ECTN Working Group European Dimension in 2 nd and 3 rd cycle studies

ECTN WORKING GROUP: EUROPEAN DIMENSION IN 2nd AND 3rd CYCLE STUDIES Aim of the group / Rationale : To provide the common vision of the Master and PhD in chemistry During the first year of activity the WG discussed Master studies whereas the second year has been devoted to doctoral studies Meetings : Kraków (Poland), of April 2005 Thessaloniki (Greece), 4 – 7 of May 2005 Thessaloniki (Greece), 4 – 7 of May 2005 Helsinki* (Finland), 24 – 25 of February 2006 Vienna (Austria), 19 th of April 2006 Helsinki* (Finland), 24 – 25 of February 2006 Vienna (Austria), 19 th of April 2006 * Helsinki meeting was organized together with TUNING Chemistry Subject Area Group

Third cycle studies Third cycle studies Some important points discussed:  What is PhD for? to train students to be independent researches to train students to be independent researches to produce new scientific knowledge to produce new scientific knowledge to maintain succession of research chemists to maintain succession of research chemists

Some important points discussed  Are PhD candidates students or employees?  Budapest descriptors  Duration of 3 rd cycle (3 – 5 years) and ECTS credits for coursework (15 – 60) ECTS credits for coursework (15 – 60)  Graduate student teaching  PhD supervision  Assessment of PhD candidates  Ownership of research

Recommendations :  Maintaining records of student’s skill development  Joint degrees supporting mobility  Coursework Skills Supporting Skills Supporting including courses including courses language Thesis language Thesis research research Participation Participation and and awareness awareness

Recommendations Purpose of PhD examination/defence of thesis - to evaluate: Purpose of PhD examination/defence of thesis - to evaluate: Quality and quantity of research presented in thesis Quality and quantity of research presented in thesis Student’s understanding of his/her research Student’s understanding of his/her research Student’s awareness of the significance of his/her work to the development of the discipline Student’s awareness of the significance of his/her work to the development of the discipline A component of teaching included in PhD programmes, useful to a graduate’s personal development Training for supervisors of PhD encouraged

Recommendations  Direct transfer from 1 st cycle to 3 rd cycle for high fliers Cycles Cycles

Special item: A proposed database for Master courses in Europe Author: Michael Gagan A draft introductory letter to Departments and draft questionnaire available on request: or or