Admission requirements
This course is obligatory for all MSc students Chemistry and all MSc students Life Science & Technology. The course Academic and Professional Skills 2 is taught two times in the academic year 2025-26. All modules of APS 1 must have been completed with a “pass” except for the module “WORK”. Not available as an elective for other MSc programmes.
Description
Literature study concerning a given topic, formulating a research question and presenting this topic.
Course objectives
At the end of this course the student is able to:
identify, compile and organise scientific literature relevant to their field of study using reliable data bases and a reference manager.
synthesise information from diverse, relevant, (and recent) scientific literature to construct a comprehensive overview of a research field or subject.
write texts that meet the standards of the field of study regarding structure, content and referencing.
improve texts using a given set of criteria.
adapt content, tone, style and format of communication to the different audiences an academic can be confronted with.
formulate a sound argument for reaching, defending or disagreeing with a conclusion or statement in writing and/or during a discussion.
compose and deliver a comprehensive and engaging presentation using a poster and/or slide deck.
evaluate texts written by peers using a set of criteria informed by the standards of the field of study and provide constructive feedback.
evaluate and implement feedback from peers and professionals on their own text.
formulate a research question.
Timetable
Schedule information can be found on the website of the programmes.
In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.
Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.
Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.
Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.
Mode of instruction
Lectures, self-study. Attendance at lectures, participation in presentation and peer review is mandatory.
Assessment method
50% essay
50% presentation
Both parts need to be graded with at least a 6.0.
Reading list
All instructions and assignments will be made available on Brightspace:
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
Important: There are only 40 places available per semester
Contact
Remarks
Assignment deadlines are communicated via Brightspace.
According to OER article 4.8, students are entitled to view their marked examination for a period of 30 days following the publication of the results of a written examination. Students should contact the lecturer to make an appointment for such an inspection session.
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.