Course Foundational course in PhD supervision

The course Foundational course in PhD supervision is being offered by the Graduate School of Natural Sciences/GSNS and Graduate School of Technical Sciences/GSTS, Aarhus University, spring 2022 .

Target group
All main supervisors and co-supervisors of PhD students at Faculty of Science and Faculty of Technology (permanent and temporary staff).

Aim
To expand participants’ strategies and methods in supervision. 

Structure
The course runs over four weeks and consists of four sessions. Participation in session 1 is with physical presence only. Session 2-4 can be joined online.

• 1) Session 1: PhD supervision: rules, relations and communication (8 hrs)
• 2) Session 2: Supervision of writing (2 hrs, optional)
• 3) Session 3: The supervisor role in recruitment (2 hrs, optional)
• 4) Session 4: The supervisor role in assessment (2 hrs, optional)

Content and delivery
The course is highly practical in content through the discussion and testing of methods and tools in supervision. Session 1 covers the most essential elements of PhD supervision and brings experienced and inexperienced supervisors up to date on developments and research in the area. It has three main elements: 1) the optimal use of (and alignment with) the rules and regulations of a PhD education, 2) managing the process of supervision (e.g. aligning expectations, handling cultural differences, ensuring academic development, managing crises and conflicts) and 3) communication skills (e.g. questioning techniques). Session 2 - 4 provide focused training in supervision of writing, recruitment and supervision for the part A exam and thesis defense. Highly experienced supervisors may choose to participate in session 1 and 2 only. Session 3 and 4 are particularly useful for faculty that are new to research supervision in the context of Aarhus University. Session 1 is a prerequisite for session 2-4.

Recent participants of the teacher training course for assistant professors at AU should note that the present course has a small overlap with module 3 on supervision in the teacher training course.

Objectives
On completion of the course, participants will have tools and strategies to:

• identify, negotiate and adapt to individual student needs for supervision throughout the education
• facilitate student integration to the research community
• engage and manage a team of supervisors and/or collaborators of a PhD studentship
• use peers to evaluate and develop own supervisory practice - and support them in doing the same

Language
English

Preparation
Participants are asked to contribute two small pieces of writing in advance of the course (maximum 1 hour of preparation time).

Date
Session 1: 20 April 2022 9.00-17.00
Session 2: 27 April 2022 14.00-16.00
Session 3: 4 May 2022 14.00-16.00
Session 4: 11 May 2022 14.00-16.00

Location:
Session 1: Richard Mortensen stuen
Session 2: Preben Hornung stuen or online via Zoom
Session 3: Richard Mortensen stuen or online via Zoom
Session 4: Meeting room 1 or online via Zoom

All dates on Fredrik Nielsens Vej 2, Building 1422, 8000 Aarhus C

Contributors
Tove H Jørgensen, Associate Professor, Department of Biology (course leader)
Brian Vinther and David Lundbek Egholm, Heads of Graduate Schools
Rikke J. Ljungman, PhD-partner
Marit-Solveig Seidenkrantz, Professor, Department of Geoscience, Advisor on responsible conduct of research

Maximum 25 participants (first-come-first-served)

Lunch and coffees are provided during session 1.

Registration:

Please be aware that your registration for the course not necessarily equals your admission for the course. You will receive an e-mail after the registration deadline regarding whether you are admitted for the course or if you are registered on the waiting list. Please note that seats are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Course dates:

• 20 April 2022 09:00 - 17:00
• 27 April 2022 14:00 - 16:00
• 04 May 2022 14:00 - 16:00
• 11 May 2022 14:00 - 16:00