Meuleners, Julia S.; Boone, William J.; Fischer, Martin R.; Neuhaus, Birgit J.; Eberle, Julia (2023): Evaluation of structured doctoral training programs in German life sciences: how much do such programs address hurdles faced by doctoral candidates? Frontiers in Education, 8: 930238. ISSN 2504-284X
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Abstract
Introduction
Ways to improve the quality of doctoral education are debated internationally. In Europe, the United States, and other countries, there have been policy initiatives to address these. One approach has been the implementation of so-called structured doctoral training programs (doctoral programs) including formal structures such as courses, supervision agreements, external examiners for grading the thesis. However, there is little known about how doctoral programs implement the debated structures. As a result, the question arises whether existing programs already address the challenges of doctoral education and implement policy demands.
Methods
In this study, we evaluated the structure of 82 life science doctoral programs in Germany in a document analysis and a survey of program experts. We focused on (1) interdisciplinary aspects and (2) the international orientation of these programs. We evaluated the (3) courses offered, (4) formal characteristics of supervision, and (5) examination regulations of the doctoral programs.
Results
The results showed that the doctoral programs already address these five aspects to some extent. However, there is variability as a function of institution and details of policy demand realizations are very heterogeneous. Some doctoral programs provide opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation, but only few promote international orientation. Offered courses cover some relevant academic skills, but courses on, e.g., teaching, open access and public outreach are still rare. Structured regulations on supervision, e.g., through regular meetings and supervision agreements, are also rarely implemented. Lastly, most supervisors remain strongly involved in examining doctoral theses.
Discussion
We conclude that there is still a crucial need for improvement of doctoral programs through more extensive implementation of policy demands. We detail cross-national and -disciplinary practical implications for coordinators of doctoral programs.
Doc-Type: | Article (LMU) |
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Organisational unit (Faculties): | 19 Biology > Department Biology I |
DFG subject classification of scientific disciplines: | Life sciences |
Date Deposited: | 11. Aug 2023 07:49 |
Last Modified: | 07. Dec 2023 12:19 |
URI: | https://oa-fund.ub.uni-muenchen.de/id/eprint/839 |
DFG: | Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) - 491502892 |