This document provides an introduction to a post-graduate studies course in computer science. [1] The goal of the course is to provide understanding of the scientific research process, research paradigms, and guidelines for planning PhD work. [2] It also aims to provide experience with the publishing and peer-review process. [3] The course requirements include writing reports on weekly meetings, preparing a personal research plan, doing a practice presentation with peer evaluation, and writing a peer review of a research paper. Passing the course requires submitting a written report summarizing all course activities.

1. T-0.7050:
Introduction to Post-Graduate Studies
in Computer Science
Introduction to the Course
19.1.2009
Marko Nieminen & Marjo Kauppinen
SoberIT (Software Business and Engineering Institute
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Helsinki University of Technology

2. Goal of the Course
Provide a basic understanding of the scientific process and of
1.
the research paradigms relevant to research at the
departments of
Information and Computer Science
Computer Science and Engineering
Media Technology
(all part of the Faculty of Information and Natural Sciences)
Provide guidelines and support for planning the Ph.D. work.
2.
Provide an understanding and experience of the publishing
3.
and peer-review process in the field.
Marko Nieminen & Marjo Kauppinen

3. Course Requirements
Course Report: short essay of every weekly meeting
1.
Preparing a personal research plan
2.
Participating in a practice presentation session
3.
Making a presentation about one's research plan
1.
Evaluating and commenting another presentation
2.
Writing a referee report
4.
Peer review report about a recent paper in one's own area
1.
The results of the activities are included in a written course
report, the submission of which is the formal requirement to
pass the course.
Marko Nieminen & Marjo Kauppinen

4. Themes
Noppa portal: https://noppa.tkk.fi/noppa/kurssi/t-
0.7050/etusivu
Scientific knowledge and research (in general as well as in
practice here at TKK)
Research plan
Research methods
Scientific publications and peer-review, Conferences
Writing scientific articles
Laboratory Presentations
Practice presentations
Marko Nieminen & Marjo Kauppinen

5. Schedule
Again, Noppa portal
on Mondays at 16–18 o’clock in seminar room T3
Starts on Jan-21, ends by the beginning of May
(depends on the amount of participants i.e. Practice
Presentations)
All reports done by 29th of May, 2009!
Marko Nieminen & Marjo Kauppinen

6. Course Material
Lecture slides (will be put on the web pages after the lectures)
Be aware of your requirements! Read the Guide for Postgraduate
Studies at TKK/CSE
Understand early enough what is required from a dissertation
M. Airila, M. Pekkanen: Tekniikan alan väitöskirjaopas. (Guide for Graduate
Studies in Engineering, in Finnish). TKK Hallinto-osaston julkaisusarja 2002/3
Instructions for Doctoral Dissertations
TKK Guidelines for the Publication of Doctoral Dissertations
Do read somebody else’s dissertation. Yes, it has been accepted.
Practicalities: www.massey.ac.nz/~rsbusch/doc/Survive.pdf
Marko Nieminen & Marjo Kauppinen

7. Grading
Accepted / not accepted
Marko Nieminen & Marjo Kauppinen

8. Another View to the Goals of the Course
Help you avoiding the mistakes we made
Share experience on making a doctoral thesis
Marko Nieminen & Marjo Kauppinen

9. Making a Doctoral Thesis Demands
Passion and motivation
Determination and patience (“pitkäjänteisyys”)
Working systematically and independently
Marko Nieminen & Marjo Kauppinen

10. Cornerstones of the Post-graduate Studies
Research topic
Research plan
The existing literature related to your research topic
Research methods
Marko Nieminen & Marjo Kauppinen

11. Weekly report: The first assignment
Answering the following questions
Why are you aiming at a doctoral degree?
What is your research topic?
Who is your supervisor?
What is the state of your doctoral thesis?
Include your student number with the first assignment
In pdf or word format
By email to t07050@soberit.hut.fi
Deadline Friday 23rd January, 12.15 pm
Marko Nieminen & Marjo Kauppinen

12. General guidelines
Please inform us during the course if there is
something wrong with the arrangements
You are encouraged to
ask questions
make comments
share your own experiences
To make this course useful, you have to be active.
Marko Nieminen & Marjo Kauppinen