Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

Norwegian or English

Prerequisites

The student must be admitted to a PhD programme at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, or at a similar institution.

Learning outcomes

This course provides the candidate with in-depth knowledge within a specialised topic relevant to their PhD project.

Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate is expected to:

  • demonstrate advanced knowledge of the selected topic and its current state of research
  • discuss and argue using the concepts and terminology of the field
  • understand how the topic connects to related research areas and applications
  • apply the acquired knowledge to issues relevant to their own PhD project
  • critically assess and synthesise relevant scientific literature
  • identify knowledge gaps and potential directions for further investigation

Contents

The candidate proposes a specific research topic in consultation with their supervisor. The topic must be relevant to the PhD project and suitable for advanced study. The syllabus may include scientific articles, academic books, and/or other scholarly activities (e.g. coding, modelling, lab work).

Teaching and learning methods

Independent study. The workload is equivalent to one of the following per ECTS credit:

  • a minimum of 35 pages of scientific articles (excluding references)
  • a minimum of 50 pages of textbooks (excluding references)
  • a minimum of 27 hours of other relevant academic activities

Examination requirements

The course content and workload must be approved by the PhD Programme Committee in Natural Sciences (PECNAT), Department of Natural Sciences.

Examinations

The form of assessment will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Normally, the course is assessed through one of the following:

  • a 45-minute oral presentation, followed by 15 minutes of questions from an external examiner
  • an oral examination
  • a written essay linking the selected topic to the candidate’s PhD project

Assessment is graded pass/fail.

Other information

PhD candidates who wish to take this course must contact the PhD programme coordinator, Ane Timenes Laugen.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 6:25:45 PM