Doctoral studies in computer science – PhD program
The doctoral education in Computer Science gives a fundamental understanding of specific areas of Computer Science, and a broad understanding of current research issues and practical applications. It provides in-depth insight into one or more disciplines, and trains students to obtain the required skills in research methodology. Computer Science is a very broad field. In it’s widest sense, it deals with the theory, experimentation, and engineering that form the basis for the design and use of computing machines, and includes:
- Complexity
- Database systems
- Computer networking
- Data structures and algorithms
- Computer security
- Distributed systems
- Software development
- Operating systems
- Programming languages
THREE RESEARCH PROFILES - DISCO, PRISEC, AND SQuaD
Our research education is aligned with the three research profiles established at the department: DISCO, PriSec, and SQuaD. The DISCO profile is focused on computer networking and distributed systems. The PriSec profile concerns privacy and computer security. The SQuaD profile is focused on software engineering.
Modern society is increasingly relying on digital services and the underlying information and communication infrastructure. The three research profiles address three different yet complementing aspects: DISCO the efficiency, PriSec the trustworthiness, and SQuaD the construction and maintenance of the underlying systems. Hence, the research profiles and the connected research education are well-defined, coherent, and relevant to society.
BASE FOR SCIENTIFIC LEARNING
Currently the Computer Science doctoral program has 18 doctoral students enrolled, of which 14 are male and 4 female. All master English language in reading and writing on high levels, and many of them are undergoing extracurricular instruction in Swedish, partially offered by the department. All doctoral students are placed in offices in the department’s building.
The research environment and the doctoral education are closely connected, through:
- Project-oriented research work
- Group meetings
- Computer Science colloquium
- Research-related doctoral seminar courses
Research projects: PhD students get involved in network-building projects and research projects. Research is mainly executed through collaborative research projects, where student dissertations are part of the project. Collaboration between supervisors and doctoral students in project-related dissertations is the normal mode of research.
Scientific and educational networks complement our environment with related research topics, content and access to academics. Participation in European Collaboration in Science & Technology (COST) actions broadens our environment at European level. Participation in the Swedish IT Security Network for doctoral students (SWITS) and the Norwegian Research School of Computer and Information Security (COINS) expose the students to different research cultures, different research group size and dynamics and broaden their horizon with insights into complementary research methods and tools that our partners use. This collaboration offers networking opportunities for the doctoral students, even with industry.
Students get offered international exchange opportunities through EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Training Networks such as Privacy&Us, and by participating in summer schools and winter schools organized or promoted by researchers at the Computer Science department. This international collaboration leads to external supervision. Several doctoral students get advised by external supervisors, from Sweden or from international institutions.