The preparation of the individual PhDs is accompanied by a three-year course program, which includes the following components:
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ARL 2020
1) Symposia (2 per year/ in total 6)
Researching in the field of "Spatial Transformation" requires specific disciplinary knowledge as well as skills of inter- and transdisciplinarity. The topics of the symposia are, on the one hand, the background, methodology, theory, etc. of inter- and transdisciplinary work and, on the other hand, disciplinary methods used by a number of the doctoral students. The symposia are organized by the Coordination Office in consultation with the Board of Directors and representatives of the doctoral students, and are led by the supervisors or external experts. In preparation for the symposia, there is also a regular reading circle with the supervisors.
2) Intensive courses (at least 2 per year/ in total 6)
The intensive courses support doctoral students in the further development of their key scientific skills (e.g. introduction to scientific work, good scientific practice, publication skills, scientific management, conducting a scientific event, etc.) as well as their soft skills (e.g. rhetoric, career development, leadership, etc.). These courses are organized jointly with the LUH Graduate Academy and doctoral students may attend according to their individual needs.
3) Colloquia (4 per year/ 12 in total)
During the colloquia, the doctoral students present their research projects and discuss them with the other doctoral students and their supervisors. The exchange of scientific ideas is in the foreground. The Board of Directors as well as other interested parties can participate in the colloquia. External lecturers may also be invited. The colloquia are conceived and organized by the Coordination Office. Each doctoral candidate presents his/her work three times during the course of the doctoral program.
4) Meetings of doctoral students (4 per year/ 12 in total)
The doctoral students meet at least four times a year (without supervisors) to exchange information on topics relevant to them. These may be subject-related, but they may also be other topics related to the preparation of the PhD (e.g. conference attendance, supervision, funding opportunities, etc.). The doctoral students are responsible for the organization of these internal meetings.
At the end of the joint Research Training program, the doctoral students receive a certificate documenting their participation in the courses. Doctoral students also have the opportunity to become actively involved in the relevant institutes or the ARL.
