Matter to Life Welcome Course

The onboarding of our PhD candidates into the program begins with a 6-week Welcome Course before the start of the semester. This course includes different modules such as team building activities, scientific seminars, preparatory courses, faculty talks, workshops, etc. This strengthens and supports our students in their integration to the program, and their subsequent success.

Group picture of the Matter to Life promotion candidates on a meadow in the best sunny weather

A defining feature of the program is the inter and trans disciplinary learning and research environment. This is reflected in our curriculum which covers a wide range of topics from the fields of physics, chemistry and biology. Due to the different study backgrounds of our PhD candidates, it is essential that they receive preparatory courses on the fundamentals of these core subjects so they can excel in the study modules. This is complemented by scientific talks from faculty and PhD candidates from previous cohorts to give them an insight into the research done by the various members of the school. We also introduce them to the modus operandi of interdisciplinary research and the varied teaching structures and forms that they will encounter.

In addition, the welcome program also emphasizes courses on non-subject skill courses. We provide support and guidance with the challenges faced by our international student community and therefore have several team building and workshops/ seminars to equip them with the tools needed to navigate and excel, and also build a strong community.

Two people engaged in a lively conversation during a group activity in a bright meeting room, with others interacting in the background
Participant standing near a board titled 'Wall of Collective Intelligence,' holding sticky notes, with a projected motivational quote in the background
Group of participants in a well-lit classroom engaging in conversations and networking during an interactive session.

In the past Welcome Courses these are some of the topics covered:

  • Introduction to interdisciplinary learning and research
  • Faculty and PhD candidates talks
  • Introduction to Python
  • Chemistry preparatory course
  • Biology for non-biologists
  • Math preparatory course
  • Intercultural competence
  • Team building
  • Expectations management and resilience

We tailor the Welcome Course contents based on the background and knowledge expertise of each cohort of PhD candidates so that they can derive the most out of it, and prepare them for their study in Matter to Life.

Web-View
Print Page
Open in new window
Estimated DIN-A4 page-width
Go to Editor View