 seciton exercises
Next steps
References
Acknowledgements

 

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