School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
Welcome!
Induction Meeting
Postgraduate Research (PGR)
Degree Study:
PhD
MPhil
MSc by Research
October 2014
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
Today:
• 10.00 Welcome: Head of School
• 10.05 Studying for your research degree: PGR Tutor
***11.00 Coffee break***
• 11.20 Health and Safety: David Banks
• 11.40 Finance and Purchasing: Colleen Palmer
and Laura Peaker
• 12.00 Group photograph (meet in foyer)
• 12.15 Department Tours: Jerry Lee and Bob Finch
(from foyer)
• 12.45 Campus Tours: PGR Reps (from foyer)
• 13.00-14.00 Room allocation, photos, keys (SR1)
• 14.00-16.00 SRI Induction (SR3) (SRI only)
From 3.30pm Welcome Party
hosted by PGR Reps and then the Pub!
*** Registrations for***
Training for Teaching
Starting your Research Degree
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
….key facts
One of the UK’s top 3 departments for research power for
Earth and Environmental Science (RAE2008)
One of the largest research clusters of environmental and
social scientists in the UK and internationally
Over 100 research active staff
Over 200 postgraduate researchers (PGRs)
Over 150 taught postgraduate Masters (PGT)
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…our mission
to combine world-class Earth and
environment sciences with environmental
social sciences in both fundamental and
applied research
RAE 2008
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…key people
Professor Rob Mortimer, Head of School
Dr Steven Dobbie, Deputy Head
Professor Jouni Paavola, Director of Postgraduate
Research Studies, Faculty of Environment
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…key people
Heads of Research Institutes:
Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science (ICAS): Professor Ken Carslaw
Earth Surface Science Institute (ESSI): Professor Simon Poulton
Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics (IGT): Professor Graham Stuart
Sustainability Research Institute (SRI): Dr Jamie Van Alstine and
Professor William Young
Institute for Applied Geoscience (IAG): Dr Doug Angus
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…key contacts
Dr Sebastian Rost ………………………… PGR Tutor
Dr Caroline Peacock…………..............Deputy PGR Tutor
Mrs Michelle Lesnianski…..………….. PGR Administrator
Mrs Angela Gardner…………………….. PGR Admissions
Dr Julia Steinberger……………………….SRI Director of Postgraduate Research Studies
Dr Patricia Gray…………………………… Faculty Skills Training Hub Leader
H&S Co-ordinators………………………. Dr David Banks, Fieldwork
Mr Jerry Lee, Building/Facilities
Mrs Sarah Burdall, Labs/Workshops
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…management structure
University Graduate Board
Faculty of Environment
Graduate School Committee
School Research Committee
Head of School
Postgraduate Research Tutor
Postgraduate Researcher (You!)
Supervisors
….
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…management structure
Postgraduate Researcher (You!)
Supervisors
University Graduate Board
Postgraduate Research Tutor
Faculty of Environment
Graduate School Committee
Head of School
School Research Committee
School Research Committee
Head of School
Faculty of Environment
Graduate School Committee
Postgraduate Research Tutor
University Graduate Board
Research Degree Student (You!)
Supervisor/RSG
….
….
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…key documents
 University Code of Practice and Faculty Protocol
 SEE Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) Handbook
 University Research Student Handbook
All documents, web links, forms and handbooks are available online via
the School PGR web page:
http://www.see.leeds.ac.uk/current/research-pg/index.htm
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…our aim
PhD researchers:
To train you to be capable of independent research and examiners
must comment on:
Evidence of originality
Evidence of independent critical ability
Undertaking research suitable for publication
To train you to be an employable graduate
Technical competence alone is insufficient to merit the award of PhD; you must have
significantly advanced knowledge in your field and demonstrated a broad
understanding of the scientific and societal context of your research.
