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1
2009 - 2010
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jun
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jul
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aug
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sep
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oct
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nov
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dec
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jan
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apr
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may
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2
2010 - 2011
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jun
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jul
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aug
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sep
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oct
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nov
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dec
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may
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3
2011 - 2012
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jun
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jul
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aug
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sep
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oct
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nov
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dec
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4
2012 - 2013
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jun
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jul
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aug
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sep
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oct
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nov
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dec
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jan
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feb
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mar
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apr
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may
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Writing
Writing is a learning process and the sooner you begin the better. The first time is the hardest. The next times you need to write it will be easier. It is best to start writing early in the process, for example by writing a description of the theory, which can serve later on as the basis for the theoretical chapter of your book. Also, you could get started on describing the set up of your first experiment already, even without having the results in yet.
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Teaching
Teaching is part of the job description for most PhD students. What the teaching entails depends on where you work. Teaching can consist of providing lectures or seminars, drafting and reviewing exams or supervising thesis students and trainees.
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Reading
Every research project begins with studying information from the professional field. Sometimes it is not your own field and you will need more time to read up on it. It is also necessary for you to explore the research methods.
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Stops
When gathering information through reading or doing experiments, it is very tempting to keep involving new aspects in your research. And although this could provide potentially interesting and beautiful data for your thesis, you need to decide in advance when to stop incorporating new information in your research.
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Courses
As a PhD student you are obliged to follow a certain number of courses by your graduate school or the faculty or department. But there is also space left to choose some courses for yourself. Furthermore, don’t forget about the summer schools and the possibility of foreign work experience.
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Case study or experiment
A key activity of a PhD project is to collect and process research data. This can take different forms in different disciplines. In one discipline it may be called a test, in other disciplines an experiment or a case study.
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Symposia and conferences
As a rule, you only go to a conference if you are making a presentation. You must therefore ensure that you write a paper or make a poster presentation about your research results or the design of your research.
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Appointments with the supervisors
At various points in this chapter we recommend you discuss your planning with your supervisor. He or she can usually help you make a correct estimate of the time that certain activities will take. Use your schedule in reaching your agreements. It is a big pitfall for both supervisor and PhD student to want to put too much into the four years that are available.
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Final stage
For the last stage of your thesis it is wise to plan four to five months. The procedure is slightly different at each university, but it is roughly as follows. Your thesis will have to pass the reading committee, the doctoral committee, the beadle and the publisher.
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Air
Usually you then go back to work with renewed energy and often with fresh ideas. Also on another level it is good to build some ‘air’ into the planning on a regular basis. That does not mean you have to take this time ‘off’, but you have to keep it free.
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Vacation
Do not forget about planning a vacation while you are planning your work. This usually is a rather painfully forgotten area.
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Blank
You can use this for any other activity in your planning system.
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Risk analysis
Finally, perform a risk analysis. First you make an estimate using the diagram in chapter 2. For risks that have a high chance of occurring and for risks with high impact, you must take immediate action.
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