Available courses

Essential Statistics for Research: A Practical Approach to Data Analysis

 Dr. Fam Pei Shan (School of Mathematical Sciences)
 28 November 2024 (Thursday)
 9.00am-12.00pm

This workshop is designed to introduce postgraduate students to key statistical concepts using Minitab, a user-friendly statistical software. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises to perform basic data analysis tasks, including descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and correlation analysis. The workshop aims to equip students with practical skills to apply statistical techniques effectively in their research, enabling them to make informed, data-driven decisions and accurately interpret their results.

How to Choose the Right Journal for Publication

 Madam Cik Ramlah binti Che Jaafar (Hamzah Sendut Library)
 30 April 2024 (Tuesday)
 9.30 AM - 11.30 AM

Workshop details:

Topic wil cover how to identify:

  • Journals according to subject
  • Journals in indexed platform (Scopus, Web of Science, MyCite & ERA)
  • Journals quartile, impact factor and cite score
  • Discontinued journals in Scopus
  • Supressed titles in Web of Science

Preparing and Writing Research Proposal

 Associate Professor Dr. Siti Rohaida Binti Mohamed Zainal (School of Management)
 25 April 2024 (Thursday)
 9.00 AM - 12.00 PM

Workshop details:

For students seeking research-based degrees, putting together and writing a research proposal is an essential first step. A research proposal describes the planned study, its purpose, its approach, and its anticipated results. It acts as a guide for conducting research and is frequently necessary to obtain financing or approval from educational institutions. A precise research question or hypothesis, a literature review that places the study in perspective, a methodology section outlining the research design and data collection techniques, and a completion schedule are all essential elements.


Writing Good Publishable Manuscripts: From an Editor Perspective

 Professor. Dr. Lee Keat Teong (School of Chemical Engineering)
 23 April 2024 (Tuesday)
 9.00 AM - 12.00 PM

Workshop details:

During my talk, I will share with you my experience on publication in reputable international peer reviewed journals as an author for more than the last 20 years and also as an Editor to a WoS Q1 journal for the last 10 years. Hopefully, I will be able to give you pointers that can help you in your academic publication endeavors.   

Writing a relevant Introduction in an experimental-based manuscript for scientific publication

 Profesor Dr. Chong Shu Chien @ Alexander (School of Biological Sciences)
 30 May 2024  (Thursday)
 3.00 pm - 4.30 pm

Most students understandably sweat over writing the Results or Discussion of a scientific manuscript as these sections encompass the presentation and critical assessment of their research findings. However, the importance of the Introduction section is often overlooked. This talk provides some ideas on how to write an attractive, relevant, and meaningful Introduction, which sets the tone for the rest of the manuscript. This flow will deliberate on incorporating the features of novelty, research question, objectives, and hypothesis into the manuscript.

Crafting Research Framework – Variables and Hypothesis

 Associate Professor Dr. Siti Rohaida Binti Mohamed Zainal (School of Management)
 29 May 2024 (Wednesday)
 9.00 am – 12.00 pm

This course provides a comprehensive overview of crafting research frameworks, focusing specifically on defining variables and formulating hypotheses. Students will learn how to identify and define variables, including independent, dependent, and control variables, as well as how to operationalize them effectively. Through practical examples and exercises, they will gain proficiency in articulating research questions and hypotheses that are clear, testable, and aligned with theoretical frameworks. Additionally, the course delves into the significance of hypothesis formulation in guiding research inquiries and designing empirical studies. Students will explore different types of hypotheses, including null, alternative, directional, and non-directional hypotheses, and learn strategies for testing them rigorously.


Plagiarism in PhD thesis: What You need to Know

 Dr. Khairul Anuar Che Azmi (Legal Office, USM)
 24 May 2024  (Friday)
 10.00 am - 12.00 pm

When it comes to PhD research theses, there are considerable grey areas, that require academic judgement. This session is intended to provide guidelines for PhD students on the importance of - your thesis must be your own work, not that of your supervisor, another student or author of any book, journal article, report or website. Plagiarism is officially stealing others hard work without giving any credit to them. It is considered as serious offence in PhD and if anyone is found to have plagiarised the thesis more than tolerable level fixed by the University, the PhD thesis is nulled.

How to prepare for Focus Group Discussion and Survey

 Dr. Siti Rahyla binti Rahmat (School of Social Sciences)
 10 May 2024  (Friday)
 9.30 am - 12.00 pm

Students will be exposed to the do's and don'ts of conducting Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Surveys, both online and face-to-face. Tips and techniques for invitations and data collection will also be shared in this training. Additionally, the training will cover how to design and conduct focus group discussions with themes.