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…our aim
To train you to be capable of independent research and
examiners must comment on:
MPhil researchers:
the quality of the research undertaken; and
the independent contribution to knowledge and scholarship
MSc by Research researchers:
the quality of the research undertaken; and
the extent to which the thesis interprets and communicates knowledge in
the chosen research area
To train you to be an employable graduate
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
An illustrated guide to a PhD
Matt Knight
University of Utah
http://matt.might.net/articles/phd-school-in-pictures/
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
Imagine a circle that contains all of human knowledge:
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
By the time you finish elementary school, you know a little:
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
By the time you finish high school, you know a bit more:
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
With a bachelor's degree, you gain a specialty:
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
A master's degree deepens that specialty:
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
Reading research papers takes you to the edge of human knowledge:
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
Once you're at the boundary, you focus:
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
You push at the boundary for a few years:
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
Until one day, the boundary gives way:
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
And, that dent you've made is called a Ph.D.:
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
Of course, the world looks different to you now:
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
So, don't forget the bigger picture:
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
So, don't forget the bigger picture:
Keep pushing
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…aims of research degree study
Advancement of knowledge
Acquisition of key research skills
Award is a recognition of such a level of professional competence
and innovative skills that you can be expected to undertake effective
research without the need for supervision
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…aims of research degree study
Capacity to work to deadlines
Ability to present concise but informative verbal and written
reports
Understanding of potential safety risks generated by your work
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…at the end of your research you should have:
Completed work that is innovative and, in the case of a PhD, work which has
made a significant advancement in knowledge in your field
Presented a concise high quality thesis of no more than:
PhD - 100,000 words (300 pages)
MPhil - 60,000 words (200 pages)
MSc by Research - 30,000 words (100 pages)
A sound knowledge of the literature and data sources in your subject
A good understanding of the concepts underpinning your research field
Competence in the techniques used in the study and understanding of the
principles of methods utilized in the instrumentation and in any limitations to
the equipment used
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…at the end of your research degree you should have:
The ability to design and execute your own research, and without guidance in
the case of a PhD
An appreciation of the appropriate means of analysis, including (where
appropriate) the processing of data obtained and in the computer analysis of
results and graphical presentations
The capability to present your work in a concise logical and coherent manner
An understanding of the potential hazards associated with your field and
knowledge of the relevant COSHH legislation
Awareness of scientific ethics and professional conduct of research
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…supervision and support
Pastoral care
The PGRT is your personal tutor. You can contact the PGRT or Deputy with any
issues related to your studies.
• The PGRT holds a drop-in session each month (dates are advertised in the School’s
newsletter and on the School’s plasma screens). At these sessions, you can call in and
discuss your progress, the supervision that you are receiving, and to raise any concerns
that you may have, in confidence. If the PGRT is your supervisor, then we can arrange
for you to see a nominee. Meetings can be arranged at any other time.
• Any issues can be brought to the School’s management committee via your Institute
SPGR Representative.
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…your supervision/examination team
You will have a Primary Supervisor who will take primary responsibility for
your research degree supervision
You will have a co-supervisor
You may have an external supervisor (CASE awards, collaborations)
You will have a Transfer (upgrade) Examiner (PhDs only)
You may have a Transfer (upgrade) Chair (PhDs only)
You will have an Internal AND an External Examiner for your viva (part-time
researchers who are also members of staff will have an Internal and two
External Examiners)
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…your supervisors’ responsibilities
day-to-day/regular supervision
encouragement to attend relevant lectures, seminars and
scientific meetings
to assist in defining the problem to be tackled in the course of
the research
to assist in producing a realistic and achievable timetable
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…your supervisors’ responsibilities
to discuss your training needs and agree a training plan annually
agreeing to at least 10 supervision meetings each year (FT) and agreeing the
notes of each meeting (5 meetings per annum for Part-time and Split-site study)
to comment on written work submitted by you
to provide written feedback on your progress
to generally advise on your research and preparation of your thesis
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…what we expect from you
to arrange and attend a formal training plan meeting with your
supervisor at the start of each year
to arrange and attend regular supervisory meetings and to seek
out your supervisor as problems arise
to carry out research effectively and to submit regular written
progress reports, within agreed timescales and to a satisfactory
standard
all of the above is monitored on your online PDR record
(Postgraduate Development Record) which must be kept up-todate at all times via http://www.pdr.leeds.ac.uk
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…what we expect from you
dedication and application to your research
wide reading in and around your subject and maintenance of a
literature database
periodic review of the plan of your proposed research and
discussion of any suggested variation with your supervisor
attendance at any courses, lectures, seminars and conferences
as agreed in your skills training analysis
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…what we expect from you
to promptly draw the attention of your Supervisor or PGR
Tutor/Administrator to any serious concerns, requests for
suspensions/extensions, or any other matter which you consider
important and which may affect your time spent at Leeds
adherence to laboratory regulations and health and safety
instructions
to complete your research degree within your standard period of
study – we cannot guarantee a workplace (desk/pc) beyond • PhD – 3 years FT; 5 years PT
• MPhil – 2 years FT; 4 years PT
• MSc – 1 year FT; 2 years PT
School of Earth and Environment
Registration: as ‘Provisional’ PhD until ‘Transfer’ at end of Year 1; or MPhil; or
MSc by Research; Induction Meeting; Initial training courses.
Months 1 and 2: Training Skills Analysis Meeting with supervisors and then by
attendance at Publications Masterclass usually held in November
Month 6: Submit mid-year report and arrange meeting with supervisory panel
to discuss your summary of achievements, particular strengths, goals for
progression to: PhDs - successful transfer (and also to agree arrangements for
transfer viva); MPhil for progression to Year 2; MSc for thesis submission
Months 9-11: PhDs to present transfer talk to Institute members,
produce transfer report and viva’ed; MPhils produce report and hold
progression meeting with supervisors; MSc submit exam entry form.
