Training Programme

Training Programme

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:

1. MSc degree courses
2. PhD degree courses
3. 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.

MSc degree courses

The MSc degree courses are meant for PhD students (or other interested persons), with limited 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 can be found in the study guides of the different universities participating in the JMBC.

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 himself/herself with a new area of fluid mechanics and solve problems in that area. Therefore, each PhD student in the JMBC is requested to participate in at least three PhD degree courses. In consultation with the supervisor, a PhD student can decide to follow more courses. 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, depending on the number of participants. The courses are concentrated in time, usually during one week. The courses are given by senior staff members of the JMBC, but also by (internationally well-known) guest lecturers. The courses may contain different elements: theoretical training, own work, numerical simulations, demonstrations, etc. An active role of the participants is stimulated.

Workshops, summer schools, seminars or courses of other organisations

A less-structural part of the training programme of the JM Burgerscentrum consists of workshops, summer schools and seminars. These 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 recommended that a PhD student participates in a few (international) summer schools. Also courses organised by organisations such as the Von Karman Institute, ERCOFTAC, EUROMECH, CISM, etc. are highly recommended.

Individual training programme

For each PhD student an individual training programme has to be designed within the framework of the graduate school of the particular university at which the PhD student is working. These graduate schools provide a training in professional and personal skills, but not in the scientific expertise area in which the PhD student is working. That type of training is ideally provided by the research schools. The JM Burgers Centre provides this scientific training in the area of fluid dynamics. Although the specific requirements of the graduate schools differ from one university to another, PhD students of the JM Burgers Centre are generally supposed to take at least three JMBC courses, to be selected in consultation with the supervisor.

JMBC certificate

After having attended at least three JMBC courses, each PhD student will receive the JMBC certificate. This document, listing the courses attended, may be helpful when applying for a job after the PhD graduation.