EXPECTATION FROM BEING A

POSTGRADUATE STUDENT
Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Mahyiddin Ramli
Faculty of Electronic Engineering Technology,
Center of Excellence Geopolymer and Green Technology,
Universiti Malaysia Perlis,
Malaysia.
https://ftken.unimap.edu.my/
 HISTORY OF ESTABLISHMENT
- CeGeoGTech was established in July 2011 and
located at School of Materials Engineering,
Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP).

- At the beginning of the establishment, it was

known as Geo-Concrete in July 2011.
1st CEGeoGTech Director
- Rebranding as Center of Excellence Geopolymer Datuk Profesor Emeritus
Dr. Kamarudin Hussin
& Green Technology (CEGeoGTech) on 1st March
2015.
https://cegeogtech.unimap.edu.my
 OBJECTIVES

- To Develop Technology-related Innovations

in Geopolymer & Green Technology via
Research Activities

- To Develop Researchers in Researching

Visibility at International Level & Industries
 MISSION
➢To produce exemplary academic researchers
in line with the nation’s development and
industrial competitiveness agenda

VISION
➢To be world-class center of excellence in
driving research and staff in the field of
geopolymer & Green Technology
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My Background
- B.Eng. In Microelectronic Engineering (2002-2006).
- M.Eng.Sc. In Microelectronic Design at Tyndall Institute, University College
Cork, Republic of Ireland (2006-2007).
- PhD in Nanotechnology at Advanced Technology Institute, University of Surrey,
United Kingdom (2008-2012).
Big Jump From Under to
Post - Graduates
• UG : Full classes, tests and exams. Final year project.
• PG : Classes/ Learn independently.
• Master – Course work, Mixed mode, Full research
• PhD – Mixed mode, Research
Undergraduate Postgraduate
Student From apprentice to expert
Breadth (wide range) over depth Depth over breadth
Recipient of knowledge Analyzer and creator of knowledge
Externally directed Self-directed
Reasons for Being Postgraduate
Students (You thinks…)
• New friends
• Academic networking
• Academic enterprise
• Enjoyment of research topic
• Gain advancement of subject area/discipline
• Improvement of skills
• Learn new languages
• Thirst for knowledge
• Professional / career development
• Challenge
• Money
• To become a Dr.
(Most people thinks…)

• To be a lecturer,
• Required by organization,
• Motivation from family/friends/others,
• Self satisfaction.
Primary Purpose of Research Oriented
Master Degree
- To understand thoroughly and think critically about what is
known in a particular academic field.

- To learn how to conduct research in that field (and perhaps

prepare for PhD study).

- To begin affiliating with the academic community of the field.

Primary Purpose of Doctoral Study

- To master the knowledge of a specific academic field and

become prepared to teach that knowledge at the university
level.

- To make an original contribution through research (new or novel

knowledge).

- To establish yourself as an expert and leader within the

academic domain of the field.
What Kind of Challenges You
Will Encounter
- Lack of direction (e.g., never-ending thesis).
- Feeling unsupported and isolated.
- Difficulties with supervisor.
- Anxiety about getting through successfully.
- Funding constraint or financial difficulties.
- Unexpected personal problems or life commitment. MISMATCH !
- Different expectations from student and supervisor point of views.
 ROLES &
RESPONSIBILITIES
 SOME OF THE
ROLES ARE
NOT FOREVER !

At Some
Point, You
Have To
STEP-UP !
HOW TO ??
http://www.sun.ac.za/english/research-innovation/Research-Development/postgraduate-research-toolkit
Different institution have
their own admission
requirement.
Choose Your Title and Supervisor

- Choose the area/field that you wan to pursue.

- Find a supervisor with the same background of the area/field.
- Discuss the suitable title with your supervisor. He know better.

How to choose the right title?

- Ideas about area/field (very broad)
- Background research (get to know the research gap)
- Research question (try to find the hypothesis)
- In-depth research (literature review)
CAN I SUCCEED ??

Or not ??
 1. Be
proactive
7.
Personal 2. Positive
Life Relationship
Balance

7 Keys to
6. Ethics
Success 3. Academic
Community

5. Gantt 4. Program
Chart Requirement
On Being A Successful Postgraduate Student
– The University of British Columbia
7 Keys to Success
1. Be proactive – take responsibility of your own
postgraduate experience.

- Think about what you really want from your postgraduate time
and period.

- Continue the mental transition from being told to do, to

deciding what to do.

- Don’t wait for faculty members to come to find you – take

initiative to build relationships.
7 Keys to Success
2. Establish positive relationship with your supervisor and
member in your faculty.

- Schedule regular meetings with your supervisory committee.

- Have a clear purpose for each meeting and communicate the

agenda in advance to your supervisor.

- Follow-up on items discussed in meetings – keep your supervisor

informed of your progress and challenges encountered.

- Act as a ‘junior college’ – ask questions and advice.

7 Keys to Success
3. Embrace your academic community.

- Seek input and collaboration from faculty members and peers –

don’t isolate yourself.

- Attend seminars, lectures, workshops, within and beyond your

faculty.

- Attend and present at conferences.

- Begin thinking yourself as a member of your profession and

academic field.
7 Keys to Success
4. Know your program (MSc/PhD) requirement and timeline.

- Your program may require you to attend coursework.

- Proposal Defence
- Comprehensive Examination
- Progress report Presentation (quarterly)
- Publications
- Pre-viva
- Defend the thesis (Final Viva)
- Final Thesis Submission.
7 Keys to Success
5. Create and follow your Gannt Chart.
- Track your specific requirements regularly.

- Schedule meetings with your supervisor.

- Publish articles, patent/copyright and etc.

- Attend conferences

- Apply for fellowships.

- Attend professional development course.

7 Keys to Success
6. Bring a professional approach to your studies and
interactions.

- Key skill: organization, preparedness, collegiality (cooperative

relationship), budgeting.

- Attend a workshop organized by your Centre of Graduate Study

(CGS).

- Learn about research ethics and scholarly integrity.

Important !
 Research Ethics and Scholarly Integrity

- Give proper recognition to your contributor.

- Refrain from representing other people’s works (Plagiarism).

- Use scholarly and scientific methods in obtaining, recording and

analysing data and results.

- Confirm with Center of Graduate Study regarding the requirement

for working with human, animals, biohazards, radioisotope and
etc.
7 Keys to Success
7. Seek balance and support your personal life.

- Remember that you still have relatives and friends outside your
postgraduate faculty.

- Get enough sleeps, make time for physical exercise, eat well.

- Enjoy any and each of the celebrations ( Lebaran, birthday and

etc.)

- Remember, this will be among your most inspiring and satisfying

times in your life.
In the end, what to expect…
Supervisor Expectations…
- Students to be independent.
- Student to produce good written work.
- Student to seek advice and comments on their work from others.
- Have regular meetings with their students.
- Students must be honest when reporting their work.
- Students to be excited about their work.
- Students to be able to surprise them.
- Students to be fun to be with.
- Students to follow their guideline and advice and respect their
supervisor.
Personal attributes
• Active interest
• Support
• Give freedom to make mistakes
• Accessibility / contact
• Friendly and approachable
• Reliability
• Inspiration
• Communication
• Integrity
• Fairness
• Critical friend
The Postgraduate is a process…

I don’t see the only goal is to get the MSc or PhD, or training
in research, or making an original contribution in respected
field.
I value the journey of discovering, exploring and inhabiting
new spaces. If it hasn’t been a critically important journey
for you, then you haven’t got much more than a piece of
paper saying you have a MSc or PhD.

- Conti, et. al. in Mercer and Bartlett

Perception vs Expectation
In Conclusion…
Supervisor Expectation Towards Students Expectation Towards
Students Supervisors
Take Responsibility Be a Mentor and Guidance
Communicate Clearly Respect students' ability and
individual needs.
Respect their time Value Their Time
Follow ethical Research Practice Follow Ethical Research Practice
Be Honest About Mistakes Respect Boundaries
Maintain a Healthy and Scientifically Maintain a Healthy and Safe
Lab Environment Lab Environment
Thanks for Listening
GOOD LUCK AND
ALL THE BEST !!