Course description

Participants are required to have already conducted an extensive literature search, read all the found sources and analyzed the information before the start of the course.

The Graduate School of Science and Engineering has implemented the writing of an Introductory Essay as part of the standard PhD training programme. Writing an Introductory Essay will allow you to put your thoughts and project-related knowledge on paper in a document which can be used to solicit critical feedback from your supervisors, collaborators and external advisors.

An additional benefit of writing the essay is that it provides an opportunity to polish scientific writing skills. Please note that there will be emphasis on learning how to revise for producing clear and readable academic text in English during the course. The essay is likely to form the basis for the introductory chapter of your thesis and, in some cases, may develop into a publishable review article.   

To prepare for the course, please consider the following:

• If you are unsure of how to conduct a literature search effectively, please register beforehand for Master of Knowledge: How to optimize your literature search and publication impact. We will only cover methods for literature search very briefly in Write an Introductory Essay.
• A minimum English listening level of B2 is strongly advised for this course so that you can easily follow lectures and join in class discussions. If you are not sure of your level, please take this online diagnostic test. 

This course consists of 8 sessions of 2.5 hours each. The form of the final essay, length, scope and time you spend on it are entirely up to you and your supervisor. Training credit is awarded for this activity, commensurate with how much time/effort is put into it. As a rule of thumb, a candidate might spend one or two months working on the essay, and obtain 6 ECTs. The number of credits is ultimately determined by the promotor (maximum 8 ECTs).

Course objectives

• You will learn how to organize your literature review effectively
• You will learn how to structure paragraphs as effective vehicles for your arguments
• You will familiarize yourself with different revision techniques to increase the accuracy, clarity and conciseness of your text
• You will get a good start on writing your Introductory Essay

ECTS

1

Available methods of payment

• Projectcode (e.g. ITB)
• Payment by money transfer