Training Programme

Purpose of the PhD programme
The purpose of the PhD programme of the JM Burgerscentrum is the development of PhD students into independent researchers in the field of fluid mechanics. To reach this goal a
thorough and fundamental knowledge of fluid-mechanics and their mathematical and numerical modelling is required, as well as the ability to further develop this knowledge and to apply it to solve scientific and technical problems. An important part of the PhD programme consists of the execution of a scientific research project under the supervision of an expert of the JMBC. That part is not discussed in this guide. A smaller part, of the order of half a year, consists of the participation in courses. The details of that part of the programme (the training programme) are given in this guide.

Structure of the training programme
The training programme gives a framework, in which individual training schemes can be developed. It contains the following three components:
- MSc degree courses
- PhD degree courses
- Workshops, summer schools, seminars.
The different components are meant for broadening or deepening of knowledge, and also for specialisation in certain areas of fluid mechanics. Individual training programmes are composed from elements of the three components. In the next paragraphs the three components are discussed.

MSc degree courses
The MSc degree courses are meant for PhD students (or other interested persons), who have no earlier formal training in fluid mechanics. The courses will bring those PhD students to the same level of knowledge in fluid mechanics as PhD students who did receive their MSc degree in fluid mechanics. The courses are usually selected from the advanced courses of the study programme for the MSc degree. An overview of the most relevant MSc degree courses are given in this guide ordered according to the main research themes of the JMBC. Information about time and place of these courses can be obtained from the contact persons mentioned in the course descriptions given in this guide, or can be found in the study guides of the different universities participating in the JMBC.
The number of ECTS points for the MSc degree courses to be included in an individual training programme depends on the MSc study programme of the individual. Usually it is about 6 to 9 ECTS points.

JMBC PhD courses
For a PhD student it is essential to deepen his/her knowledge in fluid mechanics to a level significantly higher than that of a person with a MSc degree in fluid mechanics. The PhD degree courses of the JM Burgerscentrum fulfil this purpose. The deepening of knowledge is not restricted to the area of fluid mechanics, to which the research project of a PhD student belongs. The idea of the PhD degree courses is to continue the formal training of the PhD student in a number of areas in the field of fluid mechanics, but on a post-graduate level. After his/her PhD degree the PhD student must be able to quickly acquaint him (her) self with a new area of fluid mechanics and solve problems in that area. As a consequence each PhD student must at least participate in three PhD degree courses. In consultation with the supervisor a PhD student can decide to follow more courses. The number of ECTS points connected to the PhD degree courses must at least be 9. The content of the courses is composed in such a way, that the courses can be followed by all PhD students (independent of their knowledge from their MSc degree programme).

The different PhD degree courses of the JM Burgerscentrum are usually given once every two years, dependent on the number of participants. The courses are concentrated in time, usually during one week. The courses are given by the senior staff members of the JMBC, but also by (internationally well-known) guest lecturers. They determine the number of ECTS points for their course. The courses can contain several elements: theoretical training, own work, demonstrations, etc. An active role of the participants is stimulated.

Workshops, summer schools, seminars or courses of other organisations
Besides MSc degree courses and PhD degree courses there is also a less-structural part of the training programme of the JM Burgerscentrum, consisting of workshops, summer schools and seminars. They can be very valuable for the education of the PhD student, and will usually be in the area of fluid mechanics to which the research project of the PhD student belongs. It is, in particular, recommended that a PhD student participate in summer schools. Another component can be courses, not organised by the JM Burgerscentrum but by another organisation (courses from the Von Karman institute, ERCOFTAC, EUROMECH, etc.). The number of ECTS points of this part of the training programme will on average be 9.

Individual training programme
The total training load per PhD student is approximately 25 ECTS points. Deviations are of course possible; a minimum of 20 ECTS points is necessary. Taking these rules into account an individual training programme can be scheduled by a PhD student in consultation with his(her) supervisor. The programme gives a listing of the components and their timing. It is recommended to set-up the programme during the appointment of the PhD student. The supervisor decides, whether exams about the followed courses are necessary. (Each PhD course counts for 3 ECTS points).

An example of a training programme (for a PhD student without a fluid-mechanics background) is as follows:
1st year MSc degree courses 6 ECTS points
PhD degree courses 3 ECTS points
Workshop, etc. 1.5 ECTS points
2nd year PhD degree courses 6 ECTS points
Workshop, etc. 1.5 ECTS points
3rd year Workshop, etc. 3 ECTS points
4th year Workshop, etc. 3 ECTS points

An example of a training programme (for a PhD student with a fluid-mechanics background) is as follows:
1st year PhD-degree courses 6 ECTS points
Workshop, etc. 1.5 ECTS points
2nd year PhD-degree courses 6 ECTS points
Workshop, etc. 1.5 ECTS points
3rd year Workshop, etc. 3 ECTS points
4th year Workshop, etc. 4.5 ECTS points

Career orientation
It is important that PhD students prepare themselves well for their future job after finishing their PhD project. Therefore each PhD student selects in consultation with his/her supervisor a course dedicated to ‘career orientation’ and follows this course during the third or fourth year of his/her project. Such courses are given by universities and by FOM. Via the websites of universities and FOM more details about the courses can be found.