CIVIL-607 / 2 credits

Teacher: Smith Ian

Language: English

Remark: Next time Fall 2023 : Oct 23, 24, 27, 30 (9h15-12h) / Oct 31 (9h15-11h) / Nov 13-16 (9h15-12h) / Nov 17 (9h15-11h)


Frequency

Every year

Summary

Communication proficiency is one of the most important results of a good PhD and postdoc experience and it is valued equally in academia and in industry. EPFL PhD students and postdocs are expected to have excellent written, oral and graphic skills in order to transmit their ideas effectively.

Content

The course is divided into modules that are related to typical communication tasks that PhDs and postdocs are expected to perform. There is also a module related to publication ethics.

Teaching modules are:

- Writing clearly in English

- Preparing a research abstract

- Giving a seminar to a small audience

- Preparing and presenting a poster

- Writing a journal paper

- Publication ethics

- Writing a conference paper

- Presenting a paper at a conference

- Writing a research proposal

- Chairing a seminar

- Preparing a thesis document

 

Interactive workshops will be held between teaching modules. Typical subjects are :

- Creating effective and understandable tables, images and figures

- Simplify the message

- Non-verbal communication including body language

- Making yourself heard, understood and remembered

- Know your audience

- Designing a pilot project

- Managing question-and-answer sessions

- Communication and email etiquette

- Aspects related to creating clear and unambiguous text

 

The course begins with an assignment for each student to write and then present a ten-sentence summary of their research. The course is subsequently tailored to the average proficiency that is observed and to specific weaknesses that are identified

Note

There will be a priority given to PhD students.

Keywords

Oral communication Technical writing and graphics for engineers

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Demonstrate improved oral, written and graphical communication skills for engineering research

Teaching methods

Lectures

Workshops

Expected student activities

Short written texts

Short films of 5-minute presentations

Assessment methods

Improvement in written and oral skills over course

Resources

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Number of places: 20
  • Exam form: Written & Oral (session free)
  • Subject examined: Communication for Research Engineers
  • Lecture: 28 Hour(s)
  • Practical work: 30 Hour(s)
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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