MSE 8005

Principles and Practices of Graduate Research

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

A series of discussion-based workshops that help incoming PhD students in materials science and engineering form a cohort and succeed in their first year and beyond. Professional development topics include strategies for: matching and communicating with a research advisor, preparing and practicing for the PhD qualifying exam, transitioning from undergraduate study to graduate study, navigating professional responsibilities, persuasive writing for fellowship and funding applications, career planning and goal setting with individual development plans, and communicating professionally with elevator pitches. Qualifying exam and fellowship preparation create a framework for building personal and professional connections with other students.

Enrollment Information REF-F25 Enrollment limited to: first-year MSE Ph.D. students.

Last 3 terms offered 2024FA, 2023FA, 2022FA

Learning Outcomes REF-FA25

• Demonstrate understandings of research expectations and best practices.
• Demonstrate abilities to sustain professional developments at the appropriate level.
• Master research communications both in writing and through oral presentations.

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