Communication for Research Engineers
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
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