GRS Qualification Programme 2025
This site provides more information about our qualification programmes for doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. You can also find details of the courses and how to register.
Language
English
Target Group
Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from all departments at BTU
Description
The online workshop is dedicated to the increasingly important role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic research and writing. We will focus on the practical application of AI technologies in the context of research and scientific writing. In this introductory seminar, you will gain in-depth insights into the opportunities that AI offers researchers.
The workshop content is split into two parts: the first covering the use of ChatGPT and prompt engineering, and the second covering other academic AI tools that can aid research and writing. We will explore both the benefits and challenges of using AI, including creative support in the conception and formulation of scientific papers.
In addition to highlighting the opportunities, we will also address the ethical aspects and risks associated with the use of AI, such as questions of copyright and the authenticity of research results. The aim of the seminar is to equip you with practical knowledge and skills so that you can use AI as an effective tool in your day-to-day research.
Through interactive elements such as case studies and group discussions, you will have the opportunity to engage directly with the content and discuss individual questions.
Objectives
- Recognise the benefits of Artificial Intelligence in academic writing and develop the ability to use various AI tools effectively.
- Understand the different capabilities of ChatGPT through correct prompting techniques.
- Discover how AI can be utilised for brainstorming and idea generation in academic contexts.
- Explore various AI tools that facilitate research and writing processes.
- Increase awareness of and evaluate ethical concerns and potential risks associated with AI use in publishing.
- Engage in critical discussions about the future role of AI in academia.
Trainer
Dr. Dimitra Lountzi studied Life Sciences and Genetics in Glasgow and Regenerative Medicine in Edinburgh. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Bonn. She has been a coach for TwentyOne Skills since 2020, focusing on artificial intelligence, communication and negotiation skills.
Time
Thursday, 26 June 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration
Please register by email to researchschool+events(at)b-tu.de (Subject: Registration »Introduction to AI and Academic Writing«). In your email, please indicate your status (doctoral or postdoctoral researcher) and your chair.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis. If the course is fully booked, we will place you on a waiting list and notify you if a spot becomes available. Please note that it may take a few days to confirm your registration.
Language
English
Target Group
Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from all departments at BTU with little or no prior knowledge of data science
Description
Data science is an interdisciplinary field which uses methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge and insights from both structured and unstructured data.
Participants will learn about the fundamental concepts, methodologies, and tools required for further GRS workshops in data science.
Content
- Background to Data Science: An introduction to the fundamentals and significance of data science.
- Methods/approach: An overview of typical work methods and approaches in data science projects.
- Tools and Technologies: Presentation of the most important tools and technologies used in data science projects.
- Types and sources of data: An overview of the different types of data and their sources.
- The Data Science Process: A detailed explanation of the data science process, from data collection to analysis.
- Practical Examples: Discussion of real challenges and pitfalls encountered in data science projects.
Objectives
This introductory course is designed for participants with little or no prior knowledge of data science. It provides a foundation for further study in this field, as well as for subsequent advanced data science courses.
Participants will then be able to enrol on advanced online data science workshops in R, offered by GRS in the winter semester of 2025/26.
We are planning to offer the following courses:
- Introduction to Data Science in R
- Deep Dive – Regression Analysis in R
- Introduction to Machine Learning in R
- Deep Dive – Machine Learning in R
- Data Science Research Lab (participants will work on their own data science projects under the guidance of the trainers)
The dates of these courses will be announced after this introductory workshop.
Trainers
Since 2017, Lukas Löber has served as a senior data scientist and data science trainer at eoda GmbH. He specialises in conducting data analysis projects and transferring knowledge in data science, particularly programming languages R and Python. He offers a wide range of training, from introductory data management courses to specialised machine learning methods. He is certified as an R trainer by Posit (formerly RStudio). As a project manager and senior data scientist, he supports clients ranging from SMEs to large corporations in various industries, including automotive and pharmaceuticals. He brings his extensive experience and knowledge to consulting projects and individual coaching sessions. His academic background in economics enables him to combine methodological expertise in data science with a profound grasp of business needs and processes.
