BookSarah Cuschieri
Summary: This book prepares and guides individuals who are about to embark (or already have embarked) on a health/medical PhD journey, with a specific focus on Public Health. Based on the author's experience as a recently graduated Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student, readers benefit from the knowledge imparted and lessons learned, including an analysis of the different aspects of a Public Health doctoral degree, and practical tips and guidance on how to go about this journey from the initial phase of choosing a research niche up until the oral examination (also called defence). All throughout the book, the author shares examples from her own journey to show that in spite of sacrifices and hurdles along the way, hard work, perseverance, and supportive resources can help see you through, eventually, to a hopefully positive outcome at the end. Using an informal style, the author provides a step-wise guide, from chapter to chapter, on the various essential aspects that need to be considered, including: The initial steps towards a PhD Proposal, permissions and funding The fieldwork The art of data analysis The hurdles along the way - a personal experience What comes after the completion of a PhD? Intended to be a compact go-to guide for students throughout their PhD journey, both from an academic and personal perspective, To Do or Not to Do a PhD? engages readers who are about to enroll in or who already have started a PhD, especially in public health, epidemiology, and health/medical fields of study. The brief also would appeal to postgraduate and undergraduate students who are interested in learning about how to write a research proposal, draft a scientific paper for publication in a journal, or prepare a thesis.
Contents:
Intro
Preface
Acknowledgements
Contents
About the Author
Chapter 1: What Is a PhD? Am I Ready for This Commitment?
Why Should I Read for a PhD?
What Am I Getting Myself into?
What Types of PhDs Are Out There?
Chapter 2: The Initial Steps Towards a PhD
Getting a PhD in the United States
US Entry Requirements
Student Visas
The US PhD Programme
Getting a PhD in the United Kingdom
UK Entry Requirements
The UK PhD Application
Getting a PhD in Europe
Entry Requirements
Chapter 3: Proposal, Permissions and Funding
The Proposal The Background, Aim and Objectives
The Study Design (Methodology)
Expected Outcomes
Permissions
Funding
Funding of the University's Tuition Fees
Funding for Your Research Project
Chapter 4: The Fieldwork
Defining the Population
Preparation for the Health Survey
Questionnaire
Health Examination
Recruitment of Fieldworkers
Pilot Study
Setting Up Your Fieldwork
Laboratory Fieldwork
References
Chapter 5: The Art of Data Analysis
Parametric or Non-parametric?
Descriptive Analysis
Analytic Studies
Reference Chapter 6: Putting Pen to Paper to Publication
Structuring a Scientific Paper
Targeting the Most Appropriate Journal
References
Chapter 7: Writing the Thesis
Thesis vs. Research Manuscripts
The Structure of a Thesis
Reference
Chapter 8: The Hurdles Along the Way: A Personal Experience
Chapter 9: Getting Ready for the Oral Defence
Preparing for the Big Day
Preparing for Your Examiners
After the Oral Defence
Chapter 10: What Comes After the Completion of a PhD?
Academia
Public and Private Sectors
Personal Experience
Index