Overview

This exercise introduces methods and techniques of academic work and provides the fundamental basis for term papers, bachelor's theses, and master's theses in the geoinformatics degree program at the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS).

Starting with topic selection and initial idea sketches using mind maps, students learn how to research, store, and use suitable, topic-specific literature. The course covers techniques for reading and evaluating academic publications, as well as the written and oral presentation of scientific findings.

Alongside the course, students work in pairs to develop their own topic using the techniques they have learned. This topic is then presented in a written academic paper and orally as part of the course requirements.

This course is offered through the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS). In order to complete the lecture, students must register via PLUS Online: https://online.uni-salzburg.at/.

In addition, students must enroll in this course to access all course materials.

No special prerequisites or prior knowledge are required to attend this course. The language of instruction is English.

The curriculum and the structure of the course require mandatory attendance. One (1) absences per course of 90 minutes are permitted; otherwise, the course will be graded as 'Insufficient (5)'. However, all assignments must still be submitted regardless of attendance.

Late registration is possible until after the first course session. Students may withdraw from the course independently via PLUSonline up to one weeks after the start of the semester. After that, any absence or withdrawal will result in a grade of 'Insufficient (5)'.

In addition to the content-related components of the program, the technical tasks involved in implementing and utilizing existing knowledge are of essential importance. In this course, students learn how to correctly present both acquired and newly researched knowledge in an academic context.

This presentation is practiced in various formats such as manuscripts, posters, and oral presentations.

The aim of the course is to develop competent and correct handling of:

• Microsoft Office functionalities
  (e.g., creating a cover page, (cross-)referencing tables/figures/formulas, generating indexes such as table of contents, list of tables and figures, using formatting templates)

• Searching, utilizing, storing, and citing literature and information sources
  using a reference management program (EndNote)

• Analyzing and visualizing data and results
  in figures and tables using appropriate scientific formats and methods

• Presenting results
  (e.g., oral presentations, posters/PowerPoint, written reports)

Lecture: 856.212 25W 1SSt UE Scientific Methods and Writing
Time: 16:15 bis 17:45 Uhr
Location: Building 14, GI-Lab, EDV  (SC30OG1.108)

Dates: 7 out of 13 dates will be selected
Nr    Tag    Datum        Von      Bis        Hint
01    Mo    06.10.2025    16:00    18:00    
02    Mo    13.10.2025    16:00    18:00    
03    Mo    20.10.2025    16:00    18:00    
04    Mo    27.10.2025    16:00    18:00    
05    Mo    03.11.2025    16:00    18:00    
06    Mo    10.11.2025    16:00    18:00    
07    Mo    17.11.2025    16:00    18:00    
08    Mo    24.11.2025    16:00    18:00    
09    Mo    01.12.2025    16:00    18:00    
10    Mo    08.12.2025    16:00    18:00    Public Holiday (Blended Learning)
11    Mo    15.12.2025    16:00    18:00    
12    Mo    12.01.2026    16:00    18:00    
13    Mo    19.01.2026    16:00    18:00    
14    Mo    26.01.2026    16:00    18:00