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PhD Course: Information Retrieval and Methods for Scientific Communication

The PhD course in Information Retrieval and Methods for Scientific Communication is designed to provide valuable skills and insights to PhD students at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). The course corresponds to 3 Higher Education Credits (HECs) and is addressed to PhD students admitted to SLU.

Course Dates

• 6 October - 28 November 2025
• Last date to register: 19 September

Course Content

The course has a broad approach to information retrieval and scientific communication, covering all steps in the research process, from search strategies to communication of research results. The course content includes:

• Information retrieval in databases and search engines for the web
• Reference management
• Publishing strategies and open access
• Publication-based evaluation indicators
• Copyright
• Archiving of research data

Practical Details

• The course is completely web-based, without any scheduled lectures, and is given at a part-time pace.
• The course is mainly based on self-studies, and all learning activities, submission of tasks, and communication are done via SLU's learning platform.
• Please note that there are set assignment deadlines throughout the course, and some assignments require collaboration with other course participants during a given time.
• The course is given in English.

Syllabus

• 3 Higher Education Credits (HECs)
• Place: Web-based, without any physical meetings
• Prerequisites: Admitted to PhD studies at SLU
• Language: English

Objectives

Aim

The aim of the course is to develop participants' knowledge of factors affecting the search process, scientific communication, source criticism, and critical evaluation of publications. The course also aims to develop the skills needed for effective and methodical work with information retrieval and handling of references and scientific material.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, participants should be able to:

• Discuss the conditions and patterns of today's scientific communication and publishing
• Plan, perform, and analyze search strategies
• Identify, describe, and compare search tools within their research area
• Critically evaluate search results and publications within a research context
• Apply and problematize around bibliometric tools and methods for analyzing scientific publications
• Use basic functions in a reference management software
• Handle research material in accordance with Swedish law: copyright legislation, the Principle of Public Access, and the archival law

Content

The course content includes:

• Search process, search strategies
• International reference databases and other relevant search tools
• Critical reading
• Reference management
• Bibliometrics and strategic publishing
• Scientific communication, open access, and open research data
• Preservation and handling of scientific material
• Copyright

Examination

The examination consists of completing compulsory assignments, which include written tasks, quizzes, and contributions to discussion forums.