Developing Research and Presentation Skills (GEO620)

This course is an elective which aims to help students improve their research, writing, and presentation skills in preparation for the thesis. The course is handled as a seminar with discussions.

NB! This is an elective course and may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students are enrolled by August 20th.

Review of key topics relevant for scientific research.

• The scientific method,
• How to define a research project,
• How to write scientific articles, proposals, etc,
• How to make and present scientific/technical presentations, and
• Best practices to conduct research.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge on how to apply the scientific method, and
• Knowledge on how to search and collect information necessary to develop a research proposal for a thesis study.

Skills:

• Have research and knowledge skills on how to establish a problem for a thesis study,
• Be able to conduct basic research using library and internet resources, and
• Be able to give scientific presentations, both oral and written.

General competence:

• Write a proposal to define a scientific problem,
• Be able to communicate effectively in a written and oral form, and
• Define time frames and responsibilities in the definition of professional problems that may apply to real life cases.

This course uses a multi-mode teaching style. Students are expected to participate in all activities.

• Prior to class: e-lectures and readings as organized in Canvas
• In-class skill development workshops and discussion, including a library skills class
• After class: applying skills activities and researching topic for reports and presentation; optional assessments for ongoing feedback

The student's participation in the different working forms in this course is strongly recommended in order to develop skills directly related to the project.

The class meets twice a week, 2 hours each meeting: 1 meeting focuses on new skills workshop, 1 meeting for follow-up. Students are expected to work on their own an additional 10 hours per week.