Since 2017, Florian Schmoll has been a senior data scientist and project manager at eoda GmbH, focusing on creating value from data for companies of all sizes and across various industries, including mechanical engineering and pharmaceuticals. With a background in mathematics, he excels at imparting his technical and methodological expertise through data science training courses on the Python and R programming languages. He is a certified R trainer with Posit (formerly RStudio) and offers training ranging from introductory sessions to specialised deep dives into machine learning. His extensive experience as a data science trainer ensures that participants gain valuable insights and practical skills. Alongside his training and project management roles, he shares his expertise as a speaker at conferences, offering insights into his daily work in data science.
Time
Thursday, 10 July 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration
Please register by email to researchschool+events(at)b-tu.de (Subject: Registration »Introduction to Data Science«). In your email, please indicate your status (doctoral or postdoctoral researcher) and your chair.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis. If the course is fully booked, we will place you on a waiting list and notify you if a spot becomes available. Please note that it may take a few days to confirm your registration.
Language
English
Target Group
Doctoral researchers from all departments at BTU
Description
This workshop will introduce doctoral researchers from various disciplines to LaTeX, a word-processing system specially designed to produce scientific documents. Compared to commonly used word processors such as Word, LaTeX offers the advantage that many tasks can be automated and no longer have to be done manually, e.g., creating a bibliography.
No previous knowledge is required. The workshop will use the online environment Overleaf; participants should ideally create an account on overleaf.com in advance.
Objectives
Participants will learn the basic concepts of LaTeX and can create simple text documents, correct errors and become familiar with LaTeX. Topics covered include the structure of a LaTeX document, integrating various design elements such as graphics and tables, setting mathematical formulae, and various options for customising the layout and appearance of the document.
Trainer
Dr.-Ing. Lea Schönberger is a computer science PhD graduate and freelance science communicator. Originally from Münster, she initially studied computer science with a minor in Latin at the University of Münster, before completing her PhD in computer science at the University of Dortmund in 2023. Since 2020, she has also been studying comparative literature and classical philology in Bochum. As the host of the podcast »Informatik für die moderne Hausfrau« (Computer Science for the Modern Housewife), she introduces curious listeners to topics related to computer science and provides a platform for interesting women.
Time
Tuesday, 21 October 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration
Please register by email to researchschool+events(at)b-tu.de (Subject: Registration »Introduction to LaTeX«). In your email, please indicate your status (doctoral researcher) and your chair.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis (max. 12 participants). If the course is fully booked, we will place you on a waiting list and notify you if a spot becomes available. Please note that it may take a few days to confirm your registration.
Language
English
Target Group
Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from all departments at BTU
Description
AI-based tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are now widely used and have even become part of the higher education landscape. However, they can only be used carefully and appropriately if users are aware of their underlying principles, application possibilities, and limitations.
This workshop will begin with introducing artificial intelligence and its underlying concepts. Following this, one or more AI-based tools will be presented and tested. Participants will also receive an overview of current frameworks and best practices for AI-based tools in higher education.
Objectives
- Understand how machine learning and generative artificial intelligence work.
- Recognise and consider the limitations, sources of error and risks associated with these technologies.
- Learn to formulate queries for AI-based tools using prompt engineering techniques to achieve the best possible results.
- Learn about specific applications and usage scenarios.
- Gain insight into how generative AI tools can be integrated into your daily work routine.
Trainer
Dr.-Ing. Lea Schönberger is a computer science PhD graduate and freelance science communicator. Originally from Münster, she studied computer science with a minor in Latin at the University of Münster. She completed her PhD in computer science at the University of Dortmund in 2023. Since 2020, she has also been studying comparative literature and classical philology in Bochum. As the host of the podcast »Informatik für die moderne Hausfrau« (Computer Science for the Modern Housewife), she introduces curious listeners to topics related to computer science and provides a platform for interesting women.
Time
Thursday, 23 October 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration
Please register by email to researchschool+events(at)b-tu.de (Subject: Registration »Understanding the Basics of Artificial Intelligence«). In your email, please indicate your status (doctoral or postdoctoral researcher) and your chair.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis (max. 12 participants). If the course is fully booked, we will place you on a waiting list and notify you if a spot becomes available. Please note that it may take a few days to confirm your registration.