Wood Biology and Wood Technology (PhD) at University of Göttingen

About

The intensive, research-oriented PhD programme is taught by internationally renowned scientists. This programme is open to highly qualified participants who have studied forestry, wood science, biology, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry or a similar subject. Germany has a long tradition in sustainable forestry (more than 300 years) and holds a leading position in woodworking machinery production. The PhD programme is a joint effort of the following research institutions: Department of Wood Biology and Wood Products (Prof Dr Holger Militz, Prof Dr Carsten Mai) Department of Wood Technology and Wood-Based Composites (Prof Kai Zhang) Department of Forest Botany and Tree Physiology (Prof Dr Andrea Polle) Department of Wood Biotechnology and Technical Mycology (Prof Dr Ursel KÃ¼es) Department of Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding (Prof Dr Oliver Gailing) The core of the programme is an independent doctoral research project in one of the participating research groups. At the end of the programme, students must submit either a monographic dissertation (in German or English, or in another language if approved by the supervisors) or a cumulative dissertation consisting of at least three publications (plus an introduction, a summary and a bibliography), provided that in at least two of the articles the doctoral candidate was the sole author or lead author, and provided that at least one article was accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Students must attend some courses in addition to their scientific research. By taking these courses, they have to earn at least 24 credit points. 1. Laboratory courses impart the necessary skills for laboratory work. They can be taken in the labs of their working groups, at another university, in industrial labs or even abroad. 2. Every PhD student has to give four presentations on wood science topics. Students' presentations are evaluated by the other students according to a checklist in order to improve presentation techniques. 3. Soft skills courses, such as participation in the management of the PhD programme teaching and supervision of a Master's thesis responsible management of a scientific project or acquisition of funding for a research project seminar in interdisciplinary research management presentation of research results at a scientific conference language courses: most students require some improvement in their knowledge of English, as it is the language of instruction communication and change management statistical and other data processing courses patent law scientific writing

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold an above-average MSc, "Diplom", or equivalent degree in a subject related to the fields of forestry or wood science, biology, or chemistry. Applicants will be screened and must take a test (via Internet for international applicants). The application should be made online using a form, which is available on the homepage of the programme.