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Demonstrate knowledge of and/or develop an original contribution to subject area and research methods. Develop a critical understanding of relevant literature. Be familiar with publishing practices and professional development opportunities in your field.

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Jump to section:听Understanding Subject Knowledge听| Cultivating Subject Knowledge | Quick Guide to Expanding Your Subject Knowledge听|听Taking action | Resources | References

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Understanding Subject Knowledge听

Subject (also sometimes referred to as conceptual) Knowledge is the systematic understanding of the fundamental principles and the interrelation between different pieces of information regarding a topic.听^[]听On the other hand, Procedural Knowledge is 鈥渢he knowledge of the steps required to attain various goals.鈥澨�^[]听 In听other terms, subject knowledge is 鈥渨hat鈥� you know, whereas procedural knowledge is 鈥渉ow鈥� you apply that knowledge to accomplish a task. For example, understanding Darwin鈥檚 theory of evolution is an example of conceptual knowledge, whereas the knowledge of genome sequencing techniques in tracing the evolution of species is an example of a procedural knowledge.听听

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Why does it matter?

One of the main goals of education is to foster a learning experience by providing students with knowledge in a field of听interest, and听outlining strategies to further pursue and apply that knowledge, in order to thrive academically and professionally.听听

Demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of your field and field-related practices is one of the goals and outcomes of graduate programs, as outlined by the Quebec Association of Graduate Deans.听^[]听As a graduate student, you are taught the concepts and procedures behind conducting a study, which is the first step in developing your understanding of the approach to problem-solving in research.听^[]听Your conceptual understanding of a subject influences your choice of听problem solving听strategies.听^[]听Studies have shown that experts who have a solid understanding of a topic, use conceptual information to identify and implement effective听problem solving听strategies. In contrast, 鈥渘ovices鈥�, who have gaps in conceptual knowledge, fail to reach the same level of solutions.听^[]听听

Beyond school, Lifelong Learning has become essential for professional success in an ever-changing world of discoveries and emerging technologies.听^[]听Lifelong Learning refers to the diversity in education that is adapted to the individual and the context (e.g., school, home, workplace) throughout life.听^[]听In addition to leading a more fulfilling life, continuous learning allows you to adapt to the fast-growing knowledge-based economy and to secure better career opportunities and advancement.听^[]听In fact, most employers offer professional development opportunities so that employees can expand their knowledge and skills in areas influencing the growth of the organization.听^[]

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Cultivating Subject Knowledge听

While higher education courses provide students with the essential concepts听in a given听field, it is crucial to continuously build on this foundation by learning about new discoveries and research methods through periodic reviews of the literature.听听

Additionally, experiential learning (i.e., learning through doing) during studies has been shown to contribute greatly to the knowledge and practice in a subject area.听^[]听For instance, writing and submitting research articles will teach you how to review the literature and how to navigate the publishing process. McGill offers many experiential learning opportunities through different courses, internship opportunities, clubs and extracurricular activities, independent projects (e.g., Sustainability Projects, with听available funding!), and exchange programs to study abroad (check out the McGill Experiential Learning Network听website听for more information).听听

Additionally, professional development opportunities such as content-specific workshops (e.g., Bioinformatics), research seminars, and keynote lectures offer a complementary strategy to shape your knowledge in topics and practices within and beyond your field.听

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Quick Guide to听Expanding Your Subject Knowledge听

1. Identify current concepts, theories and approaches and follow the latest developments in your field听^[]听

2. Take initiatives to learn more, inside and outside the scope of your field听^[]听

3. Critically reflect on both the object and purpose of knowledge听^[]听

4. Keep an open mind and engage with a wide range of ideas and perspectives, especially ones that challenge your own听

5. Identify tools to organize and represent information as a strategy to effectively learn and apply new concepts (e.g.,听)听听

6. Adopt Active Learning strategies; For suggestions, consult the听resources and strategies听provided by OSD听听

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Taking Action

Professional Development & Training听

• McGill听myResearch听Graduate Seminar Series: A series of workshops providing information on specific study subject, research strategies and tools.听
• Check听听for upcoming workshops and programs by searching for events tagged with this category: Subject knowledge听
• Consult your department webpage for upcoming seminars and professional development opportunities听
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Gaining Experience听

• Participate in or organize a Journal Club.听听
• Participate in one of the McGill听EL initiatives or programs.听

Resources

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References