The Faculty of Biosciences PHD Supervision Workshop
The Faculty of Biosciences Seminar Committee organised a PHD Supervision Workshop for Senior Members in the Faculty. The three (3) day workshop took place via Zoom on 13th to 15th February, 2024 commencing at 2:00 am each day. The Dean, Prof. John A. Larbi in his opening remarks expressed his enthusiasm that the two Faculties were prioritizing the quality of doctoral training students receive in the College of Science. He encouraged all Senior members to participate fully to have a fruitful session. The facilitators of the workshop were Prof. (Mrs.) Antonia Y. Tetteh, Former Dean, Faculty of Biosciences, Prof (Mrs.) Ibok Oduro, Former Provost, College of Science, Prof. Richard O. Phillips, Technical Director, Kumasi Centre of Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) and Prof. Eric K. Forkuo, Director, School of Graduate Studies.
Prof. (Mrs.) Antonia Y. Tetteh, former Dean of the Faculty of Biosciences presented on the theme: Academic leadership and the demand/need for doctoral degree. She briefed participants about the history of educational reforms and educational training agenda in Ghana. Prof. Tetteh revealed that there is a decline in quality of STEM research in sub-Saharan Africa’s STEM by 0.68%-32% below the global average. Prof. Tetteh was positive that frequent training of doctoral supervisors and also ensuring adequate ratios of doctoral students to doctorate staff will sustain the quality of doctoral training in KNUST
Prof. Richard Odame Phillips presented on the theme: “Supervising Doctoral Thesis Work”. He shared that supervisors need to have regular institutional review meetings with their students and also help students develop an alternative plan to avert any crisis. He mentioned that introducing students to critical thinking and writing retreats improve the writing skills of students. Supervisors should also develop the ability to deliver effective feedback.
Prof. (Mrs.) Ibok Oduro presented on the theme: “Managing the Supervisor-Student Relationship”. She revealed that managing the supervisor-student relationship effectively plays a critical role in the professional and personal development of students. She also emphasized the need for supervisors to take into consideration the diverse backgrounds, learning styles, expectations and aspirations of each student they supervise. Prof. (Mrs.) Ibok Oduro finally advised participants to provide constructive feedback which will serve as a roadmap for students to identify areas of improvement in their work.
Prof. Michael Poku-Boansi, Deputy Director, School of Graduate Studies presented on behalf of the Director, School of Graduate Studies on the theme: “Assessment of PhD Thesis at KNUST”. He revealed that a PhD student must pass comprehensive examination to become a PhD candidate. He advised that the residency goals of students can be achieved by participating in scholarly seminars, conferences and publication of scholarly dissemination. Prof. Michael Poku-Boansi also revealed that the school is currently implementing an Online Thesis Deposition and Management System to streamline the academic journey of graduate students in KNUST.
At the end of each presentation, members engaged in a question and answer session with facilitators. Bernard Fei-Baffoe, Vice-Dean, Faculty of Biosciences in his closing remarks commended the Faculty of Biosciences Seminar Committee for the organization and planning of a successful workshop. He urged Faculty members to take advantage of seminars to learn modern methods of doctoral training and also foster networking for potential collaborations.
