Starting in a PhD program can be as intimidating as exciting. In the process of working towards the PhD degree, they need to become well-versed in their literature, proficient in their methods, masters of their data and effective communicators, all at the same time. To do so, doctoral students need to develop essential scholarly skills to successfully carry out research that contributes to their respective fields. While doctoral schools support PhD students in this endeavor, the university library also offers resources and guidance in developing the kinds of skills needed across disciplines.
This course aims to introduce PhD students at Nord University to fundamental aspects of academic life and equip them with essential skills for a successful research career. The course also seeks to provide an arena in which PhD students from different fields can meet and develop fruitful peer relationships that support them throughout their PhD journeys and further in their research careers.
A certificate of participation will be provided for students who take part in at least 75% of the course.
Course schedule
| Date | Theme | Room |
| 31 March 2025 – 09:00-15:00 | Finding, assessing and managing literature | NY2205 |
| 1 April 2025 – 9:00-15:00 | Managing research data: From policies to impact | NY2205 |
| 2 April 2025 – 9:00-15:00 | Academic writing and presenting | NY2205 |
| 3 April 2024 – 9:00-14:00 | Networking and disseminating your research | NY2106 |
Day 1: Finding, assessing and managing literature
Morning program (9:00 – 11:15)
Introduction to the course
Academic introductions: the elevator pitch
Academic integrity for researchers
Break
How academic publishing works – from a researcher’s POV
Rethinking mentoring: from a guru to a constellation of mentors
Lunch break
Afternoon program (12:15–15:00)
Searching for literature – Part 1: Purposes, types of literature reviews, and search heuristics
Break
Literature search – part 2
Moving from a research question to a search string and choosing databases
Break
Reading an academic paper for comprehension and critique + activity
Day 2: Managing research data: From policies to impact
Morning program (9:00 – 11:15)
The research data management (RDM) landscape: Interpretation of principles, policies and guidelines
Break
The RDM roadmap and pathways to impact
Lunch Break
Afternoon program (12:15–15:00)
Data privacy in research
Break
Writing a data management plan - DMP (includes an activity session)
Break
Archiving research data – (includes an activity session)
Day 3: Academic writing and presenting
Morning program (9:00 – 11:15)
Good writing habits and strategies + activity
Break
Crafting an academic argument/thesis – structural level writing
Finetuning your English writing – sentence-level tips and tricks
Lunch break
Afternoon program (12:15–15:00)
Networking with practitioners and industry
What to expect when attending a conference: presenting and networking
Break
Writing for diverse audiences
Break
Choosing an outlet for your paper
Day 4: Networking and disseminating your research
Morning program (9:00 – 11:45)
Open Access – why, when and how?
Break
Bibliometric indicators
Online profiles
Break
Predatory Publishing
Lunch break
Afternoon program (12:45–14:00)
Creating a publication plan: what is it?
Activity: creating a publication plan
Participation: Physically at Nord University, Levanger
Language of instruction: English
Target group: early-stage PhD students. Also useful for later stage PhD students and master's students who are interested in pursuing a PhD.
