Course code
ENG-PROP
Course description:
This course is mainly intended for PhD students who are writing their PhD project proposals and students who are transforming their PhD project proposals into a workable format. For the purpose of this course a project proposal is defined as:
a working description of an investigation to answer one specific research question. Such an investigation is often only a part of a much larger project, the project context.
Entry level:
Course participants should score at least 75% on the Quick Placement Test
Prerequisites for each student are that he/she:
• Has a well-defined research question and/or hypotheses
• Has done the literature study
• Has the necessary scientific know-how to write the proposal
• Is prepared to spend a considerable amount of homework time writing their proposals.
• Has a written approval /commitment by the supervisor that they are willing to invest time as well.
Course objectives:
• to have written, and learning to do so in the process, a project proposal that:
• Clearly and concisely describes research questions, objectives and hypotheses
• Gives a clear, detailed explanation on experimental set-up and approaches
• Includes a realistic work plan
Furthermore, the students will be better prepared to write their final reports or articles. This is, however, not a main goal of the course.
The emphasis will be on learning-by-doing and this implies that the students must do a considerable amount of writing and meeting other course students and their supervisor in between sessions. The course planning must allow for this.
Early in the course, the candidates will form small sub groups depending on their type of research in order to increase the personal effectiveness.
NB: A note for the supervisors:
Supervisors MUST read and finally approve the documents that their students produce for this course. We strongly recommend supervisors to participate on day 4 between 10.30 and 12.00 hours at the final presentation and evaluation of the written papers.
Registration:
Candidates can apply directly at CENTA by mailing to
info.fb-cvt@wur.nl, or indirectly by mailing Claudius van de Vijver at
claudius.vandevijver@wur.nl. CENTA expects to have a new website soon. Candidates will then have to do the Quick Placement Test. A minimum score of 75% is required for this course. Students who have followed the course Written English and have attained the required exit level are also admitted.
Email C. van de Vijver:
claudius.vandevijver@wur.nl
Organisation:
Number of participants: 10 – 12
Location: Wiskunde gebouw (Mathematics Building)
Dreijenlaan 4 etc..
Course schedule: September 1, 22, October 6 and 27
Time: 09.00-12.00hr, 13.00-16.00 hr.
Course outline:
|Day 1- Morning session|Course Introduction (CENTA course instructor)
||The basics of reader-friendly writing% Conceptual design of a research project
|Afternoon session: |Writing workshop (CENTA course instructor)
|Day 2- Morning session|Fixing the blunders (CENTA course instructor)
||Practical design of a research project
|Afternoon session|Writing workshop (CENTA course instructor)
|Day 3 Morning session|Project planning (STOAS course instructor)
||Use of Work Break Down structure to plan better%Estimate how much real time an activity costs
|Afternoon session|Planning workshop (STOAS course instructor)
|Day 4 Morning session|Discussion and solving general problems (CENTA and STOAS course instructors).
|Afternoon session|Final revisions leading to the final proposals
Course fee:
700 Euro. Your Research School may pay a part of this fee.
Fee is inclusive of CENTA reader.
Lunch not included (you can bring your own or buy it for app. €12.50).
CENTA takes care of coffee, tea, milk, buttermilk (€ 5.00)