Viva: Do's and Don'ts

 Professor. Dr. Ahmad Zuhairi bin Abdullah (School of Chemical Engineering)
 9 May 2024 (Thursday)
 2.30pm - 4.30pm

This talk is essential for students facing their thesis defense. This talk provides crucial guidance, emphasizing the importance of preparation, building confidence, and effective communication. It addresses common pitfalls, helps students understand examiner expectations, and offers tips on managing post-viva outcomes. By reducing anxiety, promoting comprehensive preparation, and enhancing professional development, the talk equips students to navigate the viva voce examination successfully and transition to the next phase of their academic or professional journey.

Image Formatting and Copyright Permission: A Beginner's Guide to Research Publication

 Profesor Dr. Lim Jit Kang (Write Facilitator's School/Centre)
 26 June 2024 (Wednesday)
 9.00am-12.00pm

Requirement: Pre-installed MS PowerPoint, MS Word, and Paint.net (https://www.getpaint.net/)

In this workshop, we will cover several key aspects related to the effective integration of graphs and images within a research manuscript. The session will begin with a brief overview of the ideal structure for incorporating graphical elements into your work, emphasizing its benefits from an editorial perspective. Following this, we will provide step-by-step guidance on preparing both Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint for the inclusion of high-resolution images while ensuring the preservation of their DPI (dots per inch) during the transfer process between software platforms. Microsoft PowerPoint will serve as our primary platform for demonstrating simple yet effective techniques for seamlessly integrating images, particularly for graphical abstract design. Furthermore, we will delve into the standard procedure for obtaining copyright permissions via RightsLink to legally reuse published images in your research manuscript. In the final segment of the workshop, we will introduce participants to the powerful freeware tool, Paint.NET, which is invaluable for image editing purposes. Through a hands-on tutorial, we will explore image overlay techniques and the process of creating time-lapsed images, providing attendees with practical skills to enhance their graphical content.

Preparing & What to Expect for your Viva (Preparing for Future Academic Careers)

 Profesor Dr. Andrew Tan Khee Guan (School of Social Sciences)
 20 June 2024 (Thursday)
 9.00 am - 11.00 am

This lecture discusses how should a candidate facing a viva-voce should prepare for it and what is to be expected during the actual viva-voce. Common mistakes committed during a viva-voce are also highlighted.

Mind Your Writing: I’m Your Thesis Examiner.

 Prof. Madya Dr. Badrul Hisham b. Yahaya (Advanced Medical and Dental Institute)
 27 June 2024 (Thursday)
 9.00 am-12.00 pm

This seminar introduces postgraduate students to the process of writing a thesis that meets the criteria expected by examiners. Dr. Badrul Hisham will offer a fresh perspective on thesis writing, covering everything from mindset preparation and negotiating with supervisors to fulfilling both supervisors' and institutional expectations. He will also explain what examiners look for in a thesis, helping students to write in a way that meets these standards.

Since Dr. Badrul Hisham is both a supervisor and an examiner of postgraduate theses, he will provide valuable insights from both perspectives. This dual perspective will help students understand the thesis writing process more thoroughly, reflecting examiners’ expectations during the evaluation.

This seminar series is a valuable guide not only for new postgraduate students but also for experienced students who wish to learn the essential components of writing a good thesis and gain a deeper understanding of what examiners consider important.

Crafting the 'Discussion’ of an experimental-based manuscript for scientific publication

 Profesor Dr. Chong Shu Chien @ Alexander (School of Biological Sciences)
 12 June 2024 (Wednesday)
 2.30pm-4.00pm

This talk will engage participants in communicating their research data through the Discussion section for peer-reviewed scientific journals.  Besides merely citing works elsewhere to support one’s findings, there is room to debate and discuss contradictory results.  The talk will also highlight the importance of providing answers or solutions to the original research questions as a proper closure.  

Maximizing the benefits of postgraduate studies for career goals

 Professor. Dr. Ahmad Zuhairi bin Abdullah (School of Chemical Engineering)
 11 June 2024 (Tuesday)
 2.15pm - 4.15pm

This talk focuses on aligning academic pursuits with professional aspirations. It addresses the need for career mapping, skill development, networking, strategic planning, and continuous professional growth. Strategies covered include internships, industry engagement, professional development initiatives, effective communication, and mentorship. This discussion aims to empower students to leverage their postgraduate studies for successful career transitions.

