Microdata Analysis
Microdata analysis is a multidisciplinary field of knowledge that deals with the collection, modelling, compilation and interpretation of large amounts of data, as well as underlying algorithms, methods and techniques. Microdata analysis encompasses several interacting sub-areas such as artificial intelligence, decision support systems, management of limited resources, data modelling, experimental design, focus groups, geographic information systems, visualisation, measurement techniques, optimisation, forecasting, simulation and statistical inference. The subject is normative and its aim is data-driven decisions and actions.
Learning Outcomes
- The first part of the programme comprises the collection of data and requires knowledge and understanding of various measurement techniques as well as the design of experiments.
- The second and third parts comprise data capture, data processing and data storage, and require knowledge and understanding of advanced database methods as well as comprehension of the importance of metadata.
- The fourth part is the analysis, often in the form of mathematical modelling of data that requires skills in statistical modelling, forecasting methods, simulation techniques, visualisation and data mining.
- The fifth part comprises decision-making and action that require an understanding of techniques such as benchmarking and counterfactual analysis as well as economic decision-making and the dissemination of information within organisations.
The Doctoral Programme in Microdata Analysis is for students who wish to acquire skills in all parts of the process as well as expertise in a specific area.
Admission
- In the spring semester, doctoral students are recruited who will commence their studies in the autumn semester. Positions are advertised under Vacant Positions on the university website.
- There may also be doctoral student positions in specific research projects that are open for application throughout the year. These positions are also advertised under Vacant Positions on the university website.
Application Form: Application for Admission to Doctoral Studies (pdf)
Employment
There is a clear time frame for how long a doctoral student can hold their post. A doctoral post is fixed-term and is regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5. The period of employment is four years full-time for studies leading to a Degree of Doctor and two years full-time for a Degree of Licentiate.
Here are some practical tips for doctoral students at Dalarna University:
Anställning som doktorand (Swedish webpage)
General Syllabus and Individual Study Plan (ISP)
The General Syllabus states the requirements, structure and examination of the doctoral programme. In addition, each doctoral student has their own ISP, which is approved by the Head of School no later than three months after the start date of the programme. The ISP includes a research plan for the thesis, planned supervision for the coming year, intended courses for the programme and the planned rate of study for the entire doctoral programme.
General Study Plan: Doctoral Studies in Microdata Analysis (for students admitted after 2019-03-07)
Curriculum for doctoral studies in Microdata Analysis (for students admitted before 2019-03-07)
Form: Individual Study Plan (pdf)
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Compulsory and Elective Courses
The Degree of Doctor has a course component comprising 60 credits, of which 30 credits are for compulsory courses. These are as follows:
- Data Collection and Data Quality, 5 credits
- Complexity and Operations Research Methods for PhD-students, 7.5 credits
- Statistical and Machine Learning, 10 credits
- Economics of Leadership for PhD-students, 7.5 credits
The Degree of Licentiate has a course component comprising 45 credits, of which 30 credits are for compulsory courses. These are as follows:
- Data Collection and Data Quality, 5 credits
- Complexity and Operations Research Methods for PhD-students, 7.5 credits
- Statistical and Machine Learning, 10 credits
- Economics of Leadership for PhD-students, 7.5 credits
Doctoral students who teach and do not have teaching qualifications are to take an undergraduate course in teaching (7.5 credits), which can be included in their programme.
Doctoral students apply for compulsory courses when they open for application. An application form is sent to all doctoral students when it is time to apply.
In addition to compulsory courses, doctoral students must take courses that are relevant for the subject of 30 credits for a Degree of Doctor or 15 credits for a Degree of Licentiate. The doctoral student selects their courses in consultation with the Principal Supervisor. A doctoral student can receive credit for courses they took at another higher education institution or for Bachelor’s (first cycle) or Master’s (second cycle) courses that they took at Dalarna University.
Form: Application for Credit Transfer for Courses at the Doctoral Level (pdf)
Licentiate Seminar and Public Defence
The doctoral programme ends with a licentiate seminar or a public defence. A Degree of Licentiate can also be a stage in studies towards a Degree of Doctor.
The licentiate thesis is worth 75 credits. Its design requires at least two scientific articles with a short summary that serves as an introduction to the thesis topic.
The doctoral thesis is worth 180 credits and should be a compilation thesis comprising scientific articles (at least four) and a comprehensive summary (sammanläggningsavhandling)). Normally, the doctoral thesis comprises four scientific articles that are discussed on an ongoing basis in the seminars. It is the scientific quality and the independent contribution of the doctoral student that are assessed, not the number of articles in the thesis.
Normally, the licentiate thesis and doctoral thesis are written in English.
Form: Application and Decision Regarding Licentiate Seminar (pdf)
Form: Application and Decision Regarding Public Defence of a Doctoral Thesis (pdf)
Support and Assistance for Doctoral Students
The doctoral programme comprises four years of full-time study for a Degree of Doctor and two years of full-time study for a Degree of Licentiate. During that time, students are busy working on projects and working with others as they pursue their studies. A handbook is available for Microdata Analysis doctoral students and supervisors. The School also has a a pamphlet with guidance for doctoral students and supervisors (Collaboration Guide PhD Student Supervisor) that can be used with supervision.
The Principal Supervisor and the Co-supervisor may change over the course of the programme. A doctoral student who would like to request a new supervisor needs to contact the Director of Doctoral Programme.
