1. Mutual Help & Enjoyment in Postgraduate Supervision Associate Professor Tim Langrish Department of Chemical Engineering The University of Sydney

2. Outline Exploring the problem definition Deciding on approach Implementation Inputs & responsibilities Associate supervisor Typical engineering PhD structure PG

3. Exploring the Problem Definition First 6-12 months; a key step Literature review, work plan (hypothesis) & some achievement; aim for 1 paper in this time Grant funding is essential & should (preferably) be obtained before beginning; if not, certainly in the first 6-12 months PG

4. Deciding on Approach & Implementation 1 paper per chapter, approximately Aim to get several papers written, submitted, accepted before submission Supervisor should get into the details too; shows student that supervisor has ability to deal with difficulties, can resolve problems; builds up confidence PG

5. Inputs & Responsibilities Time input; lots at the start & end; substantial all through Make expectations from student (time, working relationships, initiative) clear at the start Provide up-to-date computer from the start PG

6. Associate Supervisor Can add to benefits, guidance & mitigate problems Need to get them involved regularly Help to keep the project on track, guide students

7. Typical Engineering PhD Thesis Chapter 1: Short introduction to topic, problem statement Chapter 2: Literature review Chapters 3-5: Papers 1-3 … or more Chapter 6: Conclusions & recommendations PG