ICG Educational Programme

The Educational Mission

In the Netherlands, researchers studying for the Doctor's degree are employed as "Trainee Research Assistants" (AIOs), usually for a period of four years. ICG provides advanced study programmes to ensure that AIOs are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to become highly qualified, accomplished scientists.

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Objectives

The objective of ICG's education is to train PhD students and postdoc researchers in the field of geo-ecological research. An important aspect is that ICG aims to foster its members to place their own research project in a broad multi-disciplinary problem setting. The training as an independent researcher aims to attain that the researcher:

• is able to formulate and to elaborate scientific questions independently
• has knowledge of relevant literature on geo-ecological systems and is able to present this knowledge, both orally and in writing
• has insight in the developments in geo-ecological systems and in the factors which influence these systems
• is able to set up and to execute scientific research of international quality
• is able to present clearly the results of his research
• is able to write a manuscript which meets the standards of international journals with a referee system
• is able to co-operate in a multi-disciplinary team
• is able to provide educational programmes in the field of geo-ecological systems.

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The ICG Curriculum

The curriculum of a Ph.D. student within the ICG consist of three parts:

• carrying out research under guidance of experienced senior researchers
• taking courses to deepen and broaden knowledge and skills
• teaching M.Sc. students (not applicable for all Ph.D. students).

In the yearly published course guide an overview is given of the educational-programme for the current academic year. Agreements about the other two parts of the curriculum (doing research and teaching M.Sc.students) are made between the Ph.D. student and his/her supervisor.

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Courses

The educational programme is divided into three categories of courses: professional courses, technical courses, and skills training. Compulsory professional courses include an introductory course: Methods and Challenges in ICG Research, a discussion group on a selected topic, and attending colloquia and symposia. Compulsory skills training includes management of research projects, scientific writing, oral presentation, and a presentation at an international congress. ICG's programme of optional courses currently includes:

• Philosophy of science
• Spatio-environmental modelling in GIS (PCRaster) (technical course)
• Designing of posters
• Wetenschapsjournalistiek

Lectures and courses in the field of geo-ecology given at universities participating in ICG or at other universities, or courses organized by other research schools or external organizations can also be included in the individual training plan.

The educational programme for 2006-2007 is now available. You can order the Educational Programme by sending an e-mail message to icg@science.uva.nl, or you can download it at this website.

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Educational Committee

Dr C.J. Beets, VU
Dr J.H. van Boxel, UvA
Dr B. van Geel, UvA
Drs. F. Tonneijck, UvA
Dr. J. van der Plicht, CIO-RuG

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Editor: Deanna Tjin
Last update: July 12, 2006