Academic Information Searching - Methods, Sources and Documentation - E 2025

We recommend that you take this course in the beginning of your PhD.

The course covers these areas:

• Structured literature search – How to apply a structured method to prepare and carry out your search e.g. for a literature review
• Evaluating and organising your search - How to prepare and apply relevant criteria for assessing and documenting the search results. How different tools can facilitate the process of organising search results
• Other perspectives on searching – How to use AI-tools and citation search to find relevant literature

The course is a “toolbox for research”-course with a mix of presentations and hands-on activities, either individually focusing on your own PhD-project or in small groups with a shared focus. Remember to bring your computer.

Preparation prior to the course: Please read the articles on the reading list (in the folder "Course Documents"). 

Assignments: There will be both class activities and a home assignment. The home assignment will be introduced during the course. You are required to complete the assignment after the course and hand it in by a specific date, usually a week later.

Coffee/tea: There will be coffee and tea during the day. You will have to bring your own lunch. Alternatively, you can buy food at the canteen at Kroghstræde 3.

Course language: English

Important information concerning PhD courses: 

There is a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start of the course.

For external PhD students: This course is a general course and is prioritised for PhD Students enrolled at Aalborg University. If there are available seats, PhD students from other universities will be accepted. You will be notified shortly after the deadline if you have been accepted.

To attend courses at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology you must be enrolled as a PhD student.

We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment, all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.

For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at phdcourses@adm.aau.dk When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.