Research Design : Questionnaires Development

 Associate Professor Dr. Siti Rohaida Binti Mohamed Zainal (School of Management)
 6 June 2024 (Thursday)
 9.00 am - 12.00 pm

Effective questionnaire development is a cornerstone of impactful market research. A well-designed questionnaire gathers precise, relevant data, providing actionable insights into consumer behavior and preferences. This process involves crafting clear, concise questions that align with research objectives and avoid bias. Utilizing a mix of question types, such as multiple-choice, Likert scales, and open-ended questions, ensures comprehensive data collection. In summary, a meticulously developed questionnaire not only enhances data reliability but also drives constructive discussion.

Pro-Innovation Mindset

 Profesor Dato’ Dr Azhar Mat Easa (School of Industrial Technology)
 24 July 2024 (Wednesday)
 10.00 am - 11.30 am

This seminar is designed specifically for postgraduate students who want to cultivate a pro-innovation mindset and unlock their creative potential. Through an exploration of out-of-the-box thinking, willpower, System 1 vs. System 2 thinking, and thought processes, participants will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to drive innovation in their academic and professional pursuits.

AI using AI

 Profesor Dato’ Dr Azhar Mat Easa (School of Industrial Technology)
 18 July 2024 (Thursday)
 10.00 am - 11.00 pm

Assisting Intelligence using Artificial Intelligence. The speaker will share how popular AI tools are used in research, teaching, and daily work to drive pro-innovation.

Experimental Research Method in Social Sciences

 Associate Professor Dr. Ch’ng Kean Sian
 17 July 2024 (Wednesday)
 10.00 am - 12.00 pm

The workshop intends to introduce the experimental research method to the students from Social Sciences.

Developing Interview Guides: Interview Protocol and Questions

 Associate Professor Dr. Siti Rohaida Binti Mohamed Zainal (School of Management)
 31 July 2024 (Wednesday)
 9.00 am - 12.00 pm

Developing effective interview guides is essential for capturing valuable insights in qualitative research. The interview protocol ensures a consistent and ethical approach, outlining the interview's purpose, procedures, and confidentiality measures. By crafting clear, open-ended questions aligned with research objectives, marketers can elicit detailed and nuanced responses from participants. This flexibility allows for in-depth exploration of emerging themes, providing rich data that can drive strategic decisions. A well-designed interview guide not only enhances data quality but also deepens understanding of consumer behaviors and preferences, making it a vital tool for successful market research.

Developing EQ Skills

 Associate Professor Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff (School of Medical Sciences)
 28 August 2024 (Wednesday)
 9.30a.m - 12.30p.m

EQ is the individual ability to perceive, express, understand, motivate, control & regulate his or her own emotions and social relations, and think and act constructively to adapt himself or herself to the environment. This interactive and hands-on online session will guide participants to explore EQ dimensions by self-assessing their EQ level. Subsequently, they will reflect on potential strategies to develop their EQ skills based on self-assessment and evidence.

Writing for Scholarly Publication

 Professor Dr. Hajar Abdul Rahim (School of Humanities)
 23 August 2024 (Friday)
 9.00a.m - 12.00p.m 

 Successful journal publication is integral to academic life as it not only disseminates original research findings but also enhances authors’ credibility and contributes to their academic field. The process involves several critical steps and procedures that researchers should be aware of when publishing their work. This seminar on writing for scholarly publication aims to help researchers understand the what, why, and how of publishing their research in reputable journals. Additionally, the seminar will include a Q&A session, providing participants with the opportunity to share their publication concerns and gain valuable information on publication matters.

Maximizing Your Potential During Your Postgraduate Experience

 Professor Ir. Dr. Taksiah A Majid (School of Civil Engineering) 
 22 August 2024 (Thursday)
  10.00a.m - 11.00a.m 

The topic aims to guide postgraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the sole APEX university in Malaysia, towards realizing their full potential and contributing significantly to the institution's mission and vision. The key areas addressed include: Postgraduate at USM, Postgraduate Contribution to USM's Mission and Vision, The Perspective of Your Supervisor, Scenario as a Postgraduate, Attributes of a Good Postgraduate and Preparing Postgraduates for VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world and preparing postgraduate students to thrive in such an environment. Through addressing these topics, the presentation seeks to inspire and equip postgraduate students to maximize their academic and professional potential during their

Insights, Interpretations and Discussions

 Professor Dr. Hasliza Abdul Halim (School of Management)
  21 August 2024 (Wednesday)
  10.00a.m - 12.00p.m

This topic explores into the discussion of the research, presenting critical insights drawn from the findings. It interprets these results in the context of the study's objectives and theoretical framework, offering a deeper understanding of their implications. The discussions extend these interpretations by connecting them to existing literature, highlighting the significance of the findings, addressing potential limitations, and suggesting avenues for future research.

