While there is no universally accepted method for teaching research, students can equip themselves with fundamental principles, methodologies, and skills to enhance their research capabilities. Although most knowledge and skills are imparted through collaboration with Supervisors, certain cross-disciplinary skills can be taught more systematically, such as laboratory safety, information search and analysis, documentation ethics, and presentation techniques.
While most IPL short courses are optional, all research postgraduate students should seriously consider taking modules relevant to their research. Supervisors and Graduate Division Heads are encouraged to promote these modules to their students.
As of the 2022-23 intake, all research postgraduate students, including M.Phil. and Doctor of Nursing students, must complete the following IPL modules in their first year to fulfil candidacy/graduation requirements:
Research Data Management (RDM)
Students must complete the online course "Basics of Research Data Management" in their first year. Details are available at https://clear.cuhk.edu.hk/IPL/IPL-ResearchSkills.pdf. The step-by-step guides on Research Data Management (RDM Candidacy and Graduation Requirements) are available on the Library’s website (CUHK Library website > LibGuides > Research Data Management > RDM Candidacy and Graduation Requirements).
Laboratory Safety Training
The University Safety Office (USO) requires students engaged in laboratory activities with safety risks to complete prescribed safety courses and pass relevant safety examinations in their first year. Information is available at https://clear.cuhk.edu.hk/IPL/IPL-LaboratorySafety.pdf.
In addition to these modules, students must also complete the following for graduation:
The online module "Observing Intellectual Property and Copyright Law during Research" is mandatory for all RPg students. Information is available at https://clear.cuhk.edu.hk/IPL/IPL-ResearchSkills.pdf.
RPg students admitted in 2017-18 and thereafter must complete the online RET module on Publication Ethics and obtain a valid Publication Ethics Certificate. More information is available at https://www.research-ethics.cuhk.edu.hk/orktsResearch/.
Consult your programme's study scheme in the Postgraduate Student Handbook for details. Taught Postgraduate Students (TPg) may also enrol in modules of interest.
For more information about IPL modules, visit the CLEAR homepage at https://clear.cuhk.edu.hk/web/professional-development-pd/improving-postgraduate-learning/.