PhD Courses in Denmark

The objective of this course is to learn in practice how to use one and/or more experimental or theoretical methods to be used in scientific research.

A student who has met the objectives of the course will be able to:

• Describe the basic principles of the method(s)
• In a correct manner use the method(s) in practice
• Follow all procedures regarding safety, if any
• Describe the type of investigations the method(s) is/are suitable for solving
• Describe limitations of the method(s)
• Describe the principle of how the method(s) work(s)
• Plan an investigation where the method(s) is/are used to answer a specified scientific question
• Interpret results from the method(s)

The application of scientific methods, either theoretical or in the lab, is a main part of the PhD projects at DTU Energy. The objective of this course is to make sure that the student gets sufficient and high-quality training and experience with the methods that play a core role in the PhD project, so that the PhD student can work independently with the methods on a level required to produce high-quality scientific results. The student and the supervisors should choose the methods which are relevant for the PhD project. At least one method must be chosen. The course can include training in more methods at the same time. 5 ECTS points corresponds to 140 hours of work. If the hours spent on training are expected to be less than that, then please consider to sign up for the 3 ECTS point version of this course. The practical training may be delegated to colleagues with strong competences within the method. It can be other PhD students, postdocs, technicians, or others. The supervisor will decide whether the trainer is qualified. To pass the course, the person(s) responsible for the training determine(s) that the PhD student can work independently with the method(s). The student will inform the supervisor that he/she has passed the training. After this, the PhD student and the PhD supervisor will agree on the time for the exam, e.g. as part of a supervisor meeting. The main PhD supervisor and at least one co-supervisor must participate in the exam. The student must (a) present examples of results/output from the method(s) and discuss those and (b) describe how the method(s) is/are planned to be used in the PhD project. The course is passed if both PhD supervisors agree that the learning objectives have been met. When the exam has been passed, the supervisor must inform the course responsible by email so that the course completion can be registered. The e-mail should include course number, name of student and the student’s study number.