Writing Good Publishable Manuscripts: From an Editor Perspective

 Professor Dr. Lee Keat Teong (School of Chemical Engineering)
 14 August 2024 (Wednesday)
 9.00a.m - 12.00p.m

During my talk, I will share with you my experience on publication in reputable international peer reviewed journals as an author for more than the last 20 years and also as an Editor to a WoS Q1 journal for the last 10 years. Hopefully, I will be able to give you pointers that can help you in your academic publication endeavors. 

Plagiarism in PhD thesis: What You need to Know

 Dr. Khairul Anuar Che Azmi (Legal Office, USM)
 19 September 2024 (Thursday)
 10.00am-12.30pm

When it comes to PhD research theses, there are considerable grey areas, that require academic judgement. This session is intended to provide guidelines for PhD students on the importance of - your thesis must be your own work, not that of your supervisor, another student or author of any book, journal article, report or website. Plagiarism is officially stealing others hard work without giving any credit to them. It is considered as serious offence in PhD and if anyone is found to have plagiarised the thesis more than tolerable level fixed by the University, the PhD thesis is nulled.

Writing an excellent and practical discussion for successful publication: A step-by-step guide

 Associate Professor Dr. Sasidharan A/L Sreenivasan (Institute for Research In Molecular Medicine)
 12 September 2024 (Thursday)
 9.30am-12.30pm

Master the art of crafting a compelling discussion for publication with our step-by-step guide. Learn how to interpret results, connect findings to existing research, and highlight implications effectively. This practical approach ensures your discussion is engaging and valuable, enhancing your chances of successful publication.

Are you O.K? Managing time, emotion and stress during postgraduate study

 Dr. Siti Rahyla binti Rahmat (School of Social Sciences)
 10 September 2024 (Tuesday)
 9.30 am-12.00 pm

In this talk series, participants will be given some scenarios to evaluate themselves if they are OK or vice versa. Participant will learn grounding techniques, the importance of connect with nature and deep breathing exercises for stress relief. Participants will also learn mindfulness technique such as how to do journaling and reflections every day. Participant will also learn how to plan their research journey within time and budget limitation.


How to choose the right journal for publication

 Madam Cik Ramlah Che Jaafar (Hamzah Sendut Library)
 5 September 2024 (Thursday)
 9.00am-12.00pm

Workshop details:
Topic wil cover how to identify:
•    Journals according to subject
•    Journals in indexed platform (Scopus, Web of Science, MyCite & ERA)
•    Journals quartile, impact factor and cite score
•    Discontinued journals in Scopus
•    Supressed titles in Web of Science

Foundations of Biostatistics: Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Statistical Analysis

 Associate Professor Dr. Sasidharan A/L Sreenivasan (Institute for Research In Molecular Medicine)
 8 October 2024 (Tuesday)
 9.30am-12.30pm

Join us for a insightful workshop on the fundamental principles of biostatistics that every postgraduate student should know before diving into statistical tests. This talk will focus on common mistakes students make, particularly in selecting the correct tests and understanding key concepts like the difference between standard deviation (SD) and standard error of the mean (SEM). Instead of just learning how to run statistical tests, this workshop will emphasize the foundational knowledge required to make informed choices in data analysis. By clarifying these essential principles, attendees will be better prepared to approach their research with confidence and precision. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your biostatistical understanding and enhance your analytical skills!


Crafting a Strong Research Proposal

 Associate Professor Dr. Siti Rohaida Binti Mohamed Zainal (School of Management)
 16 October 2024 (Wednesday)
 9.00am-12.00pm

A strong research proposal is essential for securing approval and support for your research work. It serves as a roadmap, outlining your research question, objectives, methodology, and the significance of your study. To craft a compelling proposal, start with a clear and concise introduction that highlights the research problem and its relevance.

Writing a relevant Introduction in an experimental-based manuscript for scientific publication

 Profesor Dr. Chong Shu Chien @ Alexander (School of Biological Sciences)
 22 October 2024 (Tuesday)
 2.30pm-4.30pm

Most students understandably sweat over writing the Results or Discussion of a scientific manuscript as these sections encompass the presentation and critical assessment of their research findings. However, the importance of the Introduction section is often overlooked. This talk provides some ideas on how to write an attractive, relevant, and meaningful Introduction, which sets the tone for the rest of the manuscript. This flow will deliberate on incorporating the features of novelty, research question, objectives, and hypothesis into the manuscript.

