Applied Physics 199

NAME: _____________________________

Cell phone #: _________________

Here are some of the research skills you will need. Audit them now. Mark the extent of your current
skills and your skills needs. [1 = new to develop, 2 = some skills, 3 = quite confident, 4 = confident, 5 = a
strength of mine.]

Project planning 1 2 3 4 5
Time management 1 2 3 4 5
Knowledge retrieval 1 2 3 4 5
Knowledge management 1 2 3 4 5
Analytical skills 1 2 3 4 5
Calculation skills 1 2 3 4 5
Interpretation skills 1 2 3 4 5
Evaluative thinking 1 2 3 4 5
Problem-solving in different contexts 1 2 3 4 5
Creative thinking 1 2 3 4 5
Reading for different purposes 1 2 3 4 5
Reviewing the literature critically 1 2 3 4 5
Writing for different audiences 1 2 3 4 5
Writing theses and articles 1 2 3 4 5
Structuring and presenting papers 1 2 3 4 5
Managing discussion 1 2 3 4 5

You may well have underestimated or even overestimated your skills in some areas and you might also
think that skills developed so far just will not be relevant at this level of research. Be realistic. Think of
instances in your study life and everyday life when you have used such skills and could transfer them to
a research context. For example, if you have run a family budget you might be better skilled at
calculating than you imagine. If you have carried out literature reviews for an undergraduate essay, or
written a journalistic piece, these too are skills which can be developed and transferred. If you find
genuine gaps in skills, then seize opportunities to work with others who have these skills. Seize
development and training opportunities - develop, build and reflect on your skills as you carry out your
research work.