12243 - Academic Research and Methods Modulübersicht

Module Number: 12243
Module Title:Academic Research and Methods
  Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten und Methoden
Department: Faculty 2 - Environment and Natural Sciences
Responsible Staff Member:
  • Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Wätzold, Frank
Language of Teaching / Examination:English
Duration:2 semesters
Frequency of Offer: Every semester
Credits: 6
Learning Outcome:The module will introduce PhD-students to academic research and enhance their skills in applying scientific methods. PhD-students will learn the differences, advantages and challenges of disciplinary versus interdisciplinary research in environmental sciences. PhD-students will learn how to identify international journals for their work and how to develop appropriate publication strategies. They will also learn how to present their work to an international workshop audience. 
Contents:Reasons for publishing in international journals. Developing an appropriate publication strategy and selection of adequate journals. How to write different parts of a paper (title, abstract, introduction etc.). Submitting a paper and adequately addressing possible responses of reviewers and editors. Ethical aspects when publishing papers. Application of scientific methods in different disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts. Advantages and challenges of disciplinary versus interdisciplinary work. Abstract submission, oral presentations, and posters on international conferences. Practicing conference presentations by presenting own research/scientific methods by lecturer, PhD-students and subsequent discussions. Invitation of guest speakers. 
Recommended Prerequisites:None
Mandatory Prerequisites:None
Forms of Teaching and Proportion:
  • Lecture / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Seminar / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Self organised studies / 120 Hours
Teaching Materials and Literature:Slides and lecture notes.

Suggested reading:
Tress, G., Tress, B., Saunders, D.S. 2014. How to write a paper for successful publication in an international peer-reviewed journal. Pacific Conservation Biology 20(1), 17-24. (http://wentworthgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Tress_Tress-Saunders_2014_Pac_Cons_Biol.pdf).

Further reading will be recommended during the seminar.
Module Examination:Continuous Assessment (MCA)
Assessment Mode for Module Examination:Presentation incl. discussion of the results, 15 min. (40%)
Discussion of the results, 15 min. (40%)
Active Participation (20%)
Evaluation of Module Examination:Performance Verification – graded
Limited Number of Participants:None
Part of the Study Programme:
  • Abschluss im Ausland / Environmental and Resource Management / keine PO
  • Structural Doctoral Programme / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2017
Remarks:Start of programme is every summer semester.
Module Components:In summer semester:
  • Colloquium Research Colloquium (2SWS)
  • Lecture/Seminar Scientific Working (ERM PhD) (2SWS)
In summer and winter semester:
  • Colloquium Research Colloquium (2SWS)
Components to be offered in the Current Semester:
Phase-out Module: Follow-up Module since: 04.07.2017