The post-graduate study program
The study program consists of lectures, field trips and soft skill courses. The study program during the first two semesters (summer term 2005, winter term 2005/06) had a fixed day when all of the doctoral students would meet at the Department of Geography of the Humboldt-University. This day, unless there were no planned field trips, consisted of three parts. First, it would start with the public lecture series (10 – 12 am) during which one of the head scientists or associated scientists would present an introduction to his specific field. After a joint lunch break the lecturer would discuss chosen topics with the students (1 – 5 pm). For the rest of the day (4 – 8 pm) the students would practice certain applicable skills and techniques as needed during research, laboratory work, or presentations. The lecture and the course would be supervised by one of the research projects, which would provide all technical equipment, background information on the lecturer, as well as hold the moderation during discussion. The organizers are obliged to keep in contact with the lecturer to share information for the wrap-up. During the first semester the head scientists gave a survey over their field of research. In the second and third semester scientists from other universities and institutions were also invited. During the second half of the third semester field trips instead of lectures are organised. Due to the positive feedback form the fist and current cohort the lecture series will continue during the following semesters. The students will maintain the organisation of the series and the invitations to the scientists.