Month 11: PhDs and MPhils – in order to register for Year 2 ensure
PDR is up-to-date with: training plan, 10 supervision meeting minutes, 6 months
report and progression meeting minutes; transfer report and recommendation of
examiners form. MSc to submit thesis (and mock viva recommended).
Core research and 10 supervision meetings
to be documented throughout the year using
the online PDR www.pdr.leeds.ac.uk
2014/15: Progression summary
(assumes FT study/adjust for PT)
Faculty of Environment
School of Earth and Environment
Registration: as PhD or MPhil
Month 13: Training Skills Analysis update with supervisors
Months 21-23: PhDs to submit 21 months report OR publication
which can be in draft if not yet published. Arrange meeting with
supervisors and 21 months minuted progression review meeting.
MPhils submit exam entry form.
Month 24: PhDs ensure PDR is up-to-date with: training plan, 10
supervision meeting minutes, 21 months report/publication and
associated progression meeting minutes, and then proceed to register
for Year 3. MPhils submit thesis (and mock viva is recommended)
OR register for overtime (writing-up) period during which thesis will be
submitted.
Core research and 10 supervision
meetings to be held throughout the
year and minuted on the PDR
2015/16: Progression summary
(assumes FT/adjust for PT)
Faculty of Environment
School of Earth and Environment
2016/17: Progression summary
(assumes FT/adjust for PT)
Registration
Month 25: Training Skills Analysis update with supervisors
Month 33: PhDs to submit thesis outline and draft chapter on PDR
and undertake minuted 33 months progression review meeting with
supervisors. Discuss and agree Internal and External Examiners,
and submit exam entry form.
Month 36: ensure PDR is up-to-date with: training plan, 10
supervision meeting minutes, outline of PhD thesis chapters and
draft of one chapter, and 33 months progression review meeting
notes. Submit thesis (and mock viva is recommended). If you are
not ready to submit your thesis, you will be required to register for
the overtime (writing-up) year during which you will submit your
thesis.
Core research and 10 supervision
meetings to be recorded throughout
the year and minuted on the PDR
Faculty of Environment
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…at least once during your research degree
attend an international conference
attend the University’s Showcase Postgraduate Researcher
Conference
attend a UK Grad School ‘vitae’ if you are sponsored by a UK
research council
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…recommended training courses:
Managing your Supervisor!
A balancing act – dealing with the stress of doing a research degree
Preparing for your Transfer/Preparing for your viva
Full list of University courses at:
http://www.sddu.leeds.ac.uk/sddu-index-of-research-student-courses.html
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…musts
ALL researchers whose first language is not English must take the
University English Language Test (UELT) to assess the level of
support needed from the Language Centre.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Date
Friday 19 September
Monday 22 September
Friday 17 October
Friday 14 November
Friday 12 December
Thursday 22 January
Time
9:00am
9:00am
12:30pm
12:30pm
12:30pm
3:00pm
Venue
Roger Stevens LT 22
Rupert Beckett LT
AV2, Level 2, Parkinson Bldg
AV2, Level 2, Parkinson Bldg
AV2, Level 2, Parkinson Bldg
Rupert Beckett LT
The test is free of charge and lasts approximately 90 minutes and to register
students should email langc@leeds.ac.uk or visit the Language Centre
Reception on level 3, Parkinson Building.
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…musts
… your help will be needed for demonstrating in our labs and leading tutorials
– to be eligible you must receive training – registrations will be taken during the
coffee break and this afternoon 1-2pm in this Seminar Room:
Training for Teaching: Thursday 16 October (only SRI)
Thursday 23 October (all except SRI)
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…musts
Starting your Research Degree: Tuesday 8 October (right here)
Library Skills:
Two courses:
Advanced Literature Searching
Measuring and improving your research impact
Bookings via: http://www.emeskillstraining.leeds.ac.uk/book-here/
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…musts
Your personal web page:
We will create your page and add:
name, photograph, location, project name, supervisors and start date
You should add:
biography
project details
Publications
Link to personal page if you have one
Example of a good page is http://www.see.leeds.ac.uk/people/d.bekaert
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
Finally……looking forward
REF 2014
(Research Excellent Framework)
Submitted: November 2013
Publication of Outcomes: December 2014
Several current PGRs are included with 4* papers
We need your support (for the next one)!
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
…Friday 3rd October
Here :
Faculty Induction Day
Coffee from 10.45am and introductory
sessions running from 11.10am
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
For all updates….handbooks….forms and
pro formas….web links….
http://www.see.leeds.ac.uk/current/research-pg
and check your email regularly!
School of Earth and Environment
Faculty of Environment
Over coffee talk to:
RiDNET
Rachel
Berman
Sustainability Action Group
Sarah Bradbury & Jen Dyer
Chatmosphere
Erin Dawkins
or go online for full list of societies and information via
http://www.see.leeds.ac.uk/admissions-and-study/student-experience/societies/