Principles of Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Research Designs

 Dr. Mansour Amini (School of Languages, Literacies and Translation)
 17 October 2024 (Thursday)
 9.00am-12.00pm

This workshop provides an in-depth exploration of the three main research designs: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the principles underlying each approach, including when and how to use them effectively in research. The session will cover the philosophical foundations, methodological considerations, and practical applications, helping researchers choose the most appropriate design for their studies.

Publishing in Academic Journals: A Perspective from the Arts

 Profesor Dr. Andrew Tan Khee Guan (School of Social Sciences)
 15 October 2024 (Tuesday)
 10.00am-12.00pm

This lecture discusses the reasons for publishing in academic journals and the structure of an academic manuscript from the Arts and Social Science perspective. The various steps involved in publishing, choosing a journal, writing the cover letter, and revising a submitted paper are discussed.

How to avoid predatory/blacklisted journal: 

https://lib.usm.my/index.php/academicians-researchers/scholarly-publishing-guide?view=article&id=293&catid=35

How to Prepare for Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Survey.

 Dr. Rahyla binti Rahmat (School of Social Sciences)
 24 October 2024 (Thursday)
 9.00am-12.00pm

Students will be exposed to the do's and don'ts of conducting Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Surveys, both online and face-to-face. Tips and techniques for invitations and data collection will also be shared in this training. Additionally, the training will cover how to design and conduct focus group discussions with themes.

Thesis writing and examiner's expectations

 Associate Profesor Dr. Badrul Hisham b. Yahaya(Advanced Medical and Dental Institute)
 21 November 2024 (Thursday)
 9.00am-12.00pm

Are you a postgraduate student navigating the thesis writing process? In my talk, I'll explore key insights from my experience as an academic examiner, offering practical advice to help you transform your thesis into a compelling piece of academic work. Building on the core themes of my work, Thesis Writing and Examiners' Expectations, this discussion is tailored for both new and experienced postgraduate students. I’ll highlight the essential components of a well-structured thesis and provide a deep dive into what examiners look for, ensuring you're prepared to meet and exceed their expectations. From selecting the right topic to crafting research questions, conducting literature reviews, presenting strong arguments, and drawing meaningful conclusions, this session will equip you with the tools needed to produce a thesis that stands out. Join me to gain valuable insights into the mind of an examiner and unlock the strategies to master your thesis journey with confidence!

Sampling, Data Collection, & Analysis in Quantitative Research

 Associate Professor Dr. Siti Rohaida Binti Mohamed Zainal (School of Management)
 14 November 2024 (Thursday)
 9.00am - 12.00pm

Sampling, data collection, and analysis are core components of quantitative research that ensure the reliability and validity of findings. Sampling involves selecting a representative subset from the target population, using techniques such as probability (random) or non-probability sampling. Data collection typically employs methods like surveys, structured observations, or experiments to gather numerical data systematically. Analysis involves applying statistical techniques—ranging from descriptive statistics (e.g., mean, standard deviation) to inferential statistics (e.g., regression, hypothesis testing)—to interpret the data and draw conclusions about the broader population. These steps collectively contribute to making data-driven and generalizable inferences in quantitative studies

Writing an Impactful Research Proposal: A Step-by-Step Guide [Part 1]

 Dr. Mansour Amini (School of Languages, Literacies and Translation)
 6 November 2024 (Wednesday)
 9.00am-12.00pm

This comprehensive workshop series guides participants through the essential stages of crafting a strong research proposal in three Parts. In Part 1, participants will learn how to write a compelling introduction that clearly defines the background, research problem, research questions and objectives, hypotheses, significance of the study, and operational definitions.

Navigating the Publication Journey: From Writing to Publish

 Profesor Dr. Lim Jit Kang (School of Chemical Engineering)
 5 November 2024 (Tuesday)
 9.30 am - 11.30 am

In this talk, I will discuss various philosophical perspectives on publication and explain why it is essential for graduate students to publish their work. I will then introduce a paper-writing strategy proposed by Whitesides [1], which is integral to the research process. Additionally, I will cover practical aspects of publication, focusing on key tasks such as (1) crafting an engaging research paper title, (2) constructing an effective abstract, (3) creating a representative graphical abstract, (4) common mistakes to avoid in figure preparation, and (5) writing a compelling cover letter. Lastly, I will provide an overview of the publication process and highlight common pitfalls to avoid